Short-Term Electoral Expert

The United Nations has been assisting Iraq with the establishment of the Electoral Management Body (initially Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq, 2003, currently Independent High Electoral Commission), and the development of the institution’s capacities to administer electoral processes. Despite major military operations against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), in November 2017, the political and security environment in the country remains complex and unpredictable.

Since October 2019, the country has experienced major public unrest through continuous demonstrations and sit-ins in Baghdad and all over the country. Amongst demands for better delivery of public services, the protesters also claimed for change of government, and organization of early elections – elections to be held before the normally expected date, which would be the end of the current legislature, in May 2022.

On 5 December the Council of Representatives voted on a new Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) that provides for nine commissioners from the judiciary, who took office on 13

January 2019. The United Nations Assistance Mission of Iraq (UNAMI), through its Office of Electoral Assistance (OEA) has since then, been working closely with the nine commissioners to enhance their understanding of the different electoral aspects.

The new IHEC law also provides for changes to the senior positions, both in headquarters and governorates offices, which has a strong impact on the existing technical capacity of the institution. The upcoming elections in Iraq will be an important milestone for Iraq’s future progress, with the implementation of a credible electoral process and outcome.

On 27 May 2021, upon the request by the Government of Iraq on 11 February 2021 for additional

support, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted SCR 2576 (2021) extending the UNAMI

mandate until 27 May 2022, calling UNAMI to:

• Provide a strengthened, robust and visible UN team to monitor Iraq’s election day;

• Launch a UN strategic messaging campaign to educate, inform and update Iraqi voters on election  preparations.

The Short-Term Electoral Expert will work under the supervision of the Regional Coordinator.

Within delegated authority, the Short-Term Electoral Expert will be responsible for the following duties:

• Acquire detailed knowledge of the election law and procedures concerning election day.

• Acquire detailed knowledge of the electoral and political situation in the country.

• Attend training sessions, briefing and debriefing sessions, as required by the Preparation Team and Regional Coordinator.

• Attend and report on meetings of local election authorities, where requested.

• Attend and participate in any other relevant meetings with other election stakeholders necessary to cover issues deemed necessary by the mission management.

• Supervise the local support staff.

• Watch election day procedures, counting and tabulation operations.

• Prepare and submit regular reports to assess the voting, counting and the tabulation of results. 

• Submit an End of Mission report, based on the template provided by the Preparation Team; 

• Report any issues to the Regional Coordinator and the Field Political Expert as requested by the Prep team.

• Perform any additional duties as requested by the Regional Coordinator.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

• The support of the United Nations in the area of responsibility contributes to credible and inclusive elections, minimizing violence and maximizing the chances of legitimate government, peace and stability;

• The United Nations mandated support in the area of responsibility is implemented effectively, using resources efficiently and minimizing risks to the organization;

• The supervisor has access to accurate and timely information as well as advice on the electoral process and its implications; 

• The impact of results of this position is to strengthen the IHEC capabilities to ensure robust engagement with electoral stakeholders and to deliver and manage public information campaigns in support of the elections.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

• Number of attended meetings of local election authorities;

• Number of polling stations visited ;

• Number of reports submitted to assess voting, counting and the tabulation of results. 

• Advanced university degree in Media, Communication, Electoral Assistance, Political Science, International Relations, Law, Public Administration, or related fields is preferable.

• A first level university degree in combination with 2 years qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.  

Experience 

• At least five years relevant experience in developing countries and/or post-conflict environments, preferably in the Middle East, is required;

• Previous experience in volatile security contexts is required;

• Demonstrated experience in representation, external liaison, reporting and networks, is required;

• Previous experience in Iraq is a strong asset;

• Previous electoral experience in a peacekeeping operation, political mission and/or a UN agency or other relevant international electoral experience is highly desirable;

• Knowledge of UN rules, regulations, policies and procedures would be an asset.

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• This vacancy is posted on behalf of UNAMI. The contract duration is 1 month
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.