Legal Research Consultant

Brief Description

The International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES) advances democracy for a better future. We collaborate with civil society, public institutions and the private sector to build resilient democracies that deliver for everyone. As the global leader in the promotion and protection of democracy, our technical assistance and applied research develops trusted electoral bodies capable of conducting credible elections; effective and accountable governing institutions; civic and political processes in which all people can safely and equally participate; and innovative ways in which technology and data can positively serve elections and democracy. Since 1987, IFES has worked in more than 145 countries, from developing to mature democracies. **

The Center for Applied Research and Learning is an engine for technical leadership and learning at IFES. Our team is comprised of dedicated professionals focused on cutting-edge democracy and governance issues; monitoring, evaluation and learning; and research and innovation. We work with colleagues across the organization to identify and conduct innovative research and assessments, provide effective technical assistance to partners around the globe, develop new programming tools, foster learning opportunities for IFES’ emerging leaders, and collaborate effectively with multi-lateral organizations, the private sector, policymakers, CSOs and international NGOs, foundations, and the legal and scholarly communities. We are committed to effectively measuring the impact of our work through program evaluation, organizational learning, and adaptive management techniques. IFES introduced ElectionGuide in 1998, and it has been maintained by a team within the Center to the present day.

Primary Function/Purpose**

As the most comprehensive and timely source of verified election information available online, IFES’ ElectionGuide has served as an important resource for a variety of electoral data worldwide since its creation in 1998. The website houses details on upcoming nationwide elections and referendums around the world, including data on electoral systems, political parties and candidates, and key issues at stake in each election. IFES seeks a consultant to undertake comprehensive election data collection on some of the elections set to occur in 2024. This necessitates expedient desk research to collect key aspects of each election, verifying this information utilizing a pre-set series of criteria, and working with a team of IFES staff and legal experts to ensure all documentation is saved and cited appropriately. **

Major Duties And Responsibilities**

• Conduct research of electoral frameworks of assigned countries
• This research will detail over 89 key aspects of the electoral framework, including:
• Electoral framework;
• Requirements for election;
• Electoral system;
• Information on electoral commission;
• Candidate Filing requirements;
• Voter registration requirements;
• Election blackout dates;
• Early voting opportunities;
• Mail-in, online, and out-of-country voting opportunities;
• The electoral rights of persons with disabilities, among others.
• A framework of key questions, a data collection template, progress tracker, and contact list will be provided to the consultant to fill out for each country.
• Upon completion of desk research for each country, the consultant will be required to confirm the data using a three-step verification process. This verification process must be self-led, in consultation with IFES staff.
• Step 1: [where possible]: Contact IFES field office in country for review verification of data.
• Step 2: Identify a high-capacity local CSO or NGO working on democracy and government issues in the country to review data.
• Step 3: Liaise with the Election Management Body in the country to confirm data.
• The consultant will collaborate with IFES staff to save and cite all relevant documents in an organized, accessible database, to be used as a resource for future IFES legal research work.

Qualifications

• Advanced legal degree (JD or equivalent)
• 5 to 10 years of relevant experience;
• Expert knowledge of election law;
• Extensive regional network of elections professionals;
• Specific knowledge of international electoral standards and best practices;
• Previous experience in elections research;
• Ability to take initiative and work with tight deadlines;
• Excellent written and cross-cultural communication skills required;
• Demonstrated teamwork and leadership skills;
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office Programs, Excel, Internet) required
• Knowledge of additional languages (Arabic, Russian, Swahili, etc.) a plus

TRAVEL : None **

OTHER REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT :** Work will be done remotely.

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