Developing capacities for electoral processes-BRIDGE courses-ToT National Electoral Commission of Rwanda

The Rwandan National Electoral Commission (NEC) organized and held successful rounds of elections that has been widely hailed for being well organized with high voter turn-out, peacefully conducted and participatory. Today the electoral process has produced the highest female participation in any democratic country and Rwanda has the highest world record of number of women in parliament. Women now hold Parliamentary seats, out of a total 80. As we complete the electoral cycle that started in 2003, it is an opportunity to build on the previous electoral successes and lay strategies and foundation for the next electoral cycle; among the core strategies include continuous strengthening of its processes and build more capacities to concretize abilities that foster democratic values in the electoral systems and build professionalism in the area of election management. Professional election management, at all levels, is the foundation for credible electoral processes and systems. The National Electoral commission leadership has demonstrated commitment to continuously improve its own operations and procedures in line with the desire to achieve its mission and goals of preparing and conducting free and fair elections. Realization of this goal has been made possible by the overwhelming support from the Government of Rwanda (G.o.R) and collaboration with the different development partners among whom the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). Among the core areas under this program, is the support to the National Electoral Commission’s capacity building program (CBP) with the objective of training electoral staff to become more professional in Election management skills and in that line, in conjunction with UNDP a course in “Building Resources in Democracy, Governance and election, “BRIDGE” has been introduced for the National Electoral Commission agents (staff). It is against this background that the National Electoral commission in conjunction with the United Nations Development Program, (UNDP), office in Kigali, intend to recruit two independent consultant or trainer who must meet the following conditions: The aims of the BRIDGE Project are to: Strengthen election administrators’ capacities to manage elections more effectively and efficiently. Enhance electoral administrators’ professionalism. Build teams and networks that strengthen election administrators’ capacity to conduct their work effectively. Build an understanding of the standards and principles underpinning good electoral administration.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide and offer training modules: the BRIDGE consultants will introduce NEC staff and members to BRIDGE tools and strategies by way of the training for trainers modules. In the first phase, the consultants will determine, in consultation with NEC, the number and scope of training for the thematic modules to be undertaken. During the second phase, the consultant will implementing the BRIDGE modules specifically tailored to the needs of the NEC. While implementing BRIDGE, a multi-stage and systematic program will be followed taking into consideration the BRDIDGE course structure, content relevancy and logical consistency to help internalize and make connections between course contents. In June 2011, an introductory module was undertaken for 31 NEC Staff in a period of one week , in which NEC Staff were introduction to the various BRIDGE modules.

Competencies

Good understanding of the election administration. In-depth substantive knowledge of the political environment and challenges facing democratic consolidation in Africa. Ability to transfer knowledge and skills to colleagues and partners. Strong written and oral communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to gain the assistance and cooperation of others in a team endeavor; ability to build trust through operating with transparency and creating and open, positive and enabling environment; ability to work in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. Demonstrated ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor tasks to achieve results. Sound judgement and decision making skills. Demonstrated ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor tasks to achieve results.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Minimum university degree from a recognized university in public policy, law, social sciences, economics or related fields. Language: Fluency in written and spoken English.

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.

Developing capacities for electoral processes-BRIDGE courses-ToT National Electoral Commission of Rwanda