Political Expert

Contract

This is a IICA-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-3 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

The United Nations has been assisting Iraq with the establishment of the Electoral Management Body (initially Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq, 2003, currently Independent High Electoral Commission), and the development of the institution’s capacities to administer electoral processes. Despite major military operations against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), in November 2017, the political and security environment in the country remains complex and unpredictable. Regardless of the efforts on the development of technical capacities within IHEC over the years, the credibility of the institution has been decreasing, particularly after the 2018 legislative elections. Since October 2019 the country has experienced major public unrest through continuous demonstrations and sit-ins in Baghdad and all over the country. Amongst demands for better delivery of public services, the protesters also claimed for change of government, and organization of early elections – elections to be held before the normally expected date, which would be the end of the current legislature, in May 2022.

On 5 December the Council of Representatives voted on a new Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) that provides for nine commissioners from the judiciary, who took office on 13 January 202. The United Nations Assistance Mission of Iraq (UNAMI), through its Office of Electoral Assistance (OEA) has since then, been working closely with the nine commissioners to enhance their understanding of the different electoral aspects.

The new law also provides for changes to the positions of Director – General, both in headquarters and governorates offices, which has a strong impact of the existing technical capacity of the institution. The upcoming elections in Iraq will be an important milestone for Iraq’s future progress, with the implementation of a credible and legitimate electoral process and outcome.

On 27 May 2021, upon the request by the Government of Iraq on 11 February 2021 for additional support, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted the resolution SCR 2576 (2021) extending the UNAMI mandate until 27 May 2022, calling UNAMI to:

• Provide a strengthened, robust and visible UN team to monitor Iraq’s election day;
• Launch a UN strategic messaging campaign to educate, inform and update Iraqi voters on election
• preparations.

The Political Expert will work under the supervision of the Team Leader.

The position is located in the Office of Electoral Assistance in the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), with a duty station in Baghdad. The Political Advisor works closely with Iraqi counterparts of the IHEC and other Iraqi stakeholders, as well as UNAMI and other electoral advisors.

Functional Responsibilities

The Political Expert will be responsible for the following duties within delegated authourity. Political Analysis

• Undertake a comprehensive political analysis of the electoral process and assess the dynamics and genuine competitiveness and fairness of the electoral process before, during and after elections.
• In coordination with the UNAMI OPA and throughout the mission, maintain constant relations with political party representatives, candidates, campaign managers and political analysts. Gain insight into the views of the main competitors and their impact on the process, including, inter alia, their assessment of the credibility of the election and acceptance of the final election results.
• Draft regular reports on political developments for prep team and watchers and provide oral briefings as required.
• Maintain regular relations with local and international political analysts (from civil society organizations, political parties, international organizations, including those providing technical assistance to the electoral process and/or working in diplomatic missions, media outlets, academics) and produce a regularly updated electoral conflict/risk analysis overview for the country
• In cooperation with the OEA IT experts, develop statistical and analytical tools for analysis of collected data on rights violation as well as for comparative election results analysis, including data visualization tools.
• With assistance of OEA legal officers assess the legal, regulatory and administrative framework for political competition and election campaigning, including political parties, media and NGO registration as well as adherence to campaign finance regulations.
• Assess whether the framework allows for a genuine competition, level playing field and political pluralism.
• Assess the approach of political parties regarding the participation of marginalized/disenfranchised political groups, women and socially vulnerable groups, ethnic and religious minorities, etc.
• Assess the role of the state security bodies during the whole electoral process.
• Assess the capacity of political parties and candidates to use the existing mechanism for redressing of electoral complaints.
• Assess whether the independence of institutions administering the election is respected by authorities and political parties.
• Assess the conduct and content of the electoral campaign, including in the media and social media; in particular whether fundamental freedoms are being protected by law and upheld by state actors; the existence of a level playing field, and the general security surrounding the campaign.

Personnel Management and Capacity Building

• Lead and motivate the regional team members and short term watchers.
• In consultation with the prep team and Team Leader, prepare relevant feedback and questions for the short-term watchers for weekly reports and process and interpret their responses.
• Ensure that Regional teams and short-term watchers are kept abreast of political developments.
• Develop a cultural awareness briefing for mission staff, taking into particular consideration host country specific sensitivities. In conjunction with the other experts, brief mission members about culturally sensitive issues and the appropriate behavior to be observed by all mission staff.
• Participate in watcher briefings, debriefings and team meetings.
• Ensure that behavioural expectations of team members are established
• Ensure that performance reviews are conducted fairly, accurately and timely
• Create, foster and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual exploitation and abuse.
• Perform any other relevant tasks as required.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

The Team Leader and other members of the UN electoral watch office; senior staff and officers of electoral management bodies and other national institutions involved in the electoral process; other staff and officers working at UNAMI office in Baghdad. Monitoring and Progress Controls

Results Expected: - The support of the United Nations in the area of responsibility contributes to credible and inclusive elections, minimizing violence and maximizing the chances of legitimate government, peace and stability; - 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; - The impact of results of this position is to strengthen the IHEC capabilities to ensure robust engagement with electoral stakeholders and to deliver and manage public information campaigns in support of the elections.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education - University degree in Political Science, International Relations, Law, Public Administration, or related field. A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience - Minimum seven years relevant experience at the national or international level in political analysis and/or media and communications; - Demonstrated experience in the management of external liaison, reporting and networks, particularly for elections is required; - Within the 7 years, at least two years relevant professional experience in the field of elections is required; - Knowledge of UN rules, regulations, policies and procedures an asset; - Working experience in developing countries, and preferably in the Middle East region is desirable; - United Nations electoral experience in a peacekeeping operation, political mission and/or a UN agency or other relevant international electoral experience is required; previous experience working with teams of different backgrounds is desirable.

Language - Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Arabic is an advantage

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Baghdad is not a UN Family Duty Station.
• This position is posted on behalf of UNAMI. The contract duration is 5 months.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Individual Contractual Agreement (ICA) Contract level: I-ICA3 Contract duration: 5 Months

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx