PROJECT MANAGER for WEST AFRICA
Temporary post - November 2003 to June 2004
1. The position:
To replace a staff member on leave of absence, IDEA seeks a temporary Project Manager to contribute to the general development of its activities in Africa, with specific reference to the West Africa region. (S)he will be located primarily in West Africa, reporting to the Head of the Africa Team based in Pretoria. (S)he will work in cooperation with the other members of the Africa Team and with IDEA’s staff at HQ in Stockholm..
2. Context:
International IDEA is preparing its programme of activities for 2004-6 with a focus on the strengthening of electoral processes and political parties; the political participation of women and other underrepresented groups; democracy building through dialogue, especially in post conflict situations. These themes will be taken up in IDEA’s work in Africa, building on existing activities and working in cooperation with various public and non-governmental bodies at national and international level. In West Africa, IDEA is seeking to strengthen ties with regional organisations and give a stronger regional dimension to its activities currently based in Nigeria and Burkina Faso.
IDEA has specialised staff at HQ in Stockholm working on each priority theme. Its geographical staff contribute information and analysis from the field, take part in designing and implementing activities, represent IDEA and its work in the region, networking and liaising with official bodies, local political actors, academics, NGOs, the donor community etc. The Africa team is headed by a Director to be based in Pretoria. Project teams are currently based in Lagos and Ouagadougou.
The programme manager with special responsibility for West Africa will take leave of absence in November until June, creating a temporary vacancy for a full time (or nearly full time) expert with project management skills in the area of democracy and good governance, as well as a sound knowledge of political trends in Africa.
3. Main functions:
v Participate in programming IDEA’s activities in West Africa, including the Burkina Faso project, for the period 2004-6 and take specific responsibility for initial phase of implementation of these activities
v Contribute to the development of IDEA’s thematic work, providing regular information and analysis on political trends and challenges for democracy in West Africa

v Maintain and develop relevant professional contacts and networks of cooperation with those active in the field of political reform and democracy assistance in Africa, including practitioners, policy makers, academics and the international community (e.g. ECOWAS).
v Represent IDEA externally as appropriate, provide information and expertise for target groups, the media etc. and generally contribute to IDEA’s information activities
4. Specific tasks:

The assignment is foreseen in two consecutive phases:

First phase: minimum 30 days between November 2003 and end January 2004 to be based primarily in Stockholm
Tasks:
- to assist in programming of IDEA’s activities in Africa 2004-6 and in the definition of specific regional activities for West Africa.;
- to prepare 2004 work plan and budget for activities relating more specifically to West Africa.

Second phase: minimum 90 days between February and end June 2004, to be based primarily in Ouagadougou and the West Africa region, with two or three visits to IDEA office in Pretoria and possibly Stockholm as required.
Tasks:
- to prepare and launch activities, supervise financial administration, procurement and budget monthly reporting (10-15 days a month)
- representation, networking and public relations relating to all IDEA's work (2-5 days a month)
- political analysis and reporting (2-5 days a month)
- handover and debriefing

A third phase may be foreseen to continue supervisory tasks, delaying full handover until later in 2004.
5. Required Skills:
The Project Manager should have a good track record of designing, managing or evaluating democracy or governance projects (5 years minimum). Knowledge of development co-operation and good understanding of programming procedures, project cycle management etc would be a distinct advantage. Experience of working at transnational level or with regional organizations would be an advantage.

(S)he should be familiar with a range of issues relating to democracy analysis and support, including one or more of the following: political party development, legislative and parliamentary work, post conflict democracy building, gender and political participation, election processes.

(S)he should have a sound knowledge and capacity for analysis of political trends and challenges for democracy in Africa, preferably in West Africa. Ideally, the project manager will already have a network of relevant contacts in the region.
The project manager should be full of initiative, versatile and adaptable, willing to keep colleagues fully informed, yet able to work autonomously. Fluency in English and French is required as well as normal computer/internet skills.
Type of contract: 8 Months (limited) duration - full time or 75% time.
Entry on duty: November 2003
Fee: International rates, commensurate with professional experience

Closing date for tenders: 29 October 2003

Tenders (including CV) should be sent preferably by e-mail [email][email protected] or by fax: +46-8-20 24 22 or by post International IDEA, 103 34 STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN. Mark the tender “Project Manager West Africa”.