The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), re-established by proclamation No. 1133/2011, is the constitutionally mandated body to conduct elections, organize referendum and regulate political parties in Ethiopia. NEBE is working to boost its’ institutional strength with a special focus on enhancement of human resource capacity. Accordingly, NEBE would like to invite applicants for Senior Research & Learning Expert position who meet the following requirements.

Job Summary

Senior Research & Learning Expert within the NEBE will play a critical role in enhancing the organizational capacity, efficiency, and effectiveness of electoral processes through rigorous research, innovative learning strategies, and the dissemination of best practices. His/her work will be instrumental in shaping electoral policies, procedures, and training programs that uphold the integrity and transparency of election processes. This position will collaborate closely with PMEL staff, program heads, and other stakeholders to ensure that Researches and M&E findings are effectively shared and utilized within the organization.

Duties and responsibilities

Research Leadership:

• Lead strategic research initiatives related to electoral management, voter education, electoral technology, and democratic governance.
• Conduct comprehensive analyses of domestic and international electoral practices and contribute to evidence-based policy development.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of research projects aimed at improving election administration and governance.
• Present research findings and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and stakeholders.

Knowledge Sharing:

• Develop and implement strategies for sharing M&E results and lessons learned with internal and external stakeholders.
• Facilitate knowledge-sharing sessions, workshops, and forums to promote a culture of learning within the organization.

Capacity Building:

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify learning needs and design targeted capacity-building interventions.
• Implement knowledge-sharing mechanisms to foster continuous learning and professional development within the organization.

Partnership and Advocacy:

• Cultivate strategic partnerships with academic institutions, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to promote knowledge exchange and collaboration.
• Contribute to thought leadership initiatives and publications to advance the field of election management and administration.

Continuous Improvement:

• Collaborate with program teams to identify areas for programmatic improvement based on research findings.
• Support the development of action plans to address identified weaknesses and enhance program effectiveness.

Strategic Planning:

• Contribute to the strategic planning process by providing evidence-based insights and recommendations derived from research findings.
• Assist in aligning future program strategies with research findings and organizational goals.

External Engagement:

• Represent the organization in external forums, conferences, and working groups related to M&E and learning.
• Collaborate with external partners to share best practices and experiences.

Reports to: Head, Planning, Learning, Monitoring & Evaluation Department

Duty station: NEBE Head Quarter, Addis Ababa

Salary: As per the organization salary scale (Competitive)

Requirements

Education and Work Experience:

• MA/M.Sc./BA in Project Planning and Management, Statistics, Public Policy, Law, or a related field.
• For MA/M.Sc. holders: at least 7 years of relevant experience.
• For BA holders: at least 8 years of relevant experience in strategic planning, research design, and data analysis within electoral management or related fields.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of PMEA or MEAL system, preferably in the context of elections or governance-related programs.
• Knowledge of Election cycle management
• Familiarity with electoral laws, regulations, and processes is advantageous.
• Knowledge of Knowledge management, learning and documentation
• Knowledge of data analytics and proficiency in quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques.
• Knowledge of PMEL methodologies, tools, and best practices.

Know-How (Skills) (Technical competencies):

• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R, or STATA) for quantitative research.
• Deep understanding of qualitative research methods, including interviews, focus groups, and content analysis.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Effective communicator with demonstrated ability to distill complex information into clear and compelling presentations.
• Experience working with electoral stakeholders, such as government agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners.
• Commitment to upholding electoral integrity, transparency, and democratic principles.
• Ability to facilitate discussions, workshops, and training sessions.
• Experience in electoral processes or related fields are advantageous.
• Fluency in English and Amharic (written and spoken).
• Fluency in English and Amharic required (written and spoken),

Behavioural competencies:

• Adaptability/ flexibility,
• Willingness to adhere to all principles of confidentiality and impartiality,
• Data protection/Sensitivity,
• Customer orientation,
• Persistence/Endurance,
• Maintaining organizational etiquette, Integrity and Honesty,
• Operating in a collaborative and cooperative environment,
• Ability to thrive in a fast-moving environment, with an emphasis on high performance, teamwork, accountability, and results,
• Showing initiative, good judgment, and resourcefulness