VOTER EDUCATION EXPERT- UNDP Dar es Salaam Tanzania

VOTER EDUCATION EXPERT
Location :	Dar Es Salaam, TANZANIA
Application Deadline :	14-Nov-14
Additional Category	Democratic Governance
Type of Contract :	Individual Contract
Post Level :	International Consultant
Languages Required :	English
Duration of Initial Contract :	6 Months
Expected Duration of Assignment :	6 Months
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Background

Tanzania has held four credible general elections since the reintroduction of multi-party politics in 1992. Citizens and the government are eager to maintain this track record and to further strengthen democratic practice in Tanzania. Looking to the 2015 general election, government has undertaken early and comprehensive preparations for the electoral processes. Since receipt of official requests for UN assistance to the election cycle leading to the 2015 general election from the National Election Commission and Zanzibar Electoral Commission, a UN Needs Assessment Mission recommended the development of a project in support of the national efforts. In addition, in 2014 the United Republic of Tanzania will likely conduct a first national referendum on a new constitution. The National Election Management Bodies (EMBs) and other stakeholders in preparing for these critical events have requested the support of UNDP to provide technical support to the preparation and execution of the referendum. To these ends, the Democratic Empowerment Project (DEP) is a four year (2013-2016) UNDP, UN One Fund and other donor-funded project with the overall aim of contributing to Tanzania’s UNDAP’s Outcome 7: i.e. “key institutions of democracy, (i.e. EMBs, etc.) effectively implement their election and political functions”.   UN Women and UNESCO are implementing partners in a One UN Country Team context. Voter Registration is anticipated to commence in January on the mainland, a registration of all eligible Tanzanians, anticipated to be about 20 million persons.  A second round of Voter Registration is anticipated in the second half of 2015 in the buildup to elections in October 2015.  The first priority is to develop and deliver Voter Education for Voter Registration and then VE for the election program.  Support will also be provided to the Zanzibar Electoral Commission for a second round of Voter Registration in early 2015 and for the elections in October 2015.

Duties and Responsibilities

A detailed inception report that shows the proposed approach, work plan, and methodology of approach for Voter Registration; Identify members of Voter Education Co-ordination Committee and schedule of meeting for mainland and Zanzibar; Draft initial report on activities to be undertaken and ToR for these activities; A detailed report that shows the proposed approach, work plan, and methodology of approach for Election Voter Education; Submit final report on activities and recommendations for capacity building to NEC and ZEC.

Competencies

Strategic technical and intellectual skills in the substantive area with global dynamic perspectives; Leadership, innovation, facilitation, advocacy and collaboration skills; Ability to engage with UNDP and its strategic partners, including the EMBs and the CSOs; Entrepreneurial abilities and ability to work in an independent manner; Ability to work effectively in a team, with good relationship management skills; Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in a highly complex organization context; Ability to maintain high standards despite pressing deadlines; Excellent communication (both oral and written) and partnership building skills with people and multi-dimension partners; Excellent writing skills, especially in the preparation the communication package/tool in the context of Voter Education; Good knowledge of Tanzania’s environmental and socio-political context.

Required Skills and Experience

Education A university degree in Political Science or Social Science with a specialization in public affairs, media relations, communications or a related subject or relevant experience. Experience At least five years of relevant work experience in the development and implementation of public information and outreach campaigns; At least five years practical experience with the design, development and implementation of: Election Campaign Design; Strategic communications; Messaging for mass audiences; Radio/television production; Advertising campaigns. Language Fluency in written and spoken English is essential; Knowledge of Kiswahili would be an advantage.