Background UNDP developed a 5-year electoral support programme “Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Capacity Building Project” (ZIM-ECO) for Zimbabwe, which is aligned with the objectives set out in ZUNDAF 2016-2020. This programme is a response to a request by the Government of Zimbabwe (GOZ) and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) for UN capacity building support to ZEC. The proposed multi-year project initiative supports institutional and capacity building of ZEC, strengthening voter registration, developing of a robust voter education programme and effective ZEC engagement with election stakeholders. The project has three outputs, which are: i) Strengthened institutional and electoral capacity of ZEC to meet its constitutional mandate to ensure sustainability; ii) Sustainable voter registration system for the 2018 elections and beyond that is credible and inclusive; iii) Enhanced and effective ZEC’s engagement with electoral stakeholders including the eligible voters; ZIM-ECO project has played an instrumental role in developing the capacity of ZEC to conduct a free, fair and credible elections including the development of a transparent and accurate new Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) system for the 2018 harmonized elections. The project provided technical and financial support to build long term capacity of ZEC, development and implementation of BVR, undertaking extensive stakeholder consultations, nationwide campaigns of voter education, training of polling staff, gender mainstreaming during the entire election process and media monitoring. The adoption of the BVR system by ZEC was a result of an extensive consultation process with electoral stakeholders, including political parties, CSOs, FBOs and Government. The voter education campaign was developed with extensive inputs from CSOs and FBOs. The support to the Consultative forums established by ZEC for political parties, CSOs, FBOs and media provided a platform for dialogue and consultations among the electoral stakeholders during the entire electoral cycle and act as forums of dispute resolution. The project contributed significantly towards the development of a biometric voter register that was seen as credible, inclusive and accurate by stakeholders. An extensive voter education campaign resulted in an 80% registration of voters, creativity, innovativeness and outreach of the voter education campaign led to 85% voter turnout on election day. Stakeholder engagement through all the stages of the electoral process was an important contribution of the ZIM-ECO project. Extensive partnerships were developed with Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, Zimbabwe Gender Commission, UN Women, Police, CSOs and FBOs. The project is now providing the technical assistance for the next 5-year Strategic Plan of ZEC, that will form the basis of technical assistance for the next election cycle with harmonized elections planned in 2023. Future support under this cycle is likely to broaden the scope and objectives from the original three outputs listed above. Duties and Responsibilities Under the overall supervision of the UNDP Resident Representative and in coordination with the Deputy Resident Representative – Programme and Head of the Governance and Peacebuilding team, the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) will provide strategic advice on all electoral matters. The CTA will ensure cooperation and coordination among key electoral stakeholders and partners involved in the electoral process. The CTA will liaise closely with officials of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), senior government officials, donors and other election stakeholders to build strategic partnerships. The CTA will provide leadership to facilitate coordination and exchange of information among donors and implementing agencies in all areas of electoral support. Key responsibilities of the CTA will include: Leading the Project Management Team of ZIM-ECO, ensures the strategic direction focusing on achievement of the following results: Stimulate strategic thinking in electoral management and processes and bring best practices on electoral management in fulfilling aspiration of the ZEC Strategic Plan and the Elections Operation Plan; Advises ZEC and UNDP on all aspects of sound electoral cycle management practices and point out areas for further strengthening; Provide intellectual and substantive leadership in managing issues related to electoral management and processes; Provide technical advice to the ZEC and other partners to help meet the needs of a credible elections; Ensure highest standards in the provision of technical and advisory inputs, organization of workshops, seminars, training and delivery of outputs; In conjunction with UN Women, identify strategic entry points for gender mainstreaming in the work of the ZEC and for the empowerment of women and other marginalized groups in political processes. Assess the technical substance, policies and strategies on elections and advises on the design, organization and implementation of project activities; Coordinates the conduct of any studies/reviews/analysis on conflict, gender, human rights and other dimensions related to elections and their discussions with ZEC and UNDP; Capacity development oversight will be provided by the CTA in the following areas: Play a leading role in the development and implementation of a capacity development strategy for the project that identifies priorities, needs and interventions to address those needs within the ZEC; Provide support to ZEC in ensuring the sustainability of project management capacities and in building sustainability into project activities from the outset; Provide technical advice to enhance the capacity of ZEC directorates in their role of conducting credible elections; Contribute to development of effective materials and training for ZEC and other electoral stakeholders where relevant; Advice on development of strategies and contribute to capacity building efforts for ZEC, CSOs, media and other elections stakeholders; Ensures effective project management and achievement of the following results: In coordination with the ZEC, provide guidance to national and international short-term experts/consultants; Assist the ZEC in ensuring the technical soundness of project activities; Provide substantive advisory inputs, as requested by ZEC and UNDP in relation to project objectives; Guides the project management team on coherence of interventions under the project in order to ensure technical soundness of project activities; Provide expert contributions to the development of periodic results-based work plans and results frameworks; Help ensure delivery of relevant periodic project reporting to UNDP; Facilitate continued close cooperation with funding partners of ZIM-ECO keeping the partners abreast