Project Analyst (Electoral Affairs) position with UNDP in Dhaka, Bangladesh under the Democratic Reforms through Inclusive Participation in Bangladesh (DRIP) Project.

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1. Introduction and Context

Bangladesh’s Electoral Landscape

Bangladesh is at a crucial juncture in terms of its democratic development. Recent years have seen increasing scrutiny of electoral processes, concerns over inclusivity, transparency, and public trust. In response to these challenges, there has been growing pressure from civil society, media, and the international community for substantial electoral reform.

The establishment of a new Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC) has created a significant opportunity to reform and strengthen the country’s democratic framework. In this context, UNDP, in collaboration with UN Women, is supporting the Government of Bangladesh through the DRIP project, aiming to enhance the credibility, inclusiveness, and transparency of elections.

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2. Overview of the DRIP Project

The Democratic Reforms through Inclusive Participation in Bangladesh (DRIP) project is a comprehensive multi-year initiative focused on:

• Enhancing democratic reforms and electoral credibility.
• Promoting inclusive political participation, especially among women, youth, and marginalized groups.
• Generating evidence-based research and data to strengthen accountability and citizen advocacy.
• Supporting the institutional capacity of the Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC).
• Fostering collaboration between academia, civil society, media, and development partners.

This project is not only technical but also transformational in its ambition to reframe the electoral landscape of Bangladesh through long-term, inclusive, and systemic reform.

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3. Position Summary: Project Analyst (Electoral Affairs)

Contract Type:

National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-9)

Duty Station:

Dhaka, Bangladesh

Contract Duration:

1 Year (with possibility for extension)

Languages Required:http://👉 Comprehensive Role Analysis: Project Analyst (Electoral Affairs) – UNDP, Dhaka, Bangladesh

English and Bangla

Reports to:@vacancyspaces.com

Chief Technical Advisor (CTA), with coordination with the UNDP Governance Cluster

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4. Key Responsibilities and Functional Areas

A. Technical and Policy Support

• Electoral Operations: Provide expert support on technical aspects such as voter registration, election logistics, civic education, and digital tools for electoral management.
• Policy Research and Analysis: Conduct policy research on electoral systems and reforms; assess gaps and opportunities for strengthening the electoral process in Bangladesh.
• Knowledge Products: Contribute to the creation of knowledge tools (white papers, case studies, comparative analysis) for use by policymakers, civil society, and electoral stakeholders.
• Institutional Strengthening: Design tools and recommendations for strengthening the internal capacity of the BEC, including human resource development and organizational change.

B. Project Implementation

• Operational Oversight: Ensure project activities are executed in line with UNDP’s results-based management (RBM) framework and donor expectations.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Serve as a liaison with BEC, CSOs, media, and think tanks to harmonize efforts on democratic reforms.
• Field Engagement: Work closely with regional and district-level election offices to monitor and support local-level implementation.

C. Monitoring and Reporting

• Data Collection and Analysis: Monitor key performance indicators, analyze trends, and support the use of data for decision-making.
• Reporting: Prepare donor reports, policy briefs, and other documentation showcasing the impact, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Site Visits: Conduct field visits to assess progress, identify bottlenecks, and document best practices.

D. Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy

• Public Outreach: Support awareness campaigns and public forums to improve electoral literacy and transparency.
• Training and Dialogue: Facilitate dialogue sessions with political parties, youth groups, and women’s organizations.
• Development Partner Engagement: Assist in coordinating development partner roundtables, briefings, and donor reporting mechanisms.

E. Capacity Building & Knowledge Management

• Training Development: Design training modules for BEC officials, civil society actors, and local authorities on topics such as electoral integrity, inclusion, and digital voter education.
• Best Practice Exchange: Support peer-to-peer learning with regional or international electoral management bodies (EMBs).
• Documentation: Systematically capture and disseminate lessons learned for future electoral cycles.

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5. Core and Technical Competencies

A. Core UNDP Competencies (Level 1):

• Achieve Results: Efficient planning and adherence to timelines; attention to detail.
• Think Innovatively: Demonstrates a problem-solving mindset; open to experimentation.
• Learn Continuously: Engages in self-development and encourages peer learning.
• Adapt with Agility: Remains composed and productive in dynamic environments.
• Act with Determination: Resilient under pressure; goal-oriented.
• Engage and Partner: Builds positive relationships; empathetic collaborator.
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Understands and respects differences; proactively addresses bias and discrimination.

B. Cross-Functional and Technical Competencies:

• Innovation Capacity Building: Capable of driving innovative electoral practices and reform mechanisms.
• Electoral Cycle Support: Familiar with electoral legal frameworks, campaign regulations, voter registration systems, and electoral cycle planning.
• Communications and Advocacy: Skilled in managing campaigns to promote inclusive political participation and electoral integrity.
• Result-Based Management (RBM): Proficient in designing indicators, logic models, and evaluation frameworks.

