Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Selection of  Election Observers

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.

As part of its initiative to observe Ethiopia’s 7th General Election across selected electoral districts, CARD will recruit and deploy 30 trained election observers. These observers will conduct professional monitoring of the electoral process, delivering evidence-based and conflict-sensitive reports.

Objective of the Assignment 

The objective of this assignment is to recruit, train, and deploy election observers who will:

• Monitor the electoral process in a professional, independent, and non-partisan manner

• Enhance transparency and accountability of the election process

• Contribute to peaceful electoral conduct through conflict-sensitive observation

• Provide accurate, timely, and structured reporting

Scope of Work

The selected observers will be engaged in:

• Pre-election observation: political environment, campaign conditions, candidate registration, gender inclusion, voter and civic education,media space allocation, election preparedness, etc…

• Election-Period observation: opening, voting, counting, and announcement of results processes Post-election observation: complaints, dispute resolution, and immediate aftermath

Selected election observers will apply and adhere to CARD’s Election Observation Manual inclusive of Safety and Security Protocol throughout their deployment.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

The election observers will:

• Attend and actively participate in pre-deployment election observation training, including safety and security briefing

• Observe polling stations and electoral activities using standardized checklists

• Monitor compliance with electoral laws, procedures, and human rights standards

• Identify and document irregularities, incidents, and potential conflict triggers

• Maintain strict neutrality and non-interference during the observation process

• Apply safety and security procedures in all field engagements

• Submit three observation reports and incident reports (as needed)

• Participate in debriefing and reflection sessions after deployment

 Duration of the Assignment

The assignment will include:

• Training: two rounds, each spanning two days

• Deployment: Covering pre-election period, election day, and immediate post-election period

• Debriefing: 1–2 days after field deployment 

Required Number :

Thirty  (30) Observers

Management

• The Observers will work closely with CARD’s Project Team.

• The Observer will report directly to the Project Manager.

Job Requirements

Required Qualifications and Experience

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Minimum of Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, Law, Social Sciences, Peace and Conflict Studies, or related fields

• Prior experience in election observation, civic engagement, human rights, or peacebuilding activities is a plus

• Good understanding of electoral processes and democratic principles

• Strong communication and report-writing skills

• Ability to work under challenging and potentially sensitive environments

• Demonstrated neutrality, integrity, and professionalism

• Knowledge of local languages is highly desirable 

How To Apply

Application Process

Interested individuals  should submit the following to apply@cardeth.org no later than April 10, 2025 with: 

CVs or profiles of Observers

If any evidence of  similar previous work 

Please indicate “Application  for Election Observation” in the subject line. 

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted

Job Requirements Candidates should hold at least a Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in political science, law, social sciences, peace and conflict studies, or related fields, and possess strong communication, report‑writing, and neutrality skills. Observers will participate in pre‑deployment training, conduct systematic observation of polling stations throughout the election cycle, and produce structured reports on compliance with electoral laws and human rights standards. How to Apply Submit your non-returnable application and CV along with supporting documents in Via email apply@cardeth.org