TERMS OF REFERENCE: In the Shadow - Women’s Political Participation – Harmonised Elections 2023 in Zimbabwe
Consultancy, Research Jobs
- Expires 26 Sep 2023
- Harare
- Contractor
Job Description
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.
Duties and Responsibilities
Objectives
The Organization seeks to engage a consultant who will work on the following ,
• Consolidate a detailed report – Gendered Election Observation Report that seeks to capture the experiences of Women at every stage of the election cycle : For example opportunities of challenges women faced with Legal Framework; Election Administration; Voter Registration; Candidate Nomination; Election Campaign;Voting, amongst others.
• The report 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 Violence Against Women in Elections ( Hate Speech , Sexual Harassment and Politically Motivated Violence) .
• The literature review should contain perspectives on gender inclusion from other local /regional/international observer missions .
Deliverables
• A detailed and well referenced report .
• A brief policy brief /executive summary that will be used for engagement with various actors
Qualifications and Experience
Qualifications: The Organization requires the consultant to have the following technical expertise:
a) At least a master’s degree in the field of Social Sciences or any relevant 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
Application Process:
The expression of interest should be written in English and be a maximum of 3 pages long. Attach a CV. The application should be sent to email procurement315@gmail.com with the title “Women Participation in 2023 Elections”.