of the progress, results, challenges etc. of the project; Reviews Terms of Reference for specific activities as directed and assist in the identification of short-term experts; Ensures the alignment of project activities with UNDP rules and regulations by providing appropriate advice to the ZEC in this regard; Ensures strategic partnership, coordination and resource mobilization focusing on achievement of the following results: Act as resource person on election policies and strategies, if required, for the international development community; Analyses information on donors, prepare substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation and identify opportunities for cost-sharing; Mobilize and network with experts in the international development community, government partners, UN organizations and appropriate think-tanks. Develop and maintain productive relations with partners; Prepare proposals for mobilization of human, technical or financial resources from international development organizations, non-government organizations and the private sector; In consultation with the UNDP provide project specific Monitoring and Evaluation Oversight focusing on achieving the following results: Advise the project on design and follow up on a sound project monitoring framework for the project integrated within the monitoring system for the Corporate/Strategic Plan; Advise ZEC on strengthening M&E systems as defined in the strategic plan of the organization; Ensure the design of monitoring frameworks demonstrates progress and achievement on key project results, and provide technical advice to develop baselines and indicators for monitoring and evaluation; Advise the PMU on preparing project reports focused on capturing results, lessons learned and good practices; Communication and Knowledge Sharing on achieving the following results: Promote the adoption of suitable knowledge management approaches as relating to project activities and in support of ZEC strengthening; Support the ZEC in the internal and external communication efforts and the dissemination of information around project objectives and activities; Support the project and UNDP in communicating to its stakeholder including development partners on all aspects of project implementation; Function as a mentor and coach to PMU staff in support of achievement of project results; Participate in and contribute to global UNDP knowledge networks on electoral assistance; Ensure the application of relevant global good practices and actively search for solutions that can benefit Zimbabwe’s electoral processes; Competencies Functional Competencies: Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise Understands advanced aspects of primary area of specialization as well as the fundamental concepts of electoral assistance with a focus on electoral cycle approach; Continues to seek new and improved methods and systems for accomplishing the work of the project; Keeps abreast of new developments in area of election and job knowledge and seeks to develop him/herself professionally; Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments; Continually looking for ways to enhance performance in the office. Knowledge Management and Learning: Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office; In-depth knowledge on development issues; Ability to advocate and provide policy advice; Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills. Development and Operational Effectiveness: Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting; Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects, mobilize resources; Good knowledge of the Results Management Guide and Toolkit; Strong IT skills; Excellent interpersonal skills; Excellent command of oral and written English; Extensive knowledge of the UN system and of UN electoral assistance; Sound time management and organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks; Team player, self-motivated and proactive, dedicated, creative, resourceful, flexible, energetic with sound judgment; Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment with sound understanding and capability to empower and develop the capacity of national counterparts; Ability to lead implementation of new systems (business side) and affect staff behavioral/ attitudinal change; Management and Leadership: Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback; Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills; Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude; Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills; Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors; Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure; Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities; Building Partnerships Effectively networks with partners seizing opportunities to build alliances; Identifies needs and interventions for capacity building of counterparts, clients and potential partners; Displays initiative, sets challenging outputs for him/herself and willingly accepts new work assignments; Core Competencies Innovation Ability to make new and useful ideas work. Integrate & Empower (Strategic Advisor); Leadership Ability to persuade others to follow. Integrate & Empower (Strategic Advisor); People Management Ability to improve performance and satisfaction. Integrate & Empower (Strategic Advisor); Communication Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform. Integrate & Empower (Strategic Advisor); Delivery Ability to get things done. Transformational Visionary (Recognized World Class Expert); Required Skills and Experience Education Master's degree in Social Sciences, Development, Political Sciences, Management or other relevant fields; Experience: At least ten (10) years of professional experience in senior programme/project management in the field of elections; At least twelve years (12) of relevant experience in public administration for holders of first level university degree (Bac + 3) in senior programme/project management in the field of elections; Experience in programme management in the United Nations System; Good knowledge of the political environment, administration of developing countries; Good knowledge on the organization of elections in Africa; Good knowledge on the management of the electoral processes during and post conflict; Experience in different tasks relating to the electoral process; Capacity to dialogue with electoral and high level political and Administrative Officers as well as donors from the international community; Have previously worked as CTA in the framework of multi donor projects; Language Requirements: Excellent proven written and spoken English, as well as excellent communication and facilitation skills Disclaimer Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders) Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. 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