Election Dispute Resolution (EDR) Expert

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), re-established by proclamation No. 1133/2011, is the constitutionally mandated body to conduct elections, organize referendum and regulate political parties in Ethiopia. NEBE is working to boost its institutional strength with a special focus on enhancement of human resource capacity. Accordingly, NEBE would like to invite applicants for Election Dispute Resolution (EDR) Expert position who meet the following requirements to apply.

Job Summary

The function of the Election Dispute Resolution (EDR) Expert is to assist the NEBE in the reception and management of electoral complaints loaded against it. This role involves in-depth understanding of conflict resolution techniques and legal expertise The Expert plays a critical role in safeguarding the integrity of elections and managing legal cases effectively.

Duties and responsibilities

• Oversee the management of cases where NEBE is the adjudicating body and perform legal duties, such as receiving complaints, notification, collection of evidence, analysis of the issues and preparation of hearings
• Compile and review electoral complaints lodged against the NEBE
• Coordinate with plaintiffs and witnesses on the hearing of complaints, and organize and provide recommendations to the Management Board,based on analysis
• Liaise with regional and constituency offices of NEBE on the submission and defense of election complaints and appeals where NEBE is a respondent
• Conduct legal analysis, research and develop recommendation on dispute resolution mechanisms and case management systems for electoral disputes
• Develop reports on electoral cases based on analysis and the decisions issued at investigative and hearing stages
• Support the development of effective complaint handling system and process
• Use insight and expertise to develop lessons learned and best practices on effective electoral complaint resolution mechanisms
• Represents NEBE when party to a suit in courts on electoral and other legal affairs.
• Assist in the establishment of grievance hearing committees on different election administration levels.
• Assist in the roll out of electoral trainings at NEBE HQ, regional levels, and field offices.
• Provide technical assistance to grievance hearing committee.
• Follow up and liaise with relevant bodies on electoral criminal cases
• Provide input on relevant directives and the legal framework on election dispute resolution.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of EDR processes and identify areas for improvement.
• Stay updated with emerging trends and best practices in dispute resolution, integrating new techniques into the EDR process.

Required number: One

Reports to: Head, Election Legal Department

Duty station: NEBE Head Quarter, Addis Ababa

Employment Type: Permanent

Salary: As per the organization salary scale (Competitive)

Education and Work Experience:

• LLB or LLM in Law or related fields
• 7 years and Bachelor | 5 years and Masters

Skill Requirements:

• Strong understanding of legal principles and regulations relevant to conflict resolution.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Proven ability to remain neutral, impartial, and calm in high-pressure situations.
• Ethical mindset with a commitment to confidentiality, fairness, and impartiality.