Senior Electoral Planning and Coordination Expert

Within the delegated authority, the Expert will be responsible for the following duties:

• Advise and assist the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) in planning and coordinating the field electoral offices, including the deployment and management of the establishment and functioning of the electoral advisers team as well as overall field operation plans.

• Support in developing UNAMI concept notes and project plans for providing electoral assistance and support to the upcoming governorate council election and the Kurdistan region of Iraq Parliament election. 

• Advise and assist in reviewing and developing the UNAMI plans for deployment of experts.

• Advice in establishing and implementing systems for the coordination of support to the recruitment, onboarding, and deployment of UN electoral staff recruited by the electoral project/s on behalf of UNAMI.

• Review and advise the UNAMI and Principal Electoral Adviser in enhancing structures and systems for managing ongoing electoral assistance project implemented by UN agency partners on behalf of UNAMI.  

• Provide guidance to existing UNAMI personnel handling the planning and support functions. 

• Advice in setting up coordination systems, including regular mechanisms for project meetings and project progress review. 

• Provide advice in developing templates for planning, implementation and coordination of electoral support activities. 

• Review and recommend areas for further improving the planning and coordination system of UNAMI and IHEC;  

• Provide regular inputs to UNAMI reporting structures as required, ensuring inputs are submitted in an efficient and timely manner.

Education: 

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Political Science, International Relations, Law, Public Administration, Project management and Planning, Logistics or a related field. 

• A first level university degree with additional 2 years of relevant experience will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Work Experience:

•  A minimum of 7 years progressively responsible experience at the international level on planning and coordination.

• Within the 7 years,  5 years experience in elections at the international level is desired.

•  Previous experience with a multilateral or international organization is helpful but not mandatory; 

• Previous working experience in Iraq is a strong advantage; 

• Strong technical knowledge of the field of planning, project management,  and election support is desired.

•  Experience in handling web-based management systems is desired.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in spoken and written English required.

• Knowledge of Arabic or Kurdish language is an advantage