Technical Advisor to Independent National Electoral Commision (INEC) on Electoral Cycle Support

The Democratic Governance for Development (DGD) project supports Nigeria’s democratic process within the framework of Electoral Cycle Support and Deepening Democracy over the period, 2009-2015. The overall goal of DGD is to help develop the capacity of national and sub-national institutions, networks and processes, whether governmental or non-governmental, as a contribution to the further entrenchment of electoral democracy and democratic governance in Nigeria. The project provided technical assistance to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) among other critical stakeholders towards the 2011 general elections to deliver free, fair and credible elections. Following the improvement in the 2011 elections, partnership between DGD and INEC is being strengthened to further position it to improve on subsequent elections. While developing the post-election phase of its support to INEC in this regard, DGD is supporting INEC to undertake a review of the Voter Registration exercise and the 2011 elections, identify specific issues to be addressed in the reform of the constitutional and legal framework of elections, the development of a strategic plan and organizational restructuring based on the experience of the 2011 elections. To facilitate this, DGD is supporting INEC and the office of the Chairman to recruit five consultants including a Technical Adviser on Electoral Cycle Support to the Chairman of INEC.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision and directives of the Chairman of INEC, the Technical Adviser on Electoral Cycle Support to INEC will carry out the following tasks: Provide technical, advisory and operational support to the Chairman and members of the Independent National Electoral Commission in the area of Electoral Cycle Support. Provide technical and administrative support to the INEC Registration and Elections Review Committee (RERC) to conduct a capacity assessment of INEC to identify the strengths and weaknesses and provide suggestion for improvement. Liaise with, and structure engagements between INEC and wide groups of stakeholders including the CSOs and political parties for the implementation of the organizational/institutional restructuring of INEC. Develop and draft options and policy papers regarding different elements of the future structure of INEC and the further improvement of preparations for and conduct of elections in future. Study and leverage relevant lessons and practices from other countries ensuring state-of-the art reform principles within INEC. Conduct any other duties as requested by the Chairman of INEC. Deliverables: Work closely with the Chief Technical Adviser, to among others, provide periodic report on the internal assessment and quarterly reports on INEC activities (monthly, quarterly). Assist the Chief of Staff to compile, draft and distribute regular progress reports on the work of the RERC to the Chairman and members of the Commission (monthly). Prepare and submit five policy/options papers in support of improvements in the preparation and conduct of future elections (timing to be determined).

Competencies

Substantive understanding of the social, economic, political and historical trends underpinning African and ideally Nigerian governance and electoral processes. Solid knowledge of election procedures and frameworks. Proven track record of advising, organizing and supervising public awareness activities partnering with democratic organizations capacity building projects. Skills in training, process facilitation, strategic planning and partnership building. Strong skills in written communications in English particularly in preparing issue-based papers or reports.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Advanced University degree (Masters or PhD) in areas of democratic governance and development including Law, Political Science and other social sciences Experience: Minimum 15years experience in research related to democratic governance, elections, electoral reforms and democratic process. Language: Excellent spoken English is required as well as fluency in one Nigerian language DOCUMENTS TO BE INCLUDED WHEN SUBMITTING THE PROPOSALS. Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications and suitability. Proposal explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the work. Provide a brief methodology on how you will approach and carryout the assignment. CV of the individual consultants. Financial Proposal - provide the breakdown of fees which include all the costs in connection with this assignment. Evaluation Methodology: Summary of Technical Proposal Evaluation Forms Score Weight Points Obtainable Individual Consultants A B C D E 1. Experience/skills /expertise and qualification of Consultant 20% 200 2 Excellent knowledge of election procedures and frameworks 20% 200 3 Methodology and Approach 30% 300 Total Technical Score 70% 700 4 Financial Offer 30% 300 Total 1000 Please visit http://rosters.ng.undp.org:8050/vmsb/ to access the Call for Individual Consultant document and the detailed Terms of Reference and apply online. Please note that only applications made through http://rosters.ng.undp.org:8050/vmsb/ shall be considered. Any request for clarification must be sent in writing, or by standard electronic communication to the address or e-mail olayinka.sanusi@undp.org

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Technical Advisor to Independent National Electoral Commision (INEC) on Electoral Cycle Support