Context

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) is an intergovernmental organization composed of 35 member states that supports democracy worldwide. Headquartered in Stockholm and with field offices in 18 countries, it promotes sustainable democratic change by providing comparative knowledge, assisting in democratic reform, and influencing policies and politics. The Institute’s key impact areas are Electoral Processes, Digitalization and Democracy, Constitution-Building, Democracy Assessments, as well as Political Participation and Representation. International IDEA supports democratic change through its convening potential at the country, expert, and international levels. It works in the spirit of peer dialogue, nurturing an open and pluralistic understanding of democracy that is respectful of the national context.

Based in Brussels, International IDEA’s Regional Europe Programme (REP) implements democracy assistance projects in young democracies across Europe and liaises with European Union institutions and Member States. With the support of its field offices in Albania, Kosovo, Moldova and Ukraine, the Institute extensively supports the integrity of elections in EU enlargement countries helping national institutions to address emerging issues of digitalization and democracy, cybersecurity, foreign interference and malign information, online campaigning and impact of AI, and liaising them with EU institutions.

During 2025, International IDEA will implement the project “Closing the digital gap on elections in EU accession”. Building on the Institute’s networks among both enlargement country electoral authorities and EU policymakers in Brussels, the project seeks to foster dialogue and exchanges between enlargement country stakeholders (EMBs, policymakers, experts, civil society) and EU institutions. It will do so through a combination of consultative mapping exercises, research, peer exchanges and dialogues in Brussels.

The Associate Project Officer will contribute to the planning and implementation of project activities, in close cooperation with the Brussels-based Programme Manager. They will support the planning, design, implementation, communication, and reporting of relevant project activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. In close cooperation with the project manager, supports the development and implementation of project activities through research, planning, operational organization and communication;
2. Collaborates closely with relevant team members in Brussels on all substantive content to ensure alignment across the project;
3. Coordinates with Election Management Bodies, civil society organizations, EU institutions, partners, contractors and service providers to support the smooth implementation of project activities;
4. Contributes to the organization of project events, workshops/trainings and study visits ensuring relevant follow-up on all activities;
5. Supports the team’s communication and outreach activities;
6. Collects and collates project information (testimonials, facts and figures, images, etc.) and contributes to the preparation of project reports, concept notes, and briefs;
7. Supports the design and development of knowledge products; conducts initial research, supports the development of papers and articles and ensures the dissemination of project outputs;
8. Supports the establishment and maintenance of networks and partnership initiatives; maintains contact with diverse stakeholders;
9. Contributes to the monitoring and evaluation of the project, through the collection of data and the documenting of outcomes and impact of International IDEA’s work.

General Profile

• Requires good knowledge, excellent skills and initial experience in the field of democracy assistance;
• Will contribute to different aspects of the project life cycle, and will support the projects vis-à-vis all internal and external stakeholders;
• Adds value to team-based activities in their unit; collaborates with other entities of the Institute as required;
• Can be expected to travel to any geographical area involved in their projects (Brussels and EU enlargement countries);
• Follows internal procedures to ensure high standards of performance and compliance with Institutional guidelines;
• Acts in accordance with International IDEA’s core values; Respect, Integrity and Professionalism;
• Integrates a gender and inclusion perspective in all activities.

Reporting line

• Programme Manager – Western Balkans.

Education and Experience

• University degree in political science, social science, law, international development or other relevant discipline;
• A minimum of three (3) years of relevant professional experience working in the field of democracy promotion and elections standards, supporting project implementation;
• Requires strong knowledge and relevant experience in project support;
• Proven experience in engaging, cultivating and influencing stakeholders is an advantage;
• Experience in conducting qualitative comparative research, data collection and analysis is considered an advantage;
• Fluency in English is required; Knowledge of other languages spoken in the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe is an asset.

Terms of Contract:

• Local Post.
• Fixed term appointment for one (1) year.
• Remuneration - ALL 229 667 GROSS per month

Please note as this is a local post, International IDEA will bear no costs relating to the relocation of the selected candidate to the duty station. This position is open to those legally authorized to live and work in Albania for the duration of the contract. International IDEA is not able to support work permit applications. 

Applying for this position:

• Applications should be submitted online no later than 23:59 (CET) on the 29th of December 2024.
• Please note that all applications must be made in English.

Selection Process:

• Evaluation of qualified candidates will include a written test assessment and up to two (2) interviews.
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a 48-hour online written test, tentatively scheduled for Friday, 3 January 2025.
• All candidates will be notified of the status of their application via email once the process has been finalized.

International IDEA is an equal-opportunity employer which seeks to further diversify its staff in terms of gender, culture and nationality.