National Peaceful Elections Officer

About the role

The National Peaceful Elections Officer will support the United Nations Development Programme’s joint initiative “Support to Peaceful Elections in PNG”. Based on UN premises in Port Moresby, the officer will work full‑time for a 12‑month fixed‑term to help ensure the 2027 parliamentary elections are transparent, inclusive and free from violence.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate UNDP, OHCHR, UN Women and partner activities aimed at strengthening the PNG Electoral Commission and provincial advisory bodies.
• Provide technical assistance to the Integrity of Political Parties & Candidates Commission, security forces, courts and the Department of Justice on election‑related dispute resolution and violence mitigation.
• Monitor implementation of electoral financing, reporting gaps and recommending corrective actions.
• Facilitate dialogue among political parties, civil society and international observers to promote a peaceful electoral environment.
• Prepare briefing notes, progress reports and recommendations for senior UN and PNG government officials.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree in political science, international relations, law, public administration or a related field.
• Minimum five years of professional experience in electoral assistance, peacebuilding, or governance programmes, preferably in the Pacific region.
• Demonstrated experience working with government institutions, electoral commissions or multilateral partners.
• Strong analytical, report‑writing and stakeholder‑engagement abilities.

Required skills

What we offer

• Fixed‑term contract with UNDP, including staff benefits in accordance with UN regulations.
• Opportunity to contribute to a high‑impact democratic process in Papua New Guinea.
• Professional development within a multinational UN environment.