Call for Nominations: Advisory Committee Members for CECOE’s Election Observation in the 7th General Election

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Organization: Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations for Elections (CECOE)

Deadline: March 7, 2026

Job Description

The Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations for Elections (CECOE) is a non-profit and non-governmental civil society organization comprising more than 190 member organizations. CECOE was licensed in 2019 by the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) under registration number 4748, in accordance with the Civil Society Organizations Proclamation No. 1113/2019. The organization was established to enhance and coordinate the role of Ethiopian civil society organizations in election observation, civic and voter education, prevention of electoral conflicts, and capacity building for its members.

Since its inception, CECOE has observed the 2019 Sidama Region Referendum, the 2021 General Elections (June 21 and September 30, 2021), the 2021 South West Ethiopia Peoples’ Region Referendum, the 2023 South Ethiopia and Wolaita Zone Referendum rerun, and the 2024 outstanding and re-elections in parts of the Benishangul Gumuz, Afar, Central Ethiopia, and Somali regions. Additionally, CECOE has engaged in various advocacy and civic education activities and implemented projects to strengthen democratic institutions and citizen participation.

In line with this principle, CECOE is in the process of establishing a Technical Advisory Committee to provide expert guidance on election observation for the upcoming 7th General Election. This Advisory Committee will serve as a standing resource pool of experts, offering high-level technical advice, analysis, and risk assessment to support CECOE’s Board in ensuring accurate, neutral, and impactful election observation. Drawing inspiration from international best practices, such as those from CODEO in Ghana and ELOG in Kenya, the Committee will enhance the credibility of CECOE’s observation efforts by reviewing reports, advising on legal and security risks, and analyzing electoral incidents.

CECOE invites all citizens, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and professional networks to nominate qualified individuals (including self-nominations) for membership on this committee. This public call aims to ensure a diverse, merit-based selection process that prioritizes expertise, integrity, and representation from across Ethiopia.

Composition of the Advisory Committee

The Committee will consist of six (6) members, with one expert selected from each of the following fields:

1. Law (Electoral Law, Constitutional Law, or Human Rights)
2. Political Science (Political Analysis)
3. Statistics (statistician, Data Analysis )
4. Information Technology (Digital Security, Election Technology, or Data Systems).
5. Journalism and Communication (Strategic Communication).
6. Security Risk Assessment (Conflict Analysis or Safety Protocols)

Criteria for Membership

Nominees must meet the following minimum requirements:

• An academic degree in one of the specified fields.
• At least five (5) years of working experience in their area of expertise.
• Demonstrated commitment to democratic principles, impartiality, and non-partisanship (no active affiliation with political parties, candidates, or government bodies involved in elections).
• Strong ethical standards, with a track record of neutrality and integrity.

Diversity in gender, ethnicity, and regional representation will be prioritized to reflect Ethiopia’s rich societal fabric. Members will serve voluntarily for a renewable two-year term without payment.

How to Nominate?

• To self-nominate please submit the following documents: A Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting the nominee’s qualifications, experience, relevant achievements and a Statement of Interest (1 page) explaining the nominee’s motivation, how their expertise aligns with CECOE’s mission, and their commitment to democratic election processes
• If nominating someone else, include a brief note explaining why you believe they meet the above requirements, along with contact details so the CECOE secretariat can request the CV and statement of interest.

Submissions should be sent via email to: info@cecoe.org or via www.cecoe.org) . Please indicate the specific field of expertise in the subject line “Nomination for Advisory Committee.”

Deadline for Submissions

March 7 , 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.

Selection Process

All nominations will undergo a transparent, merit-based review: 

1. Initial screening by the CECOE Secretariat to ensure the minimum criteria are met.
2. Evaluation by a vetting subcommittee, which may include interviews or reference checks.
3. Final recommendations submitted to the CECOE Board for approval.

Selected members will be notified by March 31, 2026.

Why Participate?

By nominating experts, you help strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic processes. The Advisory Committee will play a vital role in contributing to the integrity of the 7th General Election, ensuring timely and professional observation that benefits all Ethiopians.

For inquiries or additional information, contact our Secretariat at info@cecoe.org

Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations for Elections (CECOE)