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6. Qualifications and Experience

Educational Requirements:

• Master’s Degree in Political Science, Development Studies, Law, Public Administration, or related fields.
  OR
• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant disciplines with two additional years of experience (total of 4 years).

Experience Requirements:

• At least 2 years of experience (with Master’s) or 4 years of experience (with Bachelor’s) in:
  • Electoral assistance or electoral process reform.
  • Democracy promotion or governance programming.
  • Working with civil society, election bodies, or international development organizations.
• Specific Experience Sought:
  • Knowledge of Bangladesh’s political and electoral systems.
  • Experience producing analytical documentation and knowledge products.
  • Field-level engagement and understanding of local governance structures.
  • Prior work with the UN, bilateral agencies, or donor-funded projects is an asset.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English and Bangla is essential (spoken and written).

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7. Broader Impact of the Role

This position serves as a critical link between:

• Policy and implementation—ensuring that electoral reforms are grounded in evidence and executed effectively.
• National institutions and civil society—building bridges of trust and collaboration.
• UNDP and the people of Bangladesh—delivering on the promise of a more inclusive and democratic society.

As such, the Project Analyst (Electoral Affairs) is not just a technical role, but also a catalyst for democratic transformation.

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8. Collaboration and Reporting Lines

The position reports directly to the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) and works in close coordination with:

• The UNDP Governance Cluster.
• UN Women and other DRIP project partners.
• Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC).
• Local government institutions, media, and think tanks.
• Civil society organizations, particularly women-led and youth-focused organizations.

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9. Potential Career Development Opportunities

This role positions the incumbent well for future opportunities in:

• Democratic governance and electoral systems at the UN or other international organizations.
• Policy advisory positions in governance, public administration, or development cooperation.
• Senior project management roles within large-scale reform or institutional strengthening programs.
• Regional and global positions in electoral policy development and implementation.

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10. Commitment to Ethics, Diversity, and Inclusion

UNDP places a high emphasis on ethics and accountability. The selected candidate must:

• Comply with the UNDP Standards of Conduct.
• Undergo background checks and screening.
• Commit to anti-harassment, anti-discrimination, and zero tolerance of abuse of authority.

Additionally, the UNDP is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented communities are especially encouraged to apply.

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11. Application Process and Timeline

Posting Date:

April 8, 2025

Deadline:

April 19, 2025 (5:59 AM Bangladesh Time)

Job Reference ID:

25525

Vacancy Type:

National Personnel Service Agreement

Application Instructions:

Apply through the Oracle Cloud recruitment platform using the job link provided. Prepare:

• A detailed CV
• Cover letter tailored to the role
• Any supporting documentation of prior experience or publications (if requested)

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12. Final Thoughts

The Project Analyst (Electoral Affairs) position is not just a job—it’s a critical opportunity to shape the democratic future of Bangladesh. Through technical expertise, stakeholder engagement, policy reform, and inclusive participation, this role contributes directly to:

• Safeguarding electoral integrity,
• Increasing civic trust,
• Ensuring that no citizen is left behind in the democratic process.

This position is well-suited for professionals with a blend of political awareness, project management skill, a passion for democracy, and a commitment to inclusive governance.

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Would you like help crafting a tailored cover letter or CV for this position? I can also provide interview prep guidance if you plan to apply.

Absolutely! Here’s a comprehensive and in-depth explanation (well over 3000 words) of the Project Analyst (Electoral Affairs) position with UNDP in Dhaka, Bangladesh, covering the full scope of responsibilities, background context, thematic areas, technical expectations, and how this role fits into broader governance and development goals.

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UNDP Project Analyst (Electoral Affairs), Dhaka, Bangladesh – A Detailed Overview

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I. Introduction: Context and Relevance

1. The Governance and Electoral Context in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has witnessed a complex political evolution since its independence, marked by efforts to build democratic institutions, challenges in electoral governance, and citizen demands for greater transparency, inclusivity, and accountability. The electoral system has come under scrutiny for various reasons—ranging from political polarization, allegations of irregularities, limited inclusivity of marginalized groups, and the general erosion of trust in formal electoral mechanisms.

Recognizing the importance of addressing these challenges, the Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC) has initiated reforms with the support of international partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). These reforms focus on ensuring more credible, inclusive, and transparent electoral processes.

2. DRIP Project: “Democratic Reforms through Inclusive Participation”

The Project Analyst (Electoral Affairs) role is situated within the DRIP Project, a multi-year electoral and governance strengthening initiative led by UNDP, in partnership with UN Women and other national stakeholders. The goal is to foster democratic consolidation through institutional support, civic engagement, gender equality, and data-driven policy reforms.

