Vacancy Mail

Development of a Regional Gender Tool Kit for Election Observation : Develop a Gendered Approach to Election Observation for Domestic and International Observor Missions

Consultancy, Research Jobs
  • Expires 29 May 2023
  • Bulawayo
  • Full Time

Job Description

Background

Election observation can contribute to democratic development through the collection of information on the electoral process, the assessment of its quality considering the domestic legal framework and international standards, and constructive recommendations to improve future elections. It can be instrumental in deterring fraud and malpractice by exposing those problems if they occur, as well as in increasing the credibility of the process by building trust among relevant stakeholders .

There is an increasing consensus on the fact that election observation should not only consider the Election Day, but also other key stages of the electoral process, such as the legal framework, voter registration, the verification of results or election complaints, among others.
Election observation efforts can also “improve the implementation of the human rights of women and help to enhance their participation in electoral processes. Comprehensive observation should include an assessment of how all elements of an election process affect women as well as men. Targeted observation efforts can focus specifically on aspects of women’s participation in elections.” Although including a gender expert in the mission’s structure is considered as good practice in election observation, most missions mainstream gender issues into their work, in a way that all their members are responsible for assessing how elections affect men and women in their respective fields of action.

Democratic elections should be inclusive, transparent and accountable .Inclusive elections are those that enable men and women to participate (50/50) . The principle of inclusion is not only about enabling but also taking positive action to address particular barriers women might face. Democratic elections must include women’s equal participation in every phase of the election, including pre-during and post election periods.
The Gender Election Observation Tool kit seeks to Identify potential barriers to women’s participation in electoral process generally and; increase knowledge of how to incorporate gender aspects into election observation including trainings, materials and reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities

Objectives

The Organisation seeks to engage a Consultant who will work on the following ,
Develop a Gender Tool Kit for regional election observation which must include ;
• Gender responsive model that seeks to incorporate gender mainstreaming at every stage of an election cycle : For example assessment of Legal Framework; Election Administration; Voter Registration; Candidate Nomination; Election Campaign;Voting
• The guide should contain recommendations on registration of voters, voter education programmes, campaign processes, procedure for voting, and institutionalized monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, mechanisms for response to Hate Speech , Sexual Harrasment and Politically Motivated Violence .
• To conduct a literature review with clear case studies from Countries /Political Parties that present best practice models for example the concept of women situation rooms amongst others and worst case scenarios .
• Provide tools/checklist for ensuring gender equality in free and fair elections ( Observer reporting forms/checklist)

Qualifications and Experience

Qualifications: The Organisation requires the consultant to have the following technical expertise:
a) At least a Master’s degree in the field of Social Sciences or any relevent Subject.
b) Expertise in Gender and Elections will be an added advantage
c) Demonstrated ability of analytical and report writing skills and ability to adhere to strict deadlines.

How to Apply

The application should be written in English and be a maximum of 5 pages long, Attach a CV .The application should be sent to email procurement315@gmail.com with the title “Gender Election Observor Toolkit ”.