Electoral Security Specialist: Electoral Security Assessment

Electoral Security Specialist: Electoral Security Assessment

Social Impact is a global development management consulting firm. We provide monitoring, evaluation, strategic planning, and capacity building services to advance development effectiveness. We work across all development sectors including democracy and governance, health and education, the environment, and economic growth. Since 1997 we have worked in over 100 countries for clients such as US government agencies, bilateral donors, multilateral development banks, foundations, and nonprofits.

In Liberia, SI supports IBI to implement the USAID-funded Liberia Data, Evaluation, Learning and Technical Assistance (DELTA) with the goal to provide an innovative degree of analytical and advisory services to USAID/Liberia’s Office of Program and Project Development (PPD) and Development Objective (DO) teams in support of the Mission’s project design, performance monitoring and evaluation, and operational learning and adapting.

Project Objective:

USAID/Liberia has engaged DELTA to conduct an electoral security assessment (ESA) in Liberia. The main areas of analysis of the USAID Electoral Security Framework are:

• Contextual Analysis - Map key electoral conflict risk factors found in the security, political, economic, social, and public administrative sectors.
• Historical Conflict Analysis - Identify the factors and incidents of conflict during past electoral cycles.
• Stakeholder Analysis - Map key state and non-state stakeholders related to electoral security

The 2022 ESA seeks to analyze the specific factors and risks related to electoral security issues as well as to plan and program for preventing, managing or mediating these potential conflicts. Therefore, the report should consider the following:

• Historical and contextual background that shapes electoral conflict risk
• Identify vulnerabilities and risks to electoral security throughout the electoral cycle
• Assess the preparedness of electoral stakeholders to provide effective electoral security
• Recommend strategic approaches to electoral conflict mitigation and enhanced electoral security

The 2022 ESA will create a focal point for whole of mission planning and programming during the 2023 electoral cycle. USAID/Liberia and the broader U.S. Embassy constitute the primary audience. Assessment team members will include staff from USAID/Liberia, USAID/Washington, and State/INL. A UNDP representative will participate depending on availability.

The estimated start date will be June 20, 2022 through October 31, 2022. The estimated LOE will be 35 days.  

Candidates are reviewed on a rolling basis, early submission is recommended. This position is for Liberian nationals.

Position Description:

SI is seeking an Electoral Security Specialist who will be supporting the assessment team’s effort. Under the technical leadership of the DELTA DCOP and Team Leader, the Liberian subject matter expert will be working alongside team members from USAID and INL. The Liberian subject matter expert will provide input to the Team Leader throughout the duration of the assessment, including during the desk study, fieldwork, briefings, and report writing.

Expected deliverables:

• Desk Review report
• Fieldwork plan with draft list of participants for key informant and group interviews
• Data collection instruments
• In-person interviews, focus group consultations, structured observations, and similar exercises to collect and process information about electoral security
• Briefings at the beginning and end of the field work
• Draft and final report

Responsibilities:

• Support the Team Leader to perform desk review and identify additional information required for analysis.
• Provide technical expertise and support the Team Leader's efforts in assessment design, methodology, and data collection instruments.
• In coordination with the team, conduct interviews with selected key stakeholders and beneficiaries.
• Provide support to the Team Leader on analysis of qualitative and quantitative data.
• Support the preparation and presentation of the key findings and recommendations to USAID/Liberia.
• Write assigned section of the draft evaluation report in coordination with the team members, taking into consideration feedback from the preliminary findings’ presentation.
• Work collaboratively with team members throughout design, implementation, analysis, and report writing to complement each other's areas of expertise.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of five years of experience implementing electoral programs and conducting electoral security-related analytical work.
• Must be able to conduct interviews and focus group discussions and analyze the resulting data
• Must have deep understanding of the Liberian electoral landscape, stakeholders, and context.
• A Master’s degree in political science, conflict studies, research, or a related field.
• Must have excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Must have exceptional organizational, analytical, writing, and presentation skills.
• Prior experience in writing and producing assessment reports or similar documents
• Familiarity with a ‘Do No Harm’ (or conflict sensitivity) framework is desirable.

Come join our energetic and innovative team! We offer you the opportunity to play a leading role in the growth of our company, work as part of a creative and committed team, and make a difference in the well-being of our world.

To learn more about Social Impact, please visit our website: http://www.socialimpact.com

SI is an EEO/AA/ADA Veterans Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. Please, no phone calls.