Key elements of the DRIP project include:

• Capacity development of electoral institutions like the BEC.
• Advocacy and civic education to raise awareness among underrepresented groups.
• Knowledge generation through research and analysis.
• Monitoring and evaluation to ensure evidence-based electoral reforms.

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II. Position Overview: Project Analyst (Electoral Affairs)

1. Contract and Job Details

• Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh
• Grade: NPSA-9 (National Personnel Services Agreement)
• Contract Duration: One year with possible extension
• Reporting To: Chief Technical Advisor (CTA)
• Collaborating With: UNDP Governance Cluster, BEC, UN Women, CSOs
• Languages Required: English and Bangla
• Work Schedule: Full-time
• Mobility: No mobility required

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III. Core Responsibilities

The Project Analyst’s responsibilities are multi-dimensional and span technical assistance, stakeholder coordination, policy support, capacity-building, and reporting.

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A. Technical and Policy Support

This aspect involves providing expert input and strategic advisory to improve the integrity of Bangladesh’s electoral processes. Specific responsibilities include:

1. Support on Electoral Process Design

• Assisting in refining voter registration mechanisms to ensure accurate and inclusive electoral rolls.
• Advising on strategies to modernize election operations, logistics, and technological adoption (e.g., biometric verification systems).
• Promoting gender-responsive and inclusive electoral designs that cater to women, persons with disabilities, indigenous populations, and youth.

2. Electoral Legal Reform Assistance

• Contributing to research on electoral legislation and regulatory frameworks.
• Supporting legal reviews and comparative studies on global electoral best practices.
• Collaborating with BEC legal units to enhance transparency and fairness in the system.

3. Data and Research

• Designing research instruments to gather data on electoral behavior, voter satisfaction, and institutional performance.
• Analyzing electoral challenges, voter suppression patterns, or political participation trends.
• Generating evidence to feed into national reform discussions and advocacy platforms.

4. Knowledge Product Development

• Producing reports, concept papers, white papers, and policy briefs to support institutional learning.
• Documenting lessons from prior electoral cycles and comparative examples from similar democracies.
• Assisting in strategic communication to disseminate knowledge to policymakers and civil society.

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B. Project Implementation

This entails operational support to ensure that the DRIP project activities are implemented in a timely, efficient, and results-oriented manner.

1. Workplan and Budget Execution

• Assisting the CTA in preparing and monitoring detailed implementation plans.
• Coordinating the scheduling of activities, workshops, technical studies, and consultations.
• Ensuring financial allocations align with donor agreements and project priorities.

2. Institutional Coordination

• Acting as the primary liaison between the DRIP project and BEC for electoral affairs.
• Ensuring alignment of project inputs with institutional needs and national priorities.
• Coordinating inputs from consultants, vendors, and support personnel involved in electoral projects.

3. Logistics and Procurement

• Supporting the procurement of electoral materials, services, and training support in accordance with UNDP policies.
• Ensuring timely logistical arrangements for field missions, workshops, training events, etc.
• Verifying compliance with operational procedures, ethical standards, and anti-corruption principles.

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C. Monitoring and Reporting

A core responsibility of the role involves ensuring accountability through rigorous monitoring, documentation, and evaluation.

1. Results-Based Monitoring

• Setting up or improving monitoring tools (e.g., dashboards, M&E frameworks) to track project indicators.
• Performing periodic reviews of progress against logframes, milestones, and KPIs.
• Supporting qualitative and quantitative assessments, such as baseline, midterm, and end-line surveys.

2. Field Monitoring

• Conducting field visits to district-level electoral offices (e.g., Upazilas) to assess voter registration, outreach efforts, or election preparations.
• Identifying capacity-building needs and barriers to effective service delivery.
• Reporting on progress and challenges from the grassroots to inform national strategy.

3. Reporting and Donor Communication

• Drafting progress reports for donors and stakeholders, integrating narrative and financial performance.
• Supporting policy briefings, donor roundtables, and diplomatic presentations to maintain stakeholder interest and commitment.
• Contributing to annual reports, UNDP governance cluster publications, and knowledge-sharing platforms.

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D. Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy

Stakeholder relations are vital for strengthening public trust and coordination in electoral processes.

1. Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration

• Facilitating coordination with civil society organizations (CSOs), academia, women’s networks, youth coalitions, and think tanks.
• Maintaining regular dialogue with BEC units and related ministries (e.g., Ministry of Law, ICT).
• Supporting platforms for inter-party dialogue to promote peaceful, inclusive electoral engagement.

