Provincial Peaceful Elections Specialist
Organizational Context
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a key UN agency supporting international development in 170 countries, focusing on prosperity, governance, environmental sustainability, and crisis resilience. In Papua New Guinea (PNG), a nation rich in cultural and environmental diversity, UNDP partners with the government and civil society to foster inclusive growth, effective governance, and sustainable development. The Governance, Peace and Gender Portfolio specifically addresses women's political participation, peaceful elections, and conflict resolution, aligning with PNG's Vision 2050 and peace goals.
Job Purpose
This role supports the "Support to Peaceful Elections in PNG (SPE)" initiative, a joint UN project convened by UNDP, in anticipation of the 2027 Parliamentary elections. The initiative aims to address critical gaps in electoral processes, particularly at the provincial level, and strengthen key institutions involved in mitigating violence and resolving electoral disputes. The Provincial Peaceful Elections Specialist will provide crucial technical and logistical support to provincial election managers and stakeholders, focusing on priority areas for election disputes. The role involves monitoring preparations, coordinating with various UN agencies and local partners, and contributing to the overall goal of enhancing the credibility, transparency, and inclusivity of the electoral process in PNG.
Responsibilities
The Provincial Peaceful Elections Specialist will provide technical support to Provincial Elections Managers and regional electoral stakeholders, focusing on election preparation in areas prone to disputes. This includes offering logistical and technical assistance to Provincial Elections Steering Committees and supporting election managers with information distribution, civic education, and operational planning. The role involves coordinating with community leaders, civil society, and faith-based actors. The specialist will monitor election preparations, prepare regular briefings for UN and UNDP senior management, and contribute to monitoring initiatives. Coordination with participating UN organizations (UN Women, OHCHR) and other UN teams is essential. The role also entails supporting partnership management with key electoral stakeholders, monitoring project indicators, and drafting donor reports and communications materials.
Work Experience
A minimum of 3 to 5 years of relevant professional experience is required in areas such as democratic governance, elections, institutional strengthening, international development, or human rights. Experience in electoral assistance, including logistics and operations or electoral system reform, is necessary. Previous experience in fragile and conflict-affected settings, institutional capacity building, and working with the UN system is advantageous.
Skills
Key competencies include adaptability, flexibility, integrity, professionalism, respect for diversity, and teamwork. Strong communication, drafting, and report-writing skills are essential. The ability to work effectively under pressure in a complex, multicultural environment is crucial. Experience in project management, programme development, strategy, knowledge management, and research is also beneficial.