The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Kenya Mission seeks to fill the position of Senior Elections Specialist in its Democracy & Governance (DG) Office. The position is based in Nairobi and is open to qualified Kenyan citizens.
Basic Function of the Position:
As a recognized expert on election issues in Kenya, the primary responsibility of the Senior Elections Specialist will be to advise USAID/Kenya on election-related issues and assist in the implementation and oversight of democracy and governance activities.
Specifically, he/she will coordinate USAID’s strategy, assistance, and policy in support of elections and political party support. As a member of the USAID/Kenya Democracy and Governance Team, the Elections Specialist will also provide general support related to the broader DG portfolio as required.
He/she will liaise with other USAID teams, U.S. Agencies, the Government of Kenya, donors, civil society, international experts, and stakeholders to ensure maximum effectiveness of USAID activities in support of elections.
The incumbent will ensure that USAID assistance in the sector is coordinated, monitored, and effectively managed.
Some of the specific tasks envisioned include:
- advising the U.S. Mission in the technical areas of elections and strengthening political parties;
- managing a wide variety of contracts and grants to support elections and political party activities;
- serving as the main link between USAID, partners, donors, Kenyan electoral bodies, NGOs, and other U.S. Government agencies involved in elections;
- carrying out analysis and preparing reports and briefings;
- supervising and mentoring other USAID employee(s) in the election and political parties section.
Required Qualifications:
Any application that does not meet the minimum requirements stated below will not be evaluated. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. If you have not been contacted within one month from the closing date of this advertisement, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Education: A Master’s degree, at a minimum, with significant study in a pertinent field such as international development, international relations, political science, or other related area, is required.
Experience (40%): A minimum of 10 years relevant professional experience in development assistance, including experience in managing elections and political party assistance, is required. Specific experience in Kenya or East Africa is desired. Technical expertise and experience in election program management and political party development. This includes experience overseeing grants and/or contracts in a developing country context. Solid understanding of program implementation, monitoring and tracking performance, and preparing documentation and analyses about program activities and results. Direct experience with donor organizations and assistance programs is preferred. Prior experience working with an international donor and/or government in the region is highly desirable.
Knowledge (30%): Knowledgeable about current practices and emerging trends in electoral processes and electoral
management, including the use of information technologies, is required. Proven ability to work in a highly political environment. Thorough knowledge and understanding of pertinent social issues and development assistance in Kenya including political trends. The incumbent must understand the concepts of strategic planning and results reporting, and must observe high standards of ethical conduct. The incumbent must know, or be willing to learn, relevant USG procedures, regulations, programmatic processes, and policies that govern grant and contract management.
Skills & Abilities (30%): Fluency in English and strong English writing skills are required. Working knowledge of Kiswahili. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required. Ability to work with minimum supervision and produce accurate and timely data and reports in a high-pressure environment under tight deadlines is required. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The incumbent must be able to work with multi-disciplinary teams with diverse backgrounds and skill levels.
Duration of Position: Approximately 2 years, with an option to extend up to a maximum of 5 years based on performance and need.
Those fulfilling the requirements of the position should submit their application together with a detailed curriculum vitae/resume and copies of all relevant certificates to the following address:
The Human Resources Office,
USAID/Kenya,
P.O. Box 629, Village Market 00621,
Nairobi, Kenya
Re: Senior Elections Specialist, DG/USAID/Kenya
Applications must reach the USAID HR office by COB October 22nd, 2010.
