Location : Kathmandu, NEPAL
Application Deadline : 17-Oct-10
Type of Contract : SSA
Post Level : International Consultant
Languages Required : English
Starting Date :(date when the selected candidate is expected to start) 28-Oct-2010
Duration of Initial Contract : 2 months
Expected Duration of Assignment : 2 months
UNDP Electoral Support Project (ESP) consists of a 3-year technical assistance initiative for the inter-elections period (2008-2011) of Election Commission of Nepal (ECN). The Project support aims at building a sustainable and enduring institutional and professional capacity within the ECN that could be easily and effectively re-employed in future elections. Through the provision of on-site technical advisory service and specialised electoral support, ESP seeks to enhance and further consolidate the institutional and professional capacities of the ECN, its Secretariat and its district level offices to meet the numerous priorities that need to be addressed to further enhance the credibility and the adequacy of Nepal’s future electoral processes.
In order to implement the project effectively, the ECN developed a phase-wise plan, beginning in April 2010.
In March 2009, launched its Strategic Plan 2009-2013. The Strategic Plan contains the objective of voter registration which reads as follows: “5.2- Ensure accuracy in the electoral rolls and in the identification of the voters.” In June 2009, ESP supported the ECN to develop a concept paper for voter registration (VR) with photo, followed by support for resource mobilisation and donor coordination. Consequently, the Government of Nepal included computerised voter registration (entitled “Voter List with Photograph” project) in its national plan of 2066-67 BS (2009 - 2011) and also made a link to the national identification (NID) project that will be implemented consecutively.
In order to implement the project effectively, the ECN developed a phase-wise plan, beginning in April 2010. . The development and implementation of a new voter registration process has resulted into the complex operations that require strong support in smooth operation of large-scale operation, logistics, procurement and technological management. Therefore, the proposed International Operation Consultant will supplement the existing capacity of the ECN and provide effective support in managing the increased complexity and volume of operations required by the project. This support will be crucial in managing ECN’s phase-wise implementation plan of the project, and in ensuring operations aspects of the project.
Duties and Responsibilities
The objective of the assignment is to meaningfully contribute to the implementation of the Project by bringing international expertises and best practices to the operation of voter registrations. The international expert will be supported by National Operations Expert and be responsible for following tasks;
* Provide direct support to ECN for effective operations of nation-wide implementation of the Voter Registration project
* Coordinate with ECN and partner agencies for the implementation of the voter registration nationwide project.
* Support the ECN with the project reporting and preparation of proposals and progress report for submission to donor agencies.
* Report regularly to UNDP ESP and ECN on progress and implementation challenges of the project
Under the direction supervision of UNDP ESP Senior Electoral Advisor, the International Operations Expert will work closely with the Voter Registration Division of ECN to ensure coherent delivery, effective and efficient operations, field coordination and logistics management of the Voter List with Photograph project of the ECN.
Operational Support to the Voter Registration Project
* Analyze the budget, field operation plans, timelines, and associated logistical support associated with the with the Voter List with Photograph Program
* Work with the ECN to progressively review and adapt the voter registration procedures, forms, materials, software, and equipment used for the ongoing implementation of the program
* Review the existing plan of deployment of Voter registration kits/equipments and refine field level deployment plan for voter registration Kits as per the evolving needs of ECN
* Help coordinate field operations, including streamlined reporting and communication with field teams
* Assist ECN in the operation aspects of Voter education and Voter training program
* Liaise with electoral stakeholders and coordinate information regarding the voter registration program
Technical Assistance to the Voter Registration project:
* Provide constructive input based on best practices learned from other registration efforts
* Provide ongoing technical support and assistance to ECN and UNDP as required with the analysis and adaptation of the project
* Assist and advise on special needs registration and gender initiatives;
* Work with ECN to implement all steps required for deployment of continuous voter registration and institutionalization of the new registration processes and systems into ECN;
* Work closely with ECN the steering committee formed for implementation and coordination of the voter registration nationwide project.
* Provide technical input to the development of the public information campaign, messages, and materials, helping ensure that public information messages are correct and consistent.
* Act as UNDP focal person for Voter registration support at the Election Commission;
* Closely liaise with other partner organizations providing technical Assistance to the EC.
Documentation and Reporting
* Assist the ECN in formulation and review and preparation of project proposals to donors for resource mobilization;
* Support the ECN in the preparation of Voter Registration related progress reports for keeping international partners and other stakeholders informed of the progress on Voter registration related activities;
* Design and develop standard reporting, monitoring, and quality assurance processes for the voter registration effort
The consultant will deliver output as follows:
* Develop detailed field operation plan, equipment deployment plan
* Update voter registration procedures, forms and other materials
* Develop standard reporting, monitoring, and quality assurance processes for the voter registration project
* Prepare project proposals, progress reports and other documents
* Produce recommendation papers on the establishment of continuous registration system
* Produce reports and progress reports for the steering committee scheduled in November and December 2010
* Report implementation challenges of the VR project to the Project Manager
Competencies
* Substantial work in voter registration projects
* Ability to work in difficult environments, under pressure and within a limited timeframe
* Excellent verbal and written English language skills and demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in a multi-cultural environment;
Other selection criteria:
The expert should have extensive, practical experience in large scale digital voter registration system preferably in the sub-region. Working experiences with UNDP shall be an additional asset.
Election Administration and Assistance:
* Good work experience in design, planning and implementation of voter registration projects
* Demonstrated ability to effectively conduct election programs in developing countries
* Demonstrated ability to advise National Election Commissions in an effective and cooperative manner
Required Skills and Experience
* Masters degree in political science, international relations, public or business administration, or related fields
* The expert should have minimum 5 years of professional experiences in election administration.
* Excellent computer skills with high competence.
* Excellent communication, written and oral skills.
* Strong analytical skills, strategic and creative thinking.
Apply Now at https://jobs.undp.org/cj_apply.cfm?job_id=19440