The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance — International IDEA is an intergovernmental organization that supports sustainable democracy worldwide. Its objective is to strengthen democratic institutions and processes. International IDEA acts as a catalyst for democracy building by providing knowledge resources, policy proposals and supporting democratic reforms in response to specific national requests. It works together with policy makers, governments, UN organizations and agencies and regional organizations engaged in the field of democracy building.

International IDEA’s notable areas of expertise are: electoral processes, political parties, constitution-building processes, democracy and gender and democracy assessments. International IDEA works worldwide. It is based in Stockholm, Sweden, and has offices in Brussels, The Hague, New York, Latin America, Africa and Asia/Pacific.

SENIOR PROGRAMME MANAGER

International IDEA’s Political Parties, Representation and Participation Programme (PPRP) strives to be a leading force in the world of political party assistance. Since its establishment over 10 years ago, it has gathered comparative knowledge on issues pertaining to the development and strengthening of political parties in young democracies. It has published much-acclaimed handbooks on such pertinent issues as democratic dialogue and political party finance while at the same time directly cooperating with political institutions to strengthen their capacity and performance. In previous years, it has been among the drivers of a global network that aims to make political party assistance worldwide more effective. In line with International IDEA’s new Institutional Strategy for 2012-2017, it is now strengthening its focus on developing practical tools and guides, still based on international comparative best-practices but increasingly meant for direct on-the-ground cooperation with political parties, so as to create the political will for democratic reform. International IDEA is currently looking for a Senior Programme Manager to head its PPRP team in Stockholm.

The post is for a 3 year period, with the incumbent required to plan, design and manage the programme of work and implementation of the Political Parties, Representation and Participation Programme (PPRP). The Senior Programme Manager will lead a team of four, whose goal will be to engage in the development of comparative knowledge, policy advocacy, technical cooperation and interparty dialogue to support political will for democratic reform. In doing so, she/he will work closely with International IDEA’s country, sub-regional and regional offices, who are IDEA’s main intermediaries with political actors on the ground.

The Institute’s new strategy for 2012-2017 aims to expand the institute’s focus on political parties. The Senior Programme Manager will develop new cutting edge political party projects that allow IDEA to continue as a leading authority in the fields of political parties and parliament. She/he will do so by further developing its professional networks and by expanding the team’s focus on direct cooperation with political stakeholders.

The functions of this post require a minimum of 10 years’ relevant professional experience related to political party support, in various positions (managerial, analytical, field work) ideally within international organizations. The post holder also requires a minimum of seven years management experience including motivating and leading teams and solving problems. Relevant practical experience in a political party or parliamentary working environment is essential.

How to apply

International IDEA is an equal opportunity employer which seeks to further diversify its staff members in terms of gender, culture and nationality.

Closing date 28th July 2012

Applications are accepted via the International IDEA webpage www.idea.int
For further information please contact Elizabeth Adu-Lowson e.adu-lowson@idea.int