Job Opening
Job Opening ID: 226252
Job Network : Political, Peace and Humanitarian
Job Family : Electoral Affairs
Category and Level : Professional and Higher Categories, P-4
Duty Station : JUBA
Department/Office : United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan
Date Posted : Jan 19, 2024
Deadline : Feb 2, 2024

Org. Setting and Reporting
The position is in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

The position is based in Juba and is located in the Electoral Affairs Division (EAD). The Electoral Officer (Communications) will report to the Principal Electoral Affairs Officer.

The United Nations Security Council adopted resolution 2567 (2021) deciding that UNMISS’s mandate is designed to advance a three-year strategic vision to prevent a return to civil war in South Sudan, to build durable peace at the local and national levels, and to support inclusive and accountable governance and free, fair, and peaceful elections in accordance with the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R- ARCSS). Furthermore, Security Council Resolution 2677 (2023) called on the UNMISS to provide technical assistance, to include capacity-building, and logistical support for the electoral process, as appropriate, in coordination with the United Nations Country Team and regional and international partners as well as security support to facilitate the electoral cycle, consistent with the R-ARCSS.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Electoral Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Implement, and often supervise the implementation of, electoral programs and processes in the areas of communication and public information.
• Provide technical advice and support to national counterparts such as the National Election Commission (NEC) and the Political Party Council (PPC) in formulating and developing a communication strategy and plan, drafting and implementing a risk communications plan, creating targeted content and developing and distributing key messages and communication materials.
• Provide technical advice and support to national counterparts communications department in content development, the design, preparation, and maintenance of the institution’s websites; work with counterparts to ensure transparency in the electoral process; assist counterparts in developing strategies to enhance media collaboration to strengthen public confidence in the national institutions and the electoral process.
• Assist national counterparts in developing strategies to monitor and respond to electoral disinformation, including through social media and online platforms; and in collaboration with other sections of the national institutions, organise plan and implement media training programs and media workshops, seminars, to combat etc.
• Prepare Integrated Elections Assistance Team (IEAT) reports (including IEAT weekly reports, Electoral Assistance Reports, special and flash reports) about significant mandated and associated developments for dissemination within the Mission and to Headquarters;
• Coordinate with other electoral officers to ensure that important notes to file are drafted.
• Research and draft special reports and prepare presentations, briefings, background notes related to operational issues, draft Code Cables addressing current operations.
• Provide substantive support to the planning and design of external communication and outreach/advocacy strategies and plans.
• Provide analysis for elaboration of communication strategies; ensure gender perspective.
• Coordinate and contribute substantively to the development and dissemination of advocacy materials in the country.
• Draft briefing materials, press releases and coordinate its dissemination through effective channels. Identify storylines for publications and articles.
• Organize roundtable discussions, press conferences and briefing session for press, as required, draft talking points.
• Facilitate knowledge building and sharing. Organize and conduct training and workshops on communication and advocacy, as appropriate.
• Contribute, and often supervise the contribution to, capacity-building of national counterparts and strengthening of national institutions.
• If required, supervise and manage the performance of national and international staff assigned to the area of responsibility.
• Establish and maintain professional and productive partnerships with national counterparts and other key stakeholders in the electoral process.
• Proactively keep all channels of communication and maintain close working relationships with, and advise, the South Sudanese electoral authorities throughout the planning and implementation of electoral activities in the area of information technology
• Provide regular briefings and reports in the assigned area of responsibility.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:
The Electoral Officer will interact frequently with the United Nations Integrated Electoral Assistance Team (IEAT) members, especially with his/her supervisor, Officers in UNMISS, and other UN agencies (e.g. UNDP), staff of specialized agencies, representatives of the Government, TNLA and other relevant national interlocutors, National Election Commission, Political Parties Council.

Results Expected:
• The support of the United Nations in the area of responsibility contributes to credible and inclusive elections.
• 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.
Competencies
Professionalism: Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter, notably in-depth understanding of and ability to evaluate electoral processes, knowledge of electoral processes and their technical and political implications; takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing; shows pride in work and in achievements; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science international economics, international relations, communications, law, public administration, or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
Job – Specific Qualification
Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Work Experience
A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in elections and related areas in at least three (3) countries of which at least three (3) years of experience in supervising, implementing, supporting or advising on electoral processes in the area of communication/public outreach and public information management etc. is required.

United Nations electoral experience in a peacekeeping operation, political mission and/or a UN agency or other relevant international electoral experience is required.

Experience in developing countries is required.

Experience in managing projects is desirable.

Previous experience of managing teams of different backgrounds is desirable.

Experience in bilateral or multilateral negotiations is desirable.

Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Experience in post-conflict situations is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required.