Certified Consultant to Develop an Election Observation Manual with a Context-Specific Safety and Security Protocol Component _at Center for Advancement of Rights and Democracy (CARD)

Background

The Center for Advancement of Rights and Democracy (CARD) is a board-led, not-for-profit organization registered in Ethiopia under the Civil Societies Proclamation No. 1113/2019 with registry number 4307. CARD envisions an Ethiopia where democratic culture flourishes on the basis of human rights values. Its mission is to empower citizens and civic groups to promote and defend human rights and contribute to the building of democratic culture.

Of CARD’s four programs, two are explicitly dedicated to advancing civic engagement and strengthening democratization and governance. Through these programs, CARD is working to broaden inclusive participation in democratic processes most notably during the 7th General Election by promoting voter education, conducting election observation, and reinforcing mechanisms that safeguard electoral integrity.

To this end, as part of its initiative to observe Ethiopia’s 7th General Election across selected electoral districts, CARD seeks to recruit a qualified consultant to develop a manual on election observation, (inclusive of safety and security protocols), develop observation toolkit/instrument and provide training for selected election observers that are going to deployed in selected election districts .

This will help to strengthen election observation through improved observer capacity, safety, and secure reporting mechanisms..

Objective of the Assignment

The purpose of this consultancy assignment is to:

Develop a comprehensive manual on election observation inclusive of practical, and context-sensitive Safety and Security Protocol that equips election observers with the knowledge, tools, and procedures necessary to safely and effectively carry out their duties during the electoral process.

Specific objectives include:

• Develop a user-friendly and practical manual for election observation in Ethiopia aligned with national and international standards
• Identify key security risks (physical, digital, and operational) faced by election observers in Ethiopia
• Include a protocols component for risk prevention, mitigation, and incident response
• Provide guidance on secure communication and data protection

Scope of Work

The consultant will be responsible for the development of an election observation manual with a Safety and Security Protocol component included. The scope of work includes, but is not limited to:

Review and Context Analysis

• Review relevant project documents, NEBE guidelines, and legal frameworks governing election observation
• Analyze the current security context, including conflict dynamics and regional risk variations
• Identify key risks affecting election observers (physical, digital, psychosocial, and operational)

Development of Safety and Security Protocol Manual

The consultant will develop a comprehensive manual covering:

• Election Observation (Conceptual-process, stages, etc…; practical-Current Ethiopian context)
• Observation tools/instruments
• Risk Assessment Framework (pre-deployment and field-level)
• Personal Safety and Security Guidelines

-Movement planning and situational awareness

-Interaction with stakeholders (security forces, communities, political actors)

• Digital Safety and Data Protection

-Secure communication tools and practices

-Protection against misinformation and cyber threats

• Incident Reporting and Response Mechanisms

-Standard procedures for reporting threats or incidents

-Emergency response and escalation pathways

• Conflict Sensitivity and Do-No-Harm Principles
• Health and Well-being Considerations
• Coordination and Communication Protocols with CARD and NEBE

Validation and Finalization

• Present draft manual to CARD team for review
• Incorporate feedback and finalize the document
• Ensure the manual is practical, concise, and user-friendly for field use

Training Support

• Facilitate a training session for selected election observers on the use of the manual
• Develop training materials (presentations, handouts, quick reference guides)

Deliverables

The consultant is expected to produce the following deliverables within the assignment period:

• An inception report including methodology and work plan
• Draft Observation Manual with a Safety and Security Protocol component included
• Final validated and user-friendly manual
• Training materials (slides, tools, quick guides)
• Facilitation of the Trainings
• Final consultancy report summarizing the process

Timeline

The assessment is expected to be completed within 30 working days.

• Inception and document review – 2days
• Draft manual development – 8 days
• Review and validation – 2 days
• Final Draft-10
• Training delivery and finalization – 7 days

Required Number of consultants:

One (1) Consultant

Management

• The consultant will work closely with CARD’s Project Team.
• The consultant will report directly to the Project Manager.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree in political science, peace and security studies, law, or related field
• At least 5–7 years of relevant experience in:
• Election observation or electoral processes
• Security risk assessment and management
• Working in conflict-sensitive environments
• Proven experience in developing safety/security protocols or operational manuals
• Strong understanding of Ethiopia’s political and security context
• Experience in training and capacity building
• Excellent analytical, writing, and facilitation skills
• Fluency in Amharic and English