The International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES) advances democracy for a better future. We collaborate with civil society, public institutions, and the private sector to build resilient democracies that deliver for everyone. As the global leader in the promotion and protection of democracy, our technical assistance and applied research develops trusted electoral bodies capable of conducting credible elections; effective and accountable governing institutions; civic and political processes in which all people can safely and equally participate; and innovative ways in which technology and data can positively serve elections and democracy. Since 1987, IFES has worked in more than 145 countries, from developing to mature democracies.

The Center for Applied Research and Learning is an engine for technical leadership and learning at IFES. Our team is comprised of dedicated professionals focused on cutting-edge democracy and governance issues; monitoring, evaluation and learning; and research and innovation. We work with colleagues across the organization to identify and conduct innovative research and assessments, provide effective technical assistance to partners around the globe, develop new programming tools, foster learning opportunities for IFES' emerging leaders, and collaborate effectively with multi-lateral organizations, the private sector, policymakers, CSOs and international NGOs, foundations, and the legal and scholarly communities. We are committed to effectively measuring the impact of our work through program evaluation, organizational learning, and adaptive management techniques.

Position Summary:

The Global Electoral Operations & Administration Advisor is a technical position in the Center for Applied Research and Learning, working collaboratively with other advisors, Center leadership, the executive leadership team, field teams, and program divisions at IFES. The Global Electoral Operations & Administration Advisor will function as an integral part of IFES election administration team by implementing existing technical programming, developing new tools and approaches, and contributing to business development initiatives. The Advisor will also organize IFES' roster of global and regional election administration consultants and in close collaboration with relevant geographical program team, coordinate their delivery of technical assistance.

The Advisor is expected to undertake frequent field assignments as part of their role.

Job Responsibilities:

The Global Electoral Operations & Administration Advisor will join IFES' Electoral Operations and Capacity-Development Team under the direction of the Senior Global Electoral Operations & Administration Advisor to further solidify IFES' position as a global leader in providing election technical assistance. It is anticipated that the Global Advisor will contribute to the expansion of IFES programming and expertise in new areas of work, such as next generation EMB strategic planning, EMB leadership transition, AI in elections, and enhanced election resilience. The Advisor will assist the Senior Global Advisor with strengthening IFES' cadre of global and regional election experts by maintaining a roster of individuals with relevant expertise and ensuring their adherence to IFES' best practices and effective utilization of the organization's unique tools, approaches, and principles governing global best practices. The Advisor is expected to frequently deploy to the field to deliver technical assistance directly to EMBs, support field offices, undertake tool development, and take part in assessments. Detailed job responsibilities are outlined below.

Outreach and partnerships:

• Represent IFES at events focusing on election management and improved technical assistance and co-lead external contact election operations, planning and management.
• Maintain and enhance academic and institutional connections and partnerships in the areas of election technical assistance, election operations and planning with governments, donors, EMBs, INGOs, universities and think-tanks.
• Develop communications material to promote IFES' EMB programming, participate in regional and global events that raise IFES' profile, participate in interviews, and support social media messaging around IFES' election portfolio.

Technical advancement and innovation:

• Contribute to implementation of objectives in IFES' Strategic Plan focused on election integrity.
• Contribute to the development, testing, and implementation of rigorous new tools and resources for programming.
• Conduct trainings for IFES staff on international best practices, emerging trends, IFES tools and good practices in the electoral operations and administration arena.
• Participate in rigorous assessments (field-based and desk-study).

Technical assistance quality assurance:

• Conduct direct technical assistance to country programs on election operations and administration topics in areas such as civic and voter education, crisis communication, strategic planning and the use of technology in elections. In consultation with regional experts, provide ongoing technical advice and recommendations for program activities and conduct program reviews, as necessary.
• Participate in developing internal tools and resources and conduct brown bags and trainings to support staff development.

Business development and program design:

• Contribute to IFES' program design efforts, including proposals, concept notes and options papers, and contribute to the development of global, regional, and national topic-specific proposals, in consultation with regional experts.
• Maintain understanding of competitor approaches and donor priorities related to electoral assistance, election integrity and EMB strengthening.

Other responsibilities:

• Support senior-level and institution-wide IFES processes, including (but not limited to) Board meetings, annual reports, strategic planning, budgeting, recruitment, relevant policy development, and staff training.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in election administration, political science, international relations, or related fields is required.
• Minimum 10 years of functionally related professional experience required.
• Comparative experience in advising and supporting electoral management bodies (EMBs) and provincial offices in reform efforts and/or delivery of electoral processes and events.
• Knowledge of electoral operations, civic and voter education, crisis communication, strategic planning and the use of technology in elections.
• Experience advising EMBs in low resource and/or complex security settings highly desirable.
• Familiarity with election technologies and effective introduction and use of election-related ICT solutions.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Strong presentation skills.
• Strong problem solving, communications, and consensus building skills.
• High levels of flexibility and adaptability, with a demonstrated ability to provide advisory support across different electoral processes and in parallel.
• Project management, organizational, and activity coordination experience.
• Ability to work effectively individually and as part of a national and international advisory team.
• Ability to develop relationships in culturally diverse settings when advising national counterparts.

• Knowledgeable and experienced with USAID and non-USG donor business development, project management, and donor relations.
• English proficiency (in written and oral communications) required.French proficiency desirable. Proficiency in other languages a plus.

Successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following attributes:

• Team orientation
• Diplomacy
• Leadership and mentorship
• Creativity and flexibility
• Strong problem solving abilities
• Commitment to collaboration

Travel:Travel is required up to 30 percent of time.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment: Standard office work environment with some field travel. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

LI-Hybrid