- Background:
The AHEAD Africa project is focused on empowering civil society across Africa, including citizen observers, in strengthening electoral systems and processes, so as to contribute to higher levels of electoral integrity in African Union member states. The underlying methodology of the Action is the AHEAD approach which emphasizes that follow-up to election observation recommendations can be a key driver for more inclusive electoral systems, building public trust and preventing conflicts. By focusing on ‘electoral follow-up’, civil society can effectively advocate for democratic accountability and play a significant role in fostering transparent and accountable electoral processes. As a member of the Consortium of AHEAD Africa, DRI is involved in a large number of activities, including a Research Component which consists of providing findings about how to provide freer and fairer elections. - About the AHEAD Africa Project: The Action for a Holistic Electoral Approach for Democracy (AHEAD) mobilizes this wide range of expertise to provide electoral support in a holistic and innovative manner, starting from the democratic gaps identified by EU election missions, in order to address the contemporary challenges to electoral integrity and democracy. It serves as a basis for discussion with the EU and EU Member States with a view to jointly designing comprehensive and sustainable electoral support programs, including through a Team Europe approach.
- Objectives: DRI seeks to conduct Risk Assessment research to support CSOs, governments, and Electoral bodies by identifying potential threats that could undermine the integrity of national elections. The findings will be presented in a series of publications, ranging in detail, that compile the insights and the data gathered throughout the research. The main objective is to generate actionable recommendations that help prevent an anticipated rise in violence during the pre-election and election periods, while promoting cooperation among supervisory authorities and all relevant stakeholders.
The Research Consultant will conduct the Risk Assessment methodology by analyzing the 4 following Pillars:
- State and Politics: evaluate the presence of essential principles such as the Rule of Law, trust in government or political parties among the citizens and more.
- Electoral Management Bodies (EMBS): assess the challenges EMBS face when it comes to providing a fair and free election.
- Media: investigate how information is shared during an election period, if the access is equal for all citizens and if interferences are present.
- Security Agencies: analysing the use of military forces and surveillance tech against citizens and CSOs, especially when protests are rising.
- Scope of Work: The expert will mostly work independently. He/She will be supported by DRI, the Consortium Partners of AHEAD Africa as well as the local partners that will be present for the data collection phase. The expert will also be responsible for editing different publications highlighting the identified weaknesses of the observed elections, and co-organising an election webinar aiming to present the findings to the Consortium Partners.
- Deliverables:
- Co-write and develop a questionnaire that will aim to evaluate the 4 Pillars by submitting it to the local partners with the purpose of facilitating roundtable discussions with them to efficiently and concisely define the main findings
- Provide the political and electoral context for research as well as conduct qualitative and, where appropriate, quantitative analysis of the data collected
- Write and finalize 2 Risk Assessment reports, according to the DRI framework, of two countries (Bénin for April 2026 and Zambia for August 2026). This report should include the main issues identified before the elections, followed by recommendations on how to improve their system.
- Duration: 20 working days
- Reporting: The Research Consultant Expert will report directly to the Project Coordinator and maintain close communication and collaboration with the project’s Communications & Visibility Expert, including providing regular updates and participating in strategic meetings.
- Qualifications:
- Proven expertise in research, survey design and data collection, specifically in democratic governance and electoral processes.
- A minimum of a Master’s degree in international relations, Political Science, Development Studies, Communications, or a related field. Advanced degrees are preferred.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of working in a multicultural environment, with relevant experience in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Previous background with pre-election assessment or risk assessment in general is an advantage.
- Expertise and up-to-date understanding of political violence in Africa will be considered an advantage.
- Fluency in English; proficiency in French or other regional languages is highly advantageous.
How to apply
- Interested candidates are invited to submit their 1) CV and 2) a cover letter outlining their suitability for the role and their approach to the risk assessment research based on previous relevant experiences and 3) a financial offer for the daily rate in EUR by the 14/08/2025. Include “Research Consultant Expert” in the subject line of the email and send the email to [email protected].
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.