Project Description:
IFES will undertake a post-election technical assessment of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) and Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) in Tanzania. The work is expected to be conducted both during and in the weeks immediately after the October 25th election.
The scope of the assessment will cover a broad range of election-related topics, including (but not limited to) the legal framework, civic and voter education, electoral dispute resolution, stakeholder outreach, election day administration, and the degree to which women, youth and persons with disabilities were engaged in the process.
IFES will hire a two person consultancy team to undertake this post-election assessment. This team will serve as IFES’ primary in country representatives and coordinators of this work.
Job Responsibilities:
This post-election assessment will cover a broad range of electoral topics pertinent to the conduct of the 2015 elections in Tanzania. The assessment’s Scope is currently being finalized with local stakeholders, but is anticipated to cover the legal framework, civic and voter education, electoral dispute resolution, stakeholder outreach, Election Day administration, and the degree to which women, youth and persons with disabilities were engaged in the process.
IFES expects that the successful consultants will work together to:
· Assess the conduct of the 2015 general election in line with the assessment’s Scope of Work (which will be provided as soon as possible before deployment).
· Prepare a single, unified, evidence-based assessment report that mirrors the following format:
· A background section that recaps the significant events leading up to the 2015 election, including any historically relevant information on the NEC and ZEC.
· Individual sections covering the various components of the assessment, as provided for in the Scope of Work.
· A recommendation section detailing areas of improvement by the electoral authorities for subsequent elections and areas for future technical support to both the NEC and ZEC.
· Any additional sections that are deemed necessary in order to provide for a comprehensive assessment of the NEC and ZEC performance.
· Provide a briefing to USAID prior to commencing assessment activities, as well as a briefing to USAID on preliminary findings prior to departure.
· Establish close relationships with officials in both election management bodies to gain a thorough understanding of the conduct of the election, as well as the conditions under which they were conducted.
· Establish communication channels with international NGOs (particularly with IFES’ CEPPS partners NDI and IRI, as well as UNDP/Tanzania) to ensure a broad range of voices are weighed and (as necessary) incorporated into the final report.
· Establish communication with donors, in particular USAID, which is the donor of this project, to keep them abreast of developments, challenges, and findings.
· Remain in contact with IFES’ HQ team about the conduct of the assessment, including (but not limited to) regular status updates, preliminary findings, and challenges incurred.
· Ensure a high level of monitoring and evaluation in line with the project’s performance monitoring chart.
· Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
The successful candidates will have a broad range of election expertise as well as experience with similar assessments in the past. Strong verbal and written communication skills are required, as well as a strong capacity for analytical reasoning. Professional experience on the African continent is highly desirable, particularly in Tanzania.
· A post-graduate degree in international politics, development, or related field is preferred.
· A minimum of 10 years’ experience working with election administrators is required.
· Demonstrated experience working with election management bodies on a range of topics, including legal frameworks, civic and voter education, electoral dispute resolution, stakeholder outreach, Election Day administration, and the inclusion of marginalized groups.
· Experience and knowledge of Tanzania’s political dynamics, including working contacts in Tanzania will be an added advantage.
· Familiarity with the international donor community and experience as an action-oriented interlocutor with democracy-development actors at all levels.
· Demonstrated skills with report writing.
· Excellent interpersonal/representational skills.
· A strong consultative, collaborative and participatory way of working.
· Strong interpersonal, presentation, and communications skills.
· Experience working in Africa, preferably in Tanzania.
· Strong analytical reasoning skills.
· Strong diplomacy skills and cultural sensitivity is required.
· English fluency required.
HOW TO APPLY:
To Apply:
You must go towww.ifes.orgto the Careers section and apply online. Applications are only accepted in this way. Make sure you upload all papers together (ie. cover letter and application, etc.).Resumes are only reviewed and accepted if submitted through our careers page.
