Research Assistant at International IDEA – The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance – International IDEA is an intergovernmental organization that supports sustainable democracy worldwide. International IDEA’s mission is to support sustainable democratic change by providing comparative knowledge, and assisting in democratic reform, and influencing policies and politics.
International IDEA acts as a catalyst for democracy building; by providing knowledge resources, policy proposals and supporting democratic reforms in response to specific national requests. It works together with policy makers, governments, UN organizations and agencies and regional organizations engaged in the field of democracy building.
International IDEA develops, shares and enables the use of comparative knowledge in its key areas of expertise: electoral processes,constitution building,political participation and representation, democracy and development and democracy assessments.
It also addresses the important issues of gender, diversity, and conflict and security as they relate to democracy.
International IDEA is based in Stockholm, Sweden, and works worldwide through offices in New York, Brussels, The Hague, Latin America, Africa and Asia.
Please note as this is a local post, International IDEA will bear no costs relating to relocation of the selected candidate to the duty station. This position is open to those legally authorized to live and work in Sweden.
The Electoral Processes (EP) team engages with a range of actors in providing knowledge resources, support to electoral reform, and advocacy on a variety of electoral topics. Activities include research, organization of peer exchange and capacity building events, and engagement in global partnerships.
The incumbent will provide support to the EP team in handling research tasks and day-to-day assignments related to communications, logistics and administrative issues.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Conducts research and literature reviews on a variety of Electoral Processes related topics;
- Assists with the drafting of project documents including concept notes, and short articles on key electoral events;
- Assists with internal and external communication related to EP events, including day-to-day correspondence with attendees;
- Assists in all aspects of the day-to-day tasks, including logistic, administrative and budgetary issues.
General Profile
- Has developed knowledge and skills through formal training or work experience;
- Adds value to team-based activities in his/her unit; collaborates with other entities of the Institute as required;
- Follows internal procedures to ensure high standards of performance and compliance with Institutional guidelines;
- Integrates a gender and diversity perspective in all activities.
Reporting Line
Senior Programme Manager
Functional Knowledge
- Has established skills to perform a range of day-to-day activities.
Operational Knowledge, skills and experience
- Integrates the results-based approach into his/her activities;
- Understands how the assigned duties relate to others in the team and how the team integrates with others throughout the organization;
- Illustrates integrity, a collaborative spirit, a sense of achievement, and an understanding of risk management.
Leadership
- No direct people management responsibility.
Problem Solving
- Recognizes and solves typical problems that can occur in own work area; evaluates and selects solutions from established options.
Impact
- Has an impact on the programme development and delivery through the quality of the services or information provided.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Fluency in English required. Knowledge of at least one other widely spoken language in an International IDEA priority region (Arabic, French, Spanish) is desired;
- Liaises regularly with all internal and external stakeholders involved in his/her projects;
- Acts in all assignments with personal energy and engagement.
Education and Experience
- University degree in political science, law, international relations or related subject;
- Minimum of two (2) years experience with research work on topics related to democracy building;
- Experience of working in an international context, e.g. in an intergovernmental organization, considered an advantage.
Terms of Contract
Local Post. Six (6) months fixed term appointment. Start – As soon as possible.
If you are not available to start immediately, but would be interested in a similar position in the coming months, please clearly indicate in your cover letter what months you would be available.
Please note as this is a local post, International IDEA will bear no costs relating to relocation of the selected candidate to the duty station. This position is open to those legally authorized to live and work in Sweden.
Applying for this position
- Applications should be submitted online no later than 26 November 2017;
- Applications must be sent in English.
International IDEA is an equal opportunity employer which seeks to further diversify its staff in terms of gender, culture and nationality.
Read more and apply here.