Alternative Dispute Resolution Specialist - Afghanistan
Location: Afghanistan
Division: Program Management
Status: Consultant
Position Number: 11:097

Project Description:

About IFES: The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) is the leading election assistance and democracy promotion non-governmental organization. IFES promotes democratic stability by providing technical assistance and applying field-based research to the electoral cycle in countries around the world to enhance citizen participation and strengthen civil societies, governance and transparency. Founded in 1987 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, IFES has developed and implemented comprehensive, collaborative democracy solutions in more than 120 countries.

About the Project: In June 2008 IFES was awarded a three-year contract with USAID, named the Support to the Electoral Process in Afghanistan (STEP). The STEP team is tasked to provide support to the Independent Election Commission (IEC) of Afghanistan in its long-term capacity building and other areas of operation. Current end date of the project is September 2011. This is a short term consultancy for approximately four weeks.

Job Responsibilities:
The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Specialist is required for a period of up to one month and will be based in Kabul, Afghanistan. Reporting to the IFES Chief of Party (or designee), the consultant will serve as an advisor to the Independent Election Commission (IEC). In consultation with the IEC and other actors, the ADR specialist will develop an Alternative Dispute Resolution options paper and conduct a workshop with senior IEC officials to raise awareness of different mechanisms for resolving disputes.
Responsibilities:
• Conduct a review of the existing dispute resolution mechanisms employed by the IEC in support of the electoral process, including for voter registration and polling activities;
• Consult with STEP, IEC and other relevant actors on the role of dispute resolution mechanisms and identify alternative systems, that may be suitable to the work of the IEC and applicable within the culture of Afghanistan;
• Develop an Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanism options paper, identifying suitable solutions that may be considered by the IEC as a means of resolving issues, with associated pros, cons and cost profiles;
• Develop and implement a one to two day seminar for senior IEC staff, centered around the options paper, and raising awareness of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms;
• Contribute to the production of weekly, monthly and quarterly reports;
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
• Advanced University Degree (Master or equivalent) in Law, Public Administration, Management, or equivalent professional experience;
• Candidates should possess at least five years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience with an emphasis towards qualifications and experience in Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms and the preparation and delivery of seminars and workshops;
• Experience working and/or living in post-conflict or fragile environments is desirable;
• Demonstrated organizational, supervisory and interpersonal skills; Experience at the international level, especially in international organizations is desirable;
• Afghanistan experience highly desirable;
• Fluency in written and spoken English is essential; knowledge of Pashto or Dari is highly desirable.
Preferred Attributes:
Successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following attributes:
• Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges. Remains calm in stressful situations; Client Orientation – Ability to identify and analyze clients’ needs and provide appropriate solutions to meet business requirements;
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to convey complex human resource management concepts and recommendations, both orally and in writing, in a clear, concise style;
• Demonstrated planning and organizational skills and ability to coordinate the work of others, work to meet tight deadlines and handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
• Ability to coach, monitor and develop staff.

To Apply:
You must go to http://www.ifes.org/ to the Careers section and apply online. Applications are only accepted in this way. Make sure you upload all papers together (ie. cover letter and application, etc.).