Senior Electoral Operations And Institutional Strengthening Specialist [open To Internal And External Applicants]

Organizational Context

The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) is an independent constitutional body responsible for conducting elections. Following the 2026 General Elections, NEBE is undergoing a critical post-election phase focused on institutional consolidation, operational review, and strengthening preparedness for future electoral events. The UNDP, through the SEEDS II project, partners with NEBE to enhance electoral systems and processes.

Job Purpose

This role supports the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) in its post-election transition phase. The Specialist will provide technical and operational assistance to strengthen institutional systems, enhance the sustainability of election operations, and develop strategic operational plans for future electoral processes, including re-elections and post-election activities. The position aims to consolidate operational gains, document lessons learned, and improve long-term planning, procurement, and logistics frameworks to ensure effective and resilient electoral management.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include leading the results verification process for remaining and re-elections, ensuring accuracy and integrity of results, and participating in post-election operational reviews. The role involves documenting successes, bottlenecks, and risks, and developing recommendations for future electoral operations. Support will be provided for operational planning and readiness assessment for re-elections, including the development and finalization of election materials. The Specialist will also focus on institutional strengthening by preserving operational knowledge, revising and upgrading systems, and strengthening SOPs. Additionally, responsibilities include developing international procurement frameworks, supporting capacity building for NEBE staff, strengthening data-driven operational planning and reporting systems, and contributing to strategic operational planning and risk management.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in project or logistics management, with a specific focus on election management, is required for candidates with a Master's degree. Candidates with a Bachelor's degree require a minimum of 7 years of such experience. Experience in electoral logistics, procurement, and stakeholder coordination is essential.

Skills

System Thinking, Communication (clear, concise, unambiguous, internal/external management), Risk Management, Results-based Management, Electoral Operations Management, Institutional Capacity Development, Strategic Operational Planning, Electoral logistics and procurement, Ballot design and printing oversight, Stakeholder coordination in complex political environments.

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