TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR POST-ELECTION STUDY LEAD RESEARCHER

  • September 7, 2021
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Post Title: Lead Researcher – To develop a post-study on the Puntland Early Elections

Project Title: Support to Puntland Democratization Process (SPDP)

Project Location: Garowe, Gardo, Ufeyn and Eyl

Duration: 2 Months

 

Background

PDRC with the support of the Swiss Embassy has recently launched the Support to Puntland Democratization Process Project which is a top-up to the already existing Somali Electoral Governance Transparency and Accountability Project (SEGTAP) funded by the EU, The project includes Political Parties Associations (PPA) Visibility and Communication Materials, Voter Education, Capacity Building for Polling Staff and Post-election study for lessons learning.

The third component of the project has been designated for the conduct of a post-election study. For that purpose, PDRC will hire a consultant with expertise relevant to elections, politics and democracy and produce a comprehensive research study.

Scope and Purpose of Assignment

The Consultant shall conduct thorough research work on the planned Early elections of the three districts of Eyl, Gardo and Uffeyn, and produce a comprehensive research report over a period of 3 months. The research, however, will be conducted during and after the early election. Therefore, the main purposes of the assignment of the consultant are:

  1. To Conduct desk study/literature review by examining the political, Operational, Technical and Legal aspects within Puntland early local council elections for the purpose of reflecting the outcome into the final report.
  2. To study the recent reports released by the Transitional Puntland Electoral Commission (TPEC) and identify gaps and areas that require more improvement. and To seek validations of the main stakeholders. then present it to PDRC in order to develop a common understanding of the scope of the assignment and the key issues to be addressed.
  3. Ensure that all activities and expertise are in line with the TPEC plans and schedules.
  4. Finally, ensure that the study report is presented to and debriefed to PDRC prior to delivering the final synthesis report to TPEC.

Deliverable

On the basis of the scope of the assignment, at the end of the research work, the consultant is expected to deliver a comprehensive research report completed with the necessary analysis and the required data and information. The final research report shall clearly reflect the research purpose and objectives and shall be structured as per the below-proposed structure.

Expected Outcomes

  • Delivery of a report in Somali and English Language versions describing the approach and findings of the Puntland Early Local Council Election research.
  • Present and deliver the results/outcome of the research in a focus group discussion for a high-level representative from political Associations and other stakeholders.

The main deliverable of the assignment will be a research Report with a possible chapter framework as outlined below:

  • Executive Summary
  • Introduction
  • Objective (s) of the Research Study
  • Methodology of the Study
  • Findings of the Research Study (including challenges)
  • Conclusions & Recommendations

Functional Competencies

  • Demonstrated understanding of issues related to elections and political associations.
  • Ability to work independently and produce high-quality Research Study in a timely manner, while understanding and anticipating evolving circumstances.

Required Skills and Experience

  • Postgraduate degree in social sciences/humanitarian such as development studies, public administration, political science or other related fields of relevant disciplines.
  • Minimum 7 years experience in research and policy development at national, regional and at higher levels.
  • Substantive knowledge and experience about Puntland political context, election and democratization processes.
  • Proven ability to research and prepare reports of a similar nature.
  • Excellent qualitative and quantitative research and analytical skills (observations, interviews, surveys, focus groups discussions, and research tools).
  • Proven ability to summarize, write, present, and interpret multi-faceted research about elections.
  • Fluent English and Somali writing skills are required.
  • Excellent communication skills with diverse levels of the society including women, minorities and youth.

How to apply

Potential applicants shall submit:

  • A curriculum vitae and a cover letter explaining why he/she is suitable

to carry out the research study.

  • A brief outline of how he/she might approach project implementation.
  • Submit a copy of his/her qualifications and supporting documents.
  • Submit a sample of a research and policy document he/she has produced or taken part in its production.

The interested researcher is invited to apply by submitting documents to this email: [email protected] with the email subject of: “LEAD RESEARCHER FOR POST-ELECTION STUDY” no later than September 14th 2021.