Project Manager

Democracy International; United States; Remote; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Democracy International is seeking a Project Manager for a UNDP-funded project in Libya. The role involves overseeing software development for the High National Election Commission, ensuring compliance with security standards, and managing a multidisciplinary team. Ideal candidates will have extensive IT project management experience, particularly in transitional economies, and a strong background in web-based software solutions.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years managing IT projects, 5 years in web-based software.
• Experience with governmental or international organizations on electoral software.

Responsibilities

• Supervise design, development, and implementation of system enhancements.
• Manage project budgets and ensure adherence to timelines.
• Oversee training for HNEC staff on system administration.

Skills

Agile methodologies

Project management

Security hardening

Database management

User training

Education

Master’s degree in Computer Science

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

Python/Django

Job description

Project Manager Democracy International (DI) is seeking to hire a Project Manager for an anticipated 12-month UNDP-funded project in Libya. The project’s primary objective is to enhance and maintain custom, open-source software used by the High National Election Commission (HNEC) for results tabulation, mobile data collection, and public-facing results publication during electoral events. The role will involve overseeing the software development lifecycle, ensuring on-site and remote support during election tally processes, and building the capacity of HNEC’s local development and IT teams.

The Project Manager will provide strategic and operational leadership, guiding a dynamic team of technical experts. They will coordinate closely with local stakeholders, including HNEC, UNDP, and international advisors, to ensure that all system enhancements and support services align with project objectives, industry best practices, and UN security standards. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in managing IT projects—particularly in transitional economies—and a track record of collaborating with government ministries and international donors to deliver secure, reliable web-based software solutions.

This is a full-time position contingent upon award and funding. Essential Job Duties The position’s responsibilities will include: Programmatic

• Supervise the design, development, and implementation of listed system enhancements to HNEC’s data entry, mobile data collection, and public-facing results software.
• Ensure all enhancements adhere to industry security standards and best practices, especially given the system’s potential exposure to the internet.
• Manage work plans and timelines, ensuring that project milestones—such as system training, source code reviews, and documentation—are met promptly and within budget.
• Oversee the development and execution of day-to-day activities, including software testing, code repository management, and security patching.
• Develop and monitor project budgets, ensuring expenditures align with agreed-upon allocations.
• Oversee the organization and delivery of remote and in-person trainings for HNEC staff on system administration, tally center operations, and mobile data collection procedures.
• Ensure comprehensive user manuals, quick-reference guides, and technical documentation are updated and disseminated.

Administrative

• Build and lead a multidisciplinary team (system administrators, database specialists, QA/test specialists, support staff) that can effectively respond to evolving project needs.
• Prepare regular progress reports, monthly status updates, and ad-hoc communications detailing project deliverables, challenges, and next steps.
• Oversee version control, code reviews, and continuous integration processes to ensure transparent, documented, and secure system development.
• Implement robust risk mitigation strategies, particularly regarding security, data integrity, and business continuity.

Deliverables

• Enhanced Tally Center and Mobile Data Collection Software: Implementation of specified updates and ad-hoc change requests, with thorough user testing and documentation.
• System Maintenance and Support: Ongoing monthly maintenance reports, bug fixes, security patches, and code repository management.
• Training and Capacity Building: Delivery of at least one remote training (3 days) for HNEC staff on system administration and functionality. One in-person training workshop (5 days) in Tunis to review the system code and architecture with HNEC developers.
• On-Site Election Tally Support: Deployment of up to two specialists during tabulation events, ensuring system stability, troubleshooting, and secure data handling.
• Project Documentation: Regular project reports, final handover documentation (including code repositories, user manuals, and configuration guides).

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, or a closely related field (or a Bachelor’s degree with equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 10 years of experience managing IT project implementations, with at least 5 years specifically focused on web-based software solutions.
• At least 3 years working with governmental or international organizations on electoral software and database management systems.
• Proven expertise in overseeing large-scale software projects using Agile methodologies.
• Familiarity with open-source frameworks (e.g., Python/Django) and best practices in version control, security hardening, and DevOps.
• Experience working or living in Libya is a plus.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential; proficiency in Arabic is preferred.

Reporting

• This position reports to Director of Programs.

Application Process
Interested applicants MUST submit a cover letter and CV by May 23, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will be filled as soon as a qualified candidate is identified. DI will only contact candidates of interest. Democracy International maintains the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.

About the Organization DI provides technical assistance, analytical services and project implementation for democracy, human rights, governance and conflict mitigation programs worldwide for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. State Department and other development partners. Since its founding in 2003, Democracy International has worked with civil society organizations, political parties, election-management bodies, government agencies, legislatures, justice-sector institutions, and others in 80+ countries.

DI welcomes and supports a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities (EEO) for all applicants seeking employment and for DI employees. DI makes employment decisions based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, personal appearance, military status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation, educational status, unemployment status, place of residence or business, source of income, or reproductive health decision making. Additionally, harassment or discrimination based on these characteristics will not be tolerated at DI. To perform the essential functions of this position, reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities.