Ref: RSS/CPO/NEC/J.M.2026  ·  Date: 14 October 2026

Position State/Administrative Area Returning Officer
Duty station State/Administrative Area Headquarters
Number of positions Thirteen (13), for the ten States and three Administrative Areas
Duration of service Permanent staff, as the law requires
Reports to State/Administrative Area High Elections Committee and the Commission
Employer National Elections Commission of the Republic of South Sudan
Duration of application From 14 October to 21 October 2026 — closing date 21 October 2026
Download the vacancy announcement (PDF, 0.9 MB)

Invitation for applications

The National Elections Commission of the Republic of South Sudan invites qualified, competent, and committed South Sudanese citizens to apply for the position of State/Administrative Area Returning Officer to support the effective planning, coordination, and conduct of credible, free, fair, transparent, and inclusive elections at the state or administrative area level.

The successful candidates will be responsible for coordinating electoral activities within their respective States/Administrative Areas in accordance with the applicable electoral laws, regulations, and directives issued by the Commission.

The National Elections Commission is committed to a transparent, merit-based, inclusive, and impartial recruitment process. All applicants will be assessed according to established qualifications, professional competence, integrity, and applicable recruitment procedures of the NEC. Successful candidates will be expected to perform their duties independently and impartially, without discrimination, political interference, or favouritism.

Key responsibilities

The State/Administrative Area Returning Officer shall:

  1. Coordinate and supervise electoral operations within their state or administrative area.
  2. Implement electoral plans, procedures, and directives issued by the National Elections Commission.
  3. Coordinate the recruitment, training, deployment, and supervision of temporary election officials, as authorized by the Commission.
  4. Coordinate voter registration, voter education, polling arrangements, and other electoral activities within the assigned jurisdiction.
  5. Ensure the proper management, distribution, security, and accountability of electoral materials and equipment.
  6. Coordinate the receipt, verification, tabulation, transmission, and reporting of election results in accordance with the law and NEC procedures.
  7. Maintain accurate electoral records and submit timely operational and progress reports to the High Elections Committee and the Commission.
  8. Ensure equal participation and accessibility for women, youth, persons with disabilities, and other eligible voters on behalf of NEC.
  9. Coordinate with relevant local government institutions, security agencies, political parties, candidates, observers, and civil society organizations at their location while maintaining electoral impartiality.
  10. Report electoral incidents, complaints, irregularities, and security concerns through the established legal and administrative channels.
  11. Uphold the principles of neutrality, transparency, accountability, confidentiality, and professional integrity throughout the electoral process.

Qualifications and requirements

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

  1. Be a South Sudanese citizen.
  2. Possess a diploma or degree in Public Administration and Management, Law, Social Sciences, or other related relevant qualifications, subject to NEC recruitment requirements.
  3. Have relevant professional experience in elections administration, public administration, management, law, governance, or a related field.
  4. Demonstrate leadership, organizational, communication, coordination, and report-writing skills.
  5. Have a sound understanding of electoral principles, procedures, and laws.
  6. Demonstrate integrity, impartiality, independence, and commitment to democratic principles.
  7. Be able to work under pressure, meet strict deadlines, and permanently reside in the assigned location.
  8. Comply with the National Elections Act 2012 (Amendment) Act, 2026, the Code of Conduct, and applicable conflict-of-interest requirements.

Required documents

Interested applicants should physically submit:

  1. An application letter indicating the position and preferred duty station.
  2. An updated curriculum vitae of no more than two pages.
  3. Copies of academic and other professional certificates.
  4. Copies of relevant identification documents.
  5. Evidence of relevant work experience and professional references.
  6. Previous election experience is an advantage.

Application procedure

  1. Applications should be submitted to the Chairperson of the State/Administrative Area High Elections Committee in their State/Administrative Area headquarters.
  2. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment and interviews.
  3. Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Issued by: National Elections Commission of the Republic of South Sudan – NEC, Juba, 14 October 2026.

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