Electoral Assistance Officer

Volunteering Admin Elections & Governance

Overview

Assist in implementing electoral reforms and supporting voter registration.

You have:

• Previous electoral experience is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization.
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners.
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team.
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, among others), email, and internet.
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision.
• Desirable: valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4x4 over rough terrain.
• Have affinity with or interest in electoral work, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN system.

Contract

This is a UNV National Youth contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Youth contracts.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization in fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP

After the passage of a comprehensive electoral and political reform in 2023, followed by a National Referendum in May 2024, Vanuatu has entered into new phase of implementing these reforms, which provide for greater independence to electoral management bodies, introduces more modern and inclusive electoral management, regulation and registration of political parties.

The Vanuatu Electoral Environment Project (VEEP) has been providing technical assistance to Electoral Commission, Vanuatu Electoral Office and Civil Registration and Identity Management (CRIM) Department since 2016. The third phase of the project “VEEP III” builds on previous electoral assistance to Vanuatu with the objectives of consolidating the achievements of previous electoral assistance and to further the democratic development of Vanuatu. The project will do this by further strengthening the Electoral Commission (EC) and the Vanuatu Electoral Office (VEO) to more effectively implement their newly independent mandate, and ensure inclusive, transparent, and credible electoral processes and by improving the institutional environment and practice of democracy.

The project strategy is twofold: (i) to support the positive growth of the institutional environment: the laws, rules, and regulations of the democratic processes; and (ii) to empower the agency of stakeholders: notably the Electoral Commission / VEO on one hand and individual citizens and civil society organisations on the other. In this regard, VEEP III will support to the EC/VEO, to work in partnership with key stakeholders, including with civil society organisations, to improve voter education and to maintain trust in the electoral and broader democratic system.

The VEEP III project has the following objectives: 1. Provide services to support all citizens, including women, youth, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups, to be increasingly aware of elections and the importance of democratic practices and processes 2. Voter register kept accurate and updated with every eligible voter registered 3. Political parties operate within the legislated regulatory environment 4. Effective and efficient electoral governance with less reliance on external assistance

Assist the Provincial Electoral Officer (PEO) with voter registration updates

Support the planning and implementation of electoral preparations and operations

Identify outreach needs arising from electoral activities and operations

Identify and support standardization and training needs within the Vanuatu Electoral Office (VEO)

Maintain a cross-cutting focus and contribute to initiatives targeting or engaging youth

Perform any other duties as required

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management

• Previous electoral experience is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization; • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, among others), email, and internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Desirable: valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4x4 over rough terrain; • Sound security awareness; • Have affinity with or interest in electoral work, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN system.

Vanuatu is a beautiful island with well security situation, with access to air travel, medical facilities, banking facilities, communications infrastructure. Vanuatu is a unique country with a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential. You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator . The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos."

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Potential interview questions

Added 11 months ago - Updated 11 months ago - Source: unv.org