Elections Programme Analyst

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Mission and Objectives

UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System. It serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP's policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels, forms a continuous spectrum of in-depth local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in the Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in the Strategic Plan.

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Context

Elections are essential for democratic consolidation, accountable governance and preventing conflict when conducted credibly and transparently. However, in Africa technical shortcomings, weak institutions, political challenges, and low inclusivity can erode trust, heighten tensions, and risk escalating conflicts, particularly in polarized societies. In a bid to address these challenges, the UNDP Regional Service Center for Africa (RSCA) in partnership with the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO) launched a four-year Africa Elections Fund (AEF) which commenced from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2029. The AEF is an innovative instrument with the objective of promoting inclusive and peaceful electoral processes in Africa through complementary continental and national level interventions.

The four-year project builds upon the Inception Phase implemented in 2023 in partnership with GFFO and in close collaboration with the African Union Commission. The pilot phase confirmed the relevance of such efforts and provided a number of lessons learned applied in development of this project document. The AEF rationale, piloted in 2023, confirmed the appropriateness of a regional approach, coupled with national efforts, implemented on needs basis. The AEF's regional approach to electoral support is a unique and valuable innovation that fosters inclusivity and legitimacy by engaging multiple stakeholders — continental and regional institutions, EMBs, civil society, and other stakeholders in electoral processes including women's organizations and gender-equality advocates to ensure women's voices shape electoral reforms and processes.

Flexibility in adapting to country-specific needs and challenges, following regional interventions and peer exchanges, is expected to enhance practical learning and local relevance. The UNDP RSCA is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and provides programmatic support to country offices in electoral assistance as well as initiates regional peer-learning in close collaboration with the AU and Regional Economic Communities. The AEF is situated within the UNDP RSCA Governance and Peacebuilding Team. The AEF is in alignment with the UNDP Strategic Plan 2026–2029 Outcome 2 on Effective Governance: Strengthening inclusive, accountable institutions, justice systems, and citizen participation.

The AEF is also anchored within the UNDP Regional Programme for Africa 2026–2029 priorities, particularly on Governance which envisions that, by 2029, governance systems are more effective, inclusive and accountable, enabling people, societies and economies to thrive. In order to ensure effective implementation of the AEF, UNDP RSCA seeks to recruit an International UN Volunteer Specialist to provide programmatic and technical support to the Fund. The UNV Elections Programme Analyst will be located within the Governance and Peacebuilding Team of the UNDP RSCA.

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Task Description

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Electoral Advisor, the UN Volunteer Elections Programme Analyst will undertake and contribute to the following tasks:

I. Project Management of Africa Elections Fund

• Provide support to the planning and implementation of regional activities of the Fund
• Provide programmatic support to electoral projects in the country offices
• Identify entry points for collaboration with other initiatives within the Governance and Peacebuilding programmes of UNDP RSCA
• Promote gender mainstreaming as well as inclusion of marginalized groups in electoral processes in all activities under the Fund
• Support programmatic monitoring, evaluation, and reporting

II. Development of Mechanisms, Tools, and Policies Relating to UNDP Electoral Assistance in Africa

• Support in organizing regional peer-learning initiatives on elections
• Conduct research to support analytical studies on emerging themes on elections, governance, and peacebuilding in Africa
• Support the generation and dissemination of lessons learned from elections programmes and research

III. Management of Partnerships and Resource Mobilization

• Draft reports, briefs, and notes, including on promising practices and lessons learned directly linked to elections, governance, and peacebuilding initiatives, projects, and programmes for partnerships and resource mobilization
• Be responsible for management of the database for partners and UNDP Chief Electoral Advisors
• Ensure regular communication with the Country Offices as well as the African Union Commission (AUC) and Regional Economic Communities (RECs)

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Assignment Requirements

• Relevant Experience: 3 years
• Required Education Level: Master's degree in Political Sciences, International Relations, Peace and Conflict Studies, Human Rights, Social Sciences, Law or related fields

Languages

• English — Fluent (required)
• French — Working knowledge (desirable)

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Competencies and Values

• Accountability
• Commitment and Motivation
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Creativity
• Empowering Others
• Ethics and Values
• Integrity
• Planning and Organizing
• Professionalism
• Respect for Diversity
• Technological Awareness
• Working in Teams

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Skills and Experience

• Master's degree + 3 years of experience or Bachelor's degree + 5 years of relevant experience in elections, governance, and project management
• Sound knowledge of elections and governance issues
• Knowledge of project management in the area of elections and governance
• Knowledge of the political and institutional context of elections in Africa
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills in conducting research
• Experience in resource mobilization and partnership building
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, and 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, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management and office technology equipment
• Self-motivated; ability to work with minimum supervision and under tight deadlines
• Previous experience working on development at bilateral and/or multilateral levels is an asset
• Affinity with or interest in peace, development, and volunteerism as mechanisms for durable development, and the UN system

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Areas of Expertise

• Elections and Governance
• Development Programmes
• Legal Affairs

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