Programme Officer- Gabon

Context

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance – International IDEA – is an Inter-Governmental Organization that supports sustainable democracy worldwide. Its objective is to strengthen democratic institutions and processes. The Institute acts as a catalyst for democracy building by providing global comparative knowledge resources and tools, policy proposals and supporting democratic reforms in response to specific national requests, specifically in electoral processes, constitution building processes, political participation and representation, democracy and climate change, and democracy and digitalization

International IDEA is planning to manage a programme on Support to a participatory, inclusive and human rights-based return to a sustainable constitutional order and institutional reform processes to prevent electoral violence in Gabon (DEMGAB). The programme aims to achieve these objectives through strengthening capacities of Gabonese institutions and actors, including political parties and civil society organizations (CSOs).

The Programme Officer will contribute to the design and implementation of the Gabon programme, analyses political developments in Gabon and will contribute to monitoring, reporting and evaluation of the programme, as well as the communications and visibility plan

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Contributes to the design, planning and implementation of political partiers and CSOs related activities for the Gabon programme;
2. Supports the facilitation of capacity building sessions to enhance the capacity of civil society and other stakeholders to engage in constitutional and institutional reforms;
3. Contributes to the establishment of multi-stakeholder constitution building and institutional reforms dialogue platforms through the facilitation of workshops and dialogue sessions;
4. Develops knowledge products relating to Gabon’s transition, and supports the contextualizing and updating of existing International IDEA publications;
5. Assesses and analyzes political developments in Gabon and makes recommendations for the update and revision of the programme activities and initiatives;
6. Serves as a focal person for the coordination of political party and CSOs activities between International IDEA and the implementing partners, ensuring effective coordination of the programme;
7. Develops and maintains of a network of key actors and stakeholders in Gabon, and manages memorandums of understanding;
8. Ensures political party and CSOs activities are implemented in accordance with the workplan; Modifies the workplan as necessary throughout programme implementation;
9. Contributes to monitoring, reporting, and evaluation of the programme ensuring timely communication to the donor and to International IDEA Headquarters;
10. Under the guidance of the Programme Manager, maintains regular communication with the donor delegation, and provides timely progress reports on programme activities;
11. Contributes to the implementation of the communications and visibility plan; Ensures recognition for the programme goals, key messages and the financial support provided by the donor is covered at workshops, and in official publications and media outreach; Contributes to outcome harvesting and storytelling to communicate the achievements and impact of the programme.

General Profile

• Requires in-depth knowledge, excellent skills and relevant experience in their field;
• Will contribute significantly to assigned projects all along the project life cycle, i.e. from project design and funding to project assessment; will lead meetings and discussions, supervise publications and review input from external providers;
• Has contributed to publications on the relevant subject; is recognized as a knowledge resource in his/her broad professional community;
• Can work with minimal guidance and supervision;
• Adds value to team-based activities in his/her unit; collaborates with other entities of the Institute;
• Acts as a model or mentor for less experienced colleagues;
• Can be expected to travel globally to any geographical area involved in his/her projects;
• Follows internal procedures to ensure high standards of performance and compliance with Institutional guidelines;
• Acts in accordance with International IDEA’s core values; Respect, Integrity and Professionalism;
• Integrates a gender and diversity perspective in all activities.

Reporting line

• Programme Manager

Education and Experience

• University degree in in political science, international law, international development, peace and development studies or related subject;
• A minimum five (5) years relevant experience working in the field of democracy and governance in Gabon and/or Africa;
• Experience in the field of constitution-building, peacebuilding, or democratic transition processes is required;
• Experience in support to deconcentrated, decentralized institutions will be considered an advantage;
• Experience with EU funded projects will be considered an asset;
• Fluency in written and oral French and English is required. Any other widely spoken language in an International IDEA priority region would be an asset.

Terms of Contract:

• This post is advertised subject to the confirmation of funding.
• Local Post.
• Fixed term appointment for one (1) year.

Please note as this is a local post, International IDEA will bear no costs relating to the relocation of the selected candidate to the duty station. This position is open to those legally authorized to live and work in Gabon for the duration of the contract. International IDEA is not able to support work permit applications. 

Applying for this position:

• Applications should be submitted online no later than 23:59 (CEST) 29 September 2024. 
• Please note that all applications must be made in English.

Selection Process:

• Evaluation of qualified candidates will include a written test assessment and up to two (2) interviews.
• Candidates selected to proceed to the next stage of the process will be contacted once all applications have been carefully reviewed.
• All candidates will be notified of the status of their application via email once the process has been finalized.

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