Programme Officer: Elections and Parliamentary Strengthening – Electoral Institute of Southern Africa (EISA) Jobs

The Electoral Institute of Southern Africa (EISA) wishes to recruit a Programme Officer for its work in Kenya and the East Africa region to be based in Nairobi.
Job Title: Programme Officer – Elections and Parliamentary Strengthening
Reports to: Country Director Purpose of the job: To implement the electoral support and parliamentary strengthening programmes within the EISA Kenya Office
Key tasks and responsibilities
Reporting to the Country Director, the overall responsibility of the Programme Officer will be to ensure implementation of both the Elections Programme and the Parliamentary Strengthening Programme and specifically
to:
  • Organise capacity building activities and provide technical assistance to the elections management body, parliament, political parties and civil society organisations
  • Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with the electoral management body, parliament, political parties, civil society organisations as well as with experts in African politics and governance
  • Draft reports to donors and to EISA management
  • Initiate, conceptualise and implement projects in the area of democratic governance
  • Participate in proposal writing and fundraising
  • Liaise with project donors as delegated by the Country Director
  • Publish research and opinion papers on governance and political institutions in Kenya in reputable journals and books
  • Attend and participate in internal staff meetings and represent EISA at external events
  • Assist the Country Director in the implementation and management of other programmes
Requirements

  • Postgraduate degree in political science or a related discipline from a recognised university
  • At least five years experience in the areas of elections, legislative processes, political party development and democracy in East Africa
  • Solid experience in project management, proposal and report writing
  • Experience in organising seminars, workshops and conferences and preparing workshop reports
  • Proof of written and published work on political institutions and democracy in Africa
  • Familiarity with political and legislative institutions and networks in Kenya
  • Ability to relate diplomatically and professionally at all levels
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Ability to work as part of a team and adhere to deadlines and set priorities
  • Well-developed written and verbal communication skills
  • Good interpersonal, presentation and facilitation skills
  • Knowledge of administration procedures including budget preparation
  • Working knowledge of MS Office
  • Possession of a valid driver’s licence
  • Fluency in English and Kiswahili
Applicants should submit an application letter and their CVs to applications@eisa.org.za by Friday 14 May 2010.