Programme Officer - The Hague

Context

The Republic of South Sudan became the world’s newest State on 9 July 2011 when it gained independence from the Republic of Sudan after a protracted conflict and subsequent peace process, culminating in an independence referendum in January 2011. However, its short history has been mired in violent conflict which has displaced around four million people both internally and externally1 and killed hundreds of thousands – with civilians, women and children taking the heavy brunt of the conflict.

International IDEA will increase its level of support to Constitution Building Processes in Africa, with a focus on South Sudan. Given that federalism is central to ongoing debates and recently almost derailed efforts to incorporate the peace agreement in the constitution – threatening the entire peace process, and that differences over federalism will continue to pose significant challenges particularly in the expected final constitutional making process at the end of the pre-transition period, agreement on an acceptable federal arrangement is a precondition for the success of the peace process and reduction of the chances of relapse to conflict. The aim of this project is therefore to contribute to the resolution of the conflict by supporting progress toward such an agreement among essential stakeholders through increasing knowledge, facilitating dialogue, and supporting outreach.

Projects such as these require a team with substantive knowledge and competencies to operate in complex, high-risk environments to assist in the development of new projects and support their ongoing implementation. The Programme Officer will support the project by drafting papers presenting and explaining comparative options, and knowledgeably discuss these papers to assist the South Sudanese counterparts in developing position papers. The Programme Officer will also act as a focal point to support the operational aspects of the project.

The projects are designed, managed and implemented through collaboration between International IDEA’s regional office in Africa and West Asia (AWA), based in Addis Ababa, and International IDEA’s Constitution Building Team, located in The Hague.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conducts analyses of relevant constitutional frameworks, focusing on target countries and comparative cases;
• Drafts options papers and presentations to be discussed at trainings and meetings of senior national stakeholders;
• Supports national stakeholders in the development of position papers by offering comparative knowledge and other relevant substantive information as required;
• Prepares and conducts trainings and presentations for project activities, and provides other forms of technical assistance as necessary;
• Provides specific expert advice on project countries to partners and programme staff;
• Develops and maintains strategic/key partnerships and contributes to relevant knowledge networks and communities of practices;
• Drafts written reports on programme activities and ensures compliance with the project monitoring frameworks, in accordance with donor requirements and International IDEA’s policies and procedures.
• Assists in drafting programme-related budgets, and dispersing and reconciling programme funds ensuring compliance with donor requirements and International IDEA’s policies and procedures;
• Assists in project design and development; Participates in internal and external dissemination of information on the projects’ activities;
• Ensures the timely and efficient organization of events in coordination with national stakeholders, administrative staff and other colleagues;
• Coordinates with national and international experts contributing to all aspects of the project;  

General Profile

• Requires in-depth knowledge of comparative constitutional design and constitution building processes, in particular, a strong background in comparative federalism and other forms of decentralization of power;
• 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, often at short notice;
• Follows internal procedures to ensure high standards of performance and compliance with Institutional guidelines;
• Integrates a gender and diversity perspective in all activities.

Reporting Line

• Head of Constitution Building Programme

Programmatic Knowledge

• Has in-depth knowledge of comparative constitutional design, constitution building processes, comparative federalism and other forms of decentralization, and can approach programmatic issues in a holistic manner.

Operational Knowledge, skills and experience

• Integrates a results-based approach into the design, management and evaluation of all his/her programmatic activities;
• Has a good understanding of relevant programmatic issues in the key geographical zone; where his/her work is implemented – preferably including field experience at some point;
• Has experience delivering presentations and trainings on comparative constitutional design;
• Has experience organizing events in complex project environments;
• Illustrates integrity, a collaborative spirit, a sense of achievement, and an understanding of risk management in past experiences.

Leadership

• No people management responsibility over permanent staff;
• Acts as a model and resource for more junior colleagues;
• May assume project management responsibilities.

Problem Solving

• Identifies and resolves complex problems; approaches issues with new perspectives; analyses situations from a multitude of intervening factors.

Impact

• Has a clear impact on the programme development and delivery;
• Can also impact other teams and projects in related fields.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Can write on technical constitutional issues fluently, concisely and clearly;
• Liaises to all internal and external stakeholders involved in his/her project; acts and is perceived as an initiator of relevant communication to solve issues;
• Drives projects and assignments through communicative personal energy and engagement;
• Can explain sensitive information with diplomacy and build consensus;
• Excellent knowledge in written and oral English is required; Any other widely spoken language in an International IDEA priority region (Arabic, French, Spanish) would be an asset.

Education and Experience

• University degree in law, political science or other related discipline; Specialization on issues of democratization, conflict resolution and constitutionalism a strong advantage;
• A minimum of five (5) years’ practical experience working in the field of international assistance on topics related to constitution building processes, rule of law or democracy support projects;
• Knowledge of the political transitions in South Sudan, prior working experience and a current network of contacts in South Sudan is considered a significant advantage;
• Experience delivering presentations and trainings on comparative constitutional design is essential;
• The position will involve frequent travel to hardship locations. Experience working in complex working environments is essential.

Terms of Contract:

Position contingent upon confirmation of funding

• International Post
• One (1) year fixed term appointment.
• Salary entry point: EUR 4,441 NET plus benefits

Applying for this position:

• Applications should be submitted no later than 23:59 (CET) 28 July 2019. Please note that all applications must be made in English.
• Please apply directly by pressing the Send Application button.

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