Democratic Elections and Political Process (DEPP) Technical Director

About CEPPS

The Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS) is a co-equal, legal joint venture established in 1995 between the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), the International Republican Institute (IRI), and the National Democratic Institute (NDI). Currently, CEPPS is the holder of the Democratic Elections and Political Process (DEPP) Global Elections and Political Transitions (GEPT) leader with associates award (LWA) from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and has held similar awards since its creation. Over the past 27 years, more than $1.0 billion of funding has been awarded to CEPPS for programs in more than 60 countries. Through the DEPP mechanism, CEPPS works to empower local partners to build resilient government institutions, political parties, and electoral processes in fragile states and developing democracies.

Application and Hiring Information

While the successful candidate will work on behalf of CEPPS, it will be hired by NDI.  All applications will be submitted to NDI at the link provided below.  The review of applications and the interview process will be conducted jointly by the CEPPS partners. 
    
Position Summary

The DEPP Technical Director (D-TD) is a senior position on the CEPPS Management Team that reports to the CEPPS Managing Director (MD).  Under the direction of the MD and in close coordination with the CEPPS Sr. Administrative Director (SrAD) and technical experts will help lead the technical direction of proposal design, development and implementation as well as provide expertise to projects, products and initiatives, to ensure that CEPPS delivers high-quality assistance to meet and exceed its technical commitments and obligations under the DEPP Award.  The D-TD will play a leadership role on the CEPPS Management Team by reinforcing continuous efforts to ensure exemplary performance and high-quality results.

Essential Accountabilities/Responsibilities

• Ensure technical excellence by helping CEPPS meet and exceed technical commitments and obligations under the DEPP Award;
• Facilitate program design sessions to provide technical expertise and CEPPS technical resources to reach consensus on technical priorities and approaches;
•  Ensure inclusion of Senior Technical Partners (STPs) in Leader and Associate Award proposal development, program design, and implementation as needed in accordance with their respective areas of technical expertise and defined scopes of work;
• Make internal recommendations to the MD and Sr.AD on proposed levels of effort and budget splits based on direct consultations – as required – with regional and technical leadership across the three core partners and STPs;
• At the direction of the MD, the D-TD will support regional and technical experts throughout the USAID’s program cycle from strategy development and project design to implementation as well as monitoring, evaluation & learning (MEL) to ensure high quality technical assistance and successful adaptive management.
• Work closely with the MD, Sr.AD and CEPPS Technical Advisors to facilitate collaboration, effective coordination, and overall integration across the three core partners and with the STPs to ensure compliance with USAID’s requirements on technical deliverables and adherence to deadlines;
• Directly contribute to the development and revisions of CEPPS technical approaches and the incorporation of those approaches into CEPPS proposals and programming;
• Manage and draft the technical components of the DEPP Leader Award work plan and other written reports and deliverables in coordination with the CEPPS Technical Advisors;
• Provide      analysis and      recommendations to the CEPPS Learning Agenda that reflect CEPPS technical capabilities and resources;
• Contribute technical expertise to and ensure the success of DEPP Leader Award Rapid Response, Pilot Programs, and Technical Leadership activities; 
• Represent CEPPS on technical matters and concerns with USAID leadership in Washington and at missions, and maintain those relationships as required;
• Provide mentoring and capacity bridging at the individual and organizational level to ensure development and successful performance;
• Advance thought leadership opportunities to showcase CEPPS technical capacities and program impacts at the Consortium-level; and
• Assist in the realization of strategic vision by helping to identify and implement operational priorities as needed;
• While this position will work on behalf of CEPPS, as an NDI-hired employee, it will adhere to NDI’s organizational standards of conduct, policies and processes, and any other established expectations for NDI employees, including those related to performance, i.e. goals and position description accountabilities/responsibilities such as those presented herein.

Peripheral Accountabilities/Responsibilities (Non-essential)

• In the absence of the MD, the D-TD will serve as the consortium’s primary point of contact on technical matters.
• Actively seek and engage in professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge in project/program management, and maintain a general working knowledge of relevant trends and issues occurring external to CEPPS    
• Perform other duties as required.

