Job Opening
Job Opening ID: 226208
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 (Legal/ Electoral Regulations) will report to the Senior Electoral Officer but work under the direct supervision and guidance of the Electoral Officer (Legal & Procedures).

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
The Electoral Officer (Legal/ Electoral Regulations) will assist the electoral team of UNMISS in carrying out the following duties and responsibilities:

• Provide legal advice to national authorities on the legal framework for elections, including the electoral act, political parties act and on electoral operations, such as political party registration, boundary delimitation, voter registration, candidate registration, observer accreditation, electoral dispute resolution, and other legal issues related to the electoral process;
• Support the implementation of electoral programs and processes by providing advice and support to conceptualize, review, draft and implement regulations, rules, procedures and codes of conduct to be issued by the main bodies involved in the implementation of the electoral process, e.g., the National Elections Commission (NEC) and the Political Parties Council (PPC), capacity-building, institutional reform and development;
• Support the NEC and PPC in developing an internal administrative regulatory framework. for building institutional and technical capacity of those institutions;
• Share comparative experiences and analyse legal texts applicable to the electoral process and provide technical advice to the national authorities, taking into consideration the South Sudan multi-layer legal framework;
• Monitor the impact of domestic and international norms and processes on female participation and provide advice on appropriate corrective measures;
• Provide technical assistance in the above areas as required;
• Contribute to capacity-building and training of national counterparts, strengthening of national institutions, and sharing information with political parties, candidates, observers, voters, civil society organizations and other relevant groups of society to enhance understanding of a conducive environment and the rules of the electoral process. Establish and maintain professional and productive partnerships with national counterparts and other key stakeholders and partners in the electoral process;
• Provide regular briefings and reports in the assigned area of responsibility;
• If required, supervise and manage the performance of national and international staff assigned to the area of responsibility;
• Perform other related duties as required.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:
The Electoral Officer (Legal/ Electoral Regulations) will interact frequently with the United Nations Integrated Electoral Assistance Team (IEAT) members, especially with his/her supervisor and the IEAT Legal and EDR team, UNMISS and the UN Country Team, national authorities, such as the electoral management bodies (NEC and PPC) other national institutions involved in the electoral process, political parties, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, institutes and foundations. If required, the Electoral Officer (Legal/ Electoral Regulations) will interact with other international organisations and donors.

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 in-depth understanding of and the ability to evaluate electoral processes and draft election-related legislation, legal provisions, and procedures; knowledge of all aspects of electoral processes and their technical and political implications. Strong analytical and evaluative skills. Understanding of electoral operations in a UN or similar multilateral environment. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Planning & 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.

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.

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.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science international economics, international relations, 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 is required.

At least three (3) years of experience in supervising, implementing, supporting or advising on electoral processes is required.

Experience in supporting national institutions in addressing electoral legal framework and electoral process related topics, such as electoral disputes, or other electoral assistance experience is desirable.

Experience in supporting national institutions in addressing electoral legal framework and electoral process related topics, such as electoral disputes, or other electoral assistance experience is desired

Previous experience of managing teams of different backgrounds and nationalities is desirable.

Experience in bilateral or multilateral negotiations is desirable.

Experience in developing countries and in post-conflict situations 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.
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.