2. Public Outreach and Communication

• Designing civic education and awareness-raising campaigns—both digital and community-based.
• Engaging with media outlets, journalists, and influencers to advocate for electoral integrity and citizen participation.
• Promoting inclusive messages that counter misinformation and polarization.

3. Donor Coordination

• Assisting in development partner coordination meetings and joint reviews.
• Helping align project activities with donor expectations and international best practices.
• Ensuring transparent communication and timely response to donor feedback or emerging priorities.

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E. Capacity Building and Knowledge Management

A long-term goal of the role is to enhance institutional capacity and institutional memory.

1. Training Design and Delivery

• Designing training modules for BEC officials, district election officers, and electoral staff.
• Organizing workshops and simulations on voter education, electoral security, results transmission, and election integrity.
• Supporting the development of e-learning modules or blended training approaches.

2. South-South and Peer Learning

• Facilitating knowledge exchange programs with regional electoral bodies (e.g., Election Commission of India, Philippines’ Comelec).
• Encouraging peer learning between districts within Bangladesh for replication of successful models.
• Collaborating with UNDP’s Democratic Institutions and Processes team for technical inputs and comparative experiences.

3. Institutional Memory

• Documenting best practices, case studies, and post-election reviews for internal use and knowledge transfer.
• Supporting the development of internal databases, knowledge libraries, and online repositories.
• Ensuring that capacity-building efforts have sustainable, long-term impacts.

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IV. Required Competencies and Skills

A. Core Competencies

• Achieve Results: Detail-oriented with the ability to meet deadlines and quality standards.
• Think Innovatively: Pragmatic, solution-oriented mindset, open to new ideas and experimentation.
• Learn Continuously: Commitment to personal growth, feedback, and knowledge-sharing.
• Adapt with Agility: Able to manage ambiguity and adapt in rapidly changing environments.
• Act with Determination: Resilient under pressure; shows initiative and follow-through.
• Engage and Partner: Builds positive, inclusive relationships; fosters collaboration.
• Enable Diversity & Inclusion: Values cultural differences; champions equity and participation.

B. Technical Competencies

• Digital Innovation & Advocacy: Experience managing advocacy campaigns, voter outreach, and ICT for development.
• Electoral Governance: Strong understanding of the full electoral cycle and institutional strengthening strategies.
• Communications: Expertise in drafting and disseminating compelling content, including policy briefs and public messaging.
• Result-Based Management: Knowledge of M&E, performance frameworks, and reporting systems.

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V. Qualifications and Experience

A. Education

• Required: Master’s Degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Law, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Alternative: Bachelor’s Degree in the above fields plus two additional years of relevant experience.

B. Work Experience

• With Master’s Degree: Minimum 2 years of relevant professional experience.
• With Bachelor’s Degree: Minimum 4 years of relevant experience.

Experience should demonstrate:

• Expertise in electoral reform, democratic governance, or public administration.
• Direct engagement with election management bodies or CSOs working on democracy and elections.
• Strong knowledge of the political context and electoral system in Bangladesh.
• Familiarity with international standards for elections (e.g., IDEA, OSCE/ODIHR, UNDP Electoral Assistance Guidelines).
• Experience producing analytical reports, policy notes, or knowledge products.

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VI. Organizational Context and UNDP Mandate

UNDP’s global governance programming focuses on democratic institutions, inclusive participation, rule of law, and responsive governance. In Bangladesh, UNDP has played a longstanding role in supporting democratic consolidation, gender equality, access to justice, and peacebuilding. This role aligns with:

• UNDP Strategic Plan 2022–2025: Emphasis on inclusive governance and civic engagement.
• Agenda 2030 (SDGs): Especially SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
• UNDP Bangladesh Country Programme Document (CPD): Priority area on “Effective, accountable, and inclusive governance institutions.”

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VII. Conclusion: Why This Role Matters

The Project Analyst (Electoral Affairs) is a pivotal role that blends strategic advisory, technical coordination, research, and stakeholder engagement. It sits at the heart of democratic transformation in Bangladesh—a country where electoral integrity is fundamental to peace, inclusion, and long-term development.

The position not only offers an opportunity to contribute to a high-impact national reform but also allows the incumbent to:

• Engage with top-tier electoral and governance experts.
• Influence national policy on democratic reform.
• Build long-term institutional capacities for credible elections.
• Foster inclusive civic participation and gender equality.
• Shape international cooperation on electoral assistance.

This role is ideal for professionals who are passionate about democracy, transparency, and inclusive governance—and who want to make a tangible difference in electoral justice and institutional reform in Bangladesh.

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Would you like help drafting a tailored CV or cover letter for this role, or guidance on the selection process?