Parameters

• Routine interaction with CEPPS partner and STP staff, partners, and USAID; resolve problem situations with tact.
• Coordinate work assignments with colleagues and group leaders, and organize work efficiently.
• Frequent interaction using cultural sensitivity to effectively interact with all levels of staff and stakeholders.
• Interaction with non-U.S. government politicians and officials, non-governmental leaders, and computer vendors in politically charged environments.

Required Qualifications

Education
    
Bachelor’s degree in political science, international relations, or related field. Relevant Master’s degree strongly preferred. Additional years of relevant work experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a one-for-one basis

• Minimum 12 years professional experience in international democracy, human rights, and/or governance (DRG) assistance with proven success managing complex multi-country/regional/global USAID-funded assistance awards or contracts;

KSAs

• Deep knowledge of technical areas central to the establishment and consolidation of inclusive and accountable democracies to include but not limited to political party assistance, promoting electoral integrity and sound election administration, citizen participation, election observation, promoting the appropriate use of technology, improving the responsiveness of governing institutions, anti-corruption, consensus-building processes and legal frameworks, mitigating electoral violence.    
• Highly organized, detail-oriented and focused on quality to ensure flexibility and creativity while managing changing priorities and handling multiple responsibilities typically requiring quick turnaround;
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to be innovative and creative in finding ways to resolve issues and secure necessary support and resources for achieving programmatic goals.
• Success directing a team composed of several experts with strong personalities and competing priorities to reach an agreement on shared priorities;
• Ability to work independently and successfully manage multiple priorities with minimal direct supervision;
• Strong interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity to interact effectively and diplomatically across the consortium, with USAID, and other leaders in the DRG community;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively and project a professional image when giving and taking information in writing, in person, and through various communication media.
• High action orientation with a high level of initiative and a superior level of proficiency in the ability to multi-task and prioritize; manage time, perform project management, problem-solving, and organizational skills; and flexibility to adapt and respond to shifting priorities
• Highly proficient working with a global team with frequent virtual (rather than in-person) engagement;
• Track record of managing complex multi-country/regional/global USAID-funded DRG assistance awards – and experience working with consortia – strongly desired;
• Excellent facilitation skills and proven track record of successfully driving consensus in fast-paced work environment(s); 
• Outstanding written and spoken communications skills with demonstrated success in translating complex technical ideas into easily digestible language;
• Extensive business development experience on USAID DRG grants or contracts;
• Demonstrated track record and genuine commitment to adhering to the highest ethical standards.
• Excellent analytical and judgment skills for identifying problems, drawing conclusions, determining options for resolution, and recommending next steps.
• Ability to apply discretion and maintain confidential information
• Ability to travel internationally.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office to include Word, Excel and PowerPoint; knowledge of Google Suite tools preferred.
• Technical knowledge specific to the needs of the team is highly desired.

Certifications/Licenses (desired)

• None required.

Work Environment

This position generally is performed in an office environment and may be suitable for partial telework.
Occasional evening and weekend work may be required, as well as attendance at external events.
Some international travel may be required in this role,      approximately 1-2 trips annually to a CEPPS program country.  These locations often are in remote locations and may require significant time and varying modes of travel. Designated locations also may at times be considered less secure and with greater risk to NDI employees.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting/mobility—to work at a desk and move around work areas.
• Speaking/hearing—to engage orally in conversation with others and conduct presentations.
• Seeing—to effectively use computer screen and for reading and interpreting printed materials, memos and other paperwork.
• Reaching/handling—to input information into computer systems and retrieve and work with appropriate paperwork, equipment and supplies.

ADA Notation:

The physical demands and work environment that have been described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Comments:

Candidates must be legally eligible and authorized to work in the U.S. NDI does not provide sponsorship. 

As a result of COVID19, this position will start in a remote capacity. However, when the office re-opens, this position will be based in our Washington, DC office. NDI does not cover relocation costs for this position.

NDI welcomes and supports a diverse, inclusive work environment. As such, our commitment is to promote equal employment opportunities (EEO) for all applicants seeking employment and NDI employees. NDI makes employment decisions based on organizational needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, personal appearance, military status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation, educational status, unemployment status, place of residence or business, source of income, or reproductive health decision making.  Additionally, harassment or discrimination based on these characteristics will not be tolerated at NDI. To perform the essential functions of this position, reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities and qualified individuals who have limitations due to pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical-related condition.

To apply for this position, please visit the NDI website at: www.ndi.org/careers.

 

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