Background

With a view to supporting the political and economic reforms currently underway in Ethiopia, taking into account the upcoming 2020 national elections as well as recognizing the need for forming a coalition of civil society organizations that will engage in electoral activities in a coordinated and sustained manner, more than 60 Ethiopian civil society organizations came together to form the Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations for Elections (CECOE) in May 2019. The Interim Coordinating Committee (ICC) of the Coalition (CECOE) is mandated to organize its activities. The ICC comprises the Ethiopian Civil Society Organization Forum (ECSF), Inter-Africa Group (IAG), Ethiopian Lawyers Association (ELA), Coalition of Christian Relief and Development Associations (CCRDA), Network of Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA), Consortium of Ethiopian Civic and Voters Education Actors (CECVEA), and Ethiopian National Disability Action Network (ENDAN).

Among the objectives of CECOE, as stated in its Memorandum of Association, include: 

• To undertake voter and civic education awareness, and increases/encourages voter participation in the electoral processes;
• To mobilize and provide the necessary support to members to actively participate in monitoring and observation of all electoral processes and referenda;
• To collect, organize, document, and share information related to electoral processes as well as prepare and disseminate same.

The Position

Working under the direction of the Head of CECOE Secretariat, the Election Observation Coordinator will manage and supervise the overall implementation of the Coalition’s election observation activities during the upcoming National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) organized electoral activities. To begin with, the Election Observation Coordinator will coordinate CECOE’s observation of the voter registration exercise. S/he will be accountable for delivering all the activities of the project and ensuring that expenditures are in line with the project activities.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and strategic thinking to ensure proper implementation of the election observation activities;
• Coordinates and executes the voter registration project plan, ensuring that the observation program timeline, training plans, communications and outreach plans, funds disbursement plans, and any other major program documents are implemented in accordance with agreed upon deadlines.
• Will be responsible for implementation of program deliverables.
• Coordinates election observation staff to ensure the efficiency and the quality of work as well as adequate communication and collaboration between the observation program, finance, and logistics staff as needed. Organizes regular staff meetings.
• Develops strategies for recruiting and training observers in sufficient numbers according to the deployment methodology.
• Drafts training plans and guidance on recruitment, training, accreditation and deployment of observers.
• Takes the lead on designing training agendas and content, observer forms, training manuals, contact management forms and any supporting training materials.
• Supports Desk Officers to understand and ensure uniform application of program guidance on recruitment, training, accreditation and deployment of observers in their geographic regions of responsibility.
• Collaborates closely with the Communications Officer to ensure adequate support as-needed around communications strategies.
• Provides final review of communications products, including spots, jingles, social media infographics and posts, press releases, statements, and videos. 
• Coordinates issuance of contracts to any contractual election observation program staff.
• Coordinates drafting of periodic narrative program reports, and prepare project activity plan and monthly report
• Regularly informs the Head of CECOE Secretariat on progress of internal operations and alerts the Head of Secretariat to potential opportunities and challenges in a timely manner.
• Participates in drafting election observation statements.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced University degree in law, human rights, international development, political science or other related field. 
• A minimum of 5 years of experience preferably in democracy and governance related activities
• Experience in project management
• Experience in the NGOs/CSOs sector
• Relevant skills in report writing
• Excellent computer skills, including Word, Outlook, Excel and Power Point.
• Excellent professional oral and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to effectively present information, respond to queries, and develop clear and concise reports.
• Excellent and professional teamwork and ability to work well as part of a high performing team.
• Knowledge and ability to use applicable information technology and software systems to meet work needs.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, ability to foster networks and partnerships
• Analytical judgment and a demonstrated ability to handle confidential and politically sensitive issues in a responsible manner
• Experience in preparing statements and communiques
• High level of attention to detail in all aspects of work.
• Documented experience and formal education/training may be considered appropriately.

Language Requirements:

• Amharic and English fluency, both spoken and written, are required.