Context

 The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) is an intergovernmental organization of 35 member states, with a mission to support sustainable democracy worldwide through policy-relevant knowledge, capacity development, advocacy, and the convening of dialogues. The Institute pursues this mission by developing, sharing and enabling the use of comparative knowledge to reform-makers, combining research, global knowledge tools, and technical assistance to support democratic reform and influence policies and politics at the national and global level.

On February 1, 2021, International IDEA’s Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Office (RLAC) was established in the Republic of Panama. We work with democratic institutions throughout the Latin American and Caribbean region to strengthen the effectiveness and legitimacy of democracy and its institutions. Based on a geographic approach, the LAC Programme responds to requests from regional, sub-regional, and national actors, builds capacity through technical assistance and comparative applied knowledge, and provides spaces for dialogue. The Programme serves as an important partner and agenda setter across the region, supporting a wide range of democracy-strengthening initiatives.

Following the 1996 Peace Accords, Guatemala has made progress in its democratic transition but continues to face challenges in consolidating democracy, strengthening the rule of law, and restoring public trust in institutions. The period 2026–2027 will be critical, with major institutional renewal processes, including the appointment of key oversight and justice authorities and the organization of the 2027 general elections, presenting important opportunities to strengthen democratic governance. In this context, International IDEA has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Supreme Electoral Tribunal to provide technical assistance, strengthen institutional and civic capacities, promote inclusive participation and accountability, enhance information integrity and digital literacy, and support consensus-based political and electoral reforms to advance free, fair, and transparent elections.

The Project Associate supports project planning, implementation and monitoring by coordinating activities, tracking progress against workplans, and supporting the drafting of project documentation.

Duties and Responsibilities

 • Supports the Project Manager with the planning and regular monitoring of project initiatives, from a progress and results-based perspective;

• Supports the review of programmatic documentation and the analysis of technical and research documents;

• Coordinates the organization and development of scheduled activities - meetings, workshops, and events related to the project (including drafting agenda, logistics, and participant invitations, as well as follow-up on invitations), ensuring that deadlines and objectives are met, and the project's institutional agenda updated for proper planning;

• Prepares activity budgets and expenditure reports, verifying all supporting documents in line with International IDEA policies and procedures;

• Prepares meeting minutes, concept notes, event programs, reports, contracts, and terms of reference for other consultants, as well as other relevant project documents as requested by the Project Manager;

• Supports project related procurements in line with International IDEA policies and procedures and ensuring compliance with donors financial and procurement policies for donor-funded projects;

• Ensures safe and accessible project documentation including, building, and managing folders containing contracts, budgets, activity reports, data, deliverables, and contact lists; and makes regular updates to existing documentation as may be required;

• Monitors expenditure against workplan and projects to ensure expenditure targets are met;

• Monitors ongoing external consultancies and maintain up-to-date project files and inventories;

• Organizes staff travel including travel requests, travel advances, travel claims and other associated issues; when applicable, assists external consultants and participants on travel requests/claims;

• Coordinates and manages relationships with partners and stakeholders, including efficient follow up with partners on tasks and expectations, and liaison with focal persons on agreed actions;

• Carries out other duties and responsibilities as related to the post that may be assigned from time to time.

General Profile

 • Has developed knowledge and skills through formal education and work experience;

• Contributes to different aspects of the project life cycle;

• Adds value to team-based activities in their unit; collaborates with other entities of the Institute as required;

• Follows internal procedures to ensure high standards of performance and compliance with Institutional guidelines;

• May be expected to travel to any geographical area involved in their projects;

• Acts in accordance with International IDEA’s Core Values; Respect, Integrity and Professionalism;

• Integrates gender equality, diversity, and social inclusion (GEDSI) considerations into all tasks and activities, in alignment with the Institute’s values and commitment to the GEDSI policy.

Reporting line

 • Project Manager, Guatemala

Education and Experience

 • University degree in social science, political science, law, or management and logistics or related subject;

• Minimum two (2) years of experience in international cooperation, supporting project implementation and administration, logistics, and communications;

• Knowledge and experience of democratization and good governance, including the development and implementation of projects;

• Experience working with public institutions in Guatemala;

• Experience of working on promoting gender equality is considered an advantage;

• Experience of working in an international context, e.g. in an intergovernmental organization, considered an advantage;

• Fluency in written and spoken Spanish is required;

• Knowledge of written and spoken English.

Terms of Contract:

• Local Post.

• Fixed term appointment until 31 October 2028.

• Remuneration - GTQ 14 778 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 Guatemala for the duration of the contract. International IDEA is not able to support work permit applications. 

Use of AI in Recruitment
International IDEA places strong emphasis on human input in recruitment. Candidates must disclose any use of AI tools. All application materials, written assessments, and interview responses (as applicable) must be entirely human-generated and reflect the candidate’s own knowledge, skills, and experience. The use of AI to generate content or misrepresent qualifications is not permitted. AI‑powered assistive technologies (such as screen readers or speech‑to‑text tools) may be used for accessibility purposes to ensure equal access to the recruitment process.

Applying for this position:

• Applications should be submitted online no later than 23:59 (CEST) 21 June 2026. 

• 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.

• Candidates selected to proceed to the next stage of the process will be contacted once all applications have been carefully reviewed.

• All candidates will be notified of the status of their application via email once the process has been finalized.

Due to the anticipated volume of applications, International IDEA will review applications on a rolling basis, and the vacancy may close earlier than the advertised deadline. Applicants are therefore encouraged to apply early.

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