Democracy Reporting International (DRI) is seeking a Research Consultant – 20 days Remote: Apply!!

Job Opportunity: Democracy Reporting International (DRI)– Research Consultant Expert for Electoral Risk Assessment in Africa

Position Overview

Role: Research Consultant Expert
Organization: Democracy Reporting International (DRI)
Project: AHEAD Africa
Location: Remote, with possible travel for data collection
Duration: 20 working days
Application Deadline: 14 August 2025
Start Date: As soon as possible

Democracy Reporting International (DRI) is seeking a Research Consultant Expert to support the AHEAD Africa initiative—an EU-backed project aimed at enhancing electoral integrity across African Union member states. The consultant will lead a Risk Assessment research component focusing on identifying and addressing threats to democratic elections in Africa.

Project Background: AHEAD Africa

The Action for a Holistic Electoral Approach for Democracy (AHEAD) project is designed to empower civil society organizations (CSOs), including citizen observers, to advocate for inclusive and credible electoral processes. By prioritizing electoral follow-up, the initiative helps build public trust, prevent conflicts, and strengthen democratic systems.

DRI, a key member of the AHEAD Africa Consortium, is contributing to a comprehensive research agenda to generate evidence-based recommendations that support freer and fairer elections. This work includes direct collaboration with EU bodies and African stakeholders through a Team Europe approach.

Key Objectives of the Role

The consultant will conduct a comprehensive Risk Assessment to identify pre-election vulnerabilities that could lead to political unrest or electoral manipulation. The findings will contribute to DRI’s publications and serve as tools for CSOs, governments, and election management bodies (EMBs) to mitigate potential threats.

The consultant will:

• Produce two Risk Assessment Reports (on Benin and Zambia for the 2026 elections)
• Provide targeted recommendations to reduce the likelihood of pre- and post-election violence

Focus Areas: The Four Pillars of Risk Assessment

The consultant will structure the analysis around four thematic pillars:

1. State and Politics
   Assess the rule of law, citizen trust in institutions, political pluralism, and state responsiveness.
2. Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs)
   Evaluate the capacity, independence, and transparency of EMBs in administering fair elections.
3. Media
   Analyze media access, freedom of expression, misinformation, and equitable coverage during the electoral perio
4. Security Agencies
   Investigate the use of force, surveillance technologies, and civil liberties, particularly during protests or unrest.

Scope of Work

The expert will work independently while receiving support from DRI, Consortium Partners, and local collaborators during data collection. Key tasks include:

• Designing a questionnaire based on the four pillars for use in roundtable discussions
• Conducting contextual analysis and interpreting qualitative and quantitative data
• Drafting and finalizing two country-specific Risk Assessment Reports (Benin – April 2026; Zambia – August 2026)
• Editing publications that identify systemic weaknesses and offering actionable policy recommendations.

Deliverables

• A field-ready questionnaire for data collection
• Political and electoral context analysis
• Two comprehensive Risk Assessment Reports aligned with DRI’s methodology
• A final presentation of findings and policy recommendations during a webinar

Reporting Line

The consultant will report directly to the Project Coordinator and collaborate closely with the Communications & Visibility Expert, ensuring alignment across research, outreach, and strategic communications.

Candidate Profile

Required Qualifications:

• Proven experience in democratic governance, electoral processes, and political risk analysis
• Strong skills in research methodology, survey design, and data analysis
• Master’s degree (minimum) in Political Science, International Relations, Development Studies, or a related field
• Demonstrated understanding of political dynamics in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Strong interpersonal and intercultural communication skills
• Fluency in English

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced academic qualifications (PhD or equivalent)
• Proficiency in French or local African languages
• Background in conflict prevention, risk assessment, or pre-election monitoring
• Knowledge of political violence trends across the African continent

Application Process

Interested candidates must submit the following by 14 August 2025:

1. A CV highlighting relevant experience
2. A cover letter detailing their approach to risk assessment and suitability for the role
3. A financial offer indicating the proposed daily rate in EUR

Please include “Research Consultant Expert” in the subject line and send the application to:
tender@democracy-reporting.org

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted