Malawi: Electoral boundary demarcation expert

Project Purpose

Short-term Outcome: Malawi’s’ Constituency and boundary delimitation meets constitutional requirements in time for the 2019 General Elections.

Output 1: Development of a Demarcation of Electoral Boundaries Strategy for the Malawi Electoral Commission.

Expected activities include:

· - Review the current documentation and legislation on constituency boundaries

· - Prepare an assessment report of the current situation and major challenges (including capacity constraints) with initial recommendation.

· -Under MEC leadership, participate in the consultation with relevant stakeholders and support the development of an effective engagement strategy.

· -Assist MEC with developing guidelines on boundaries in line with the required legal frameworks.

· -Provide input to MEC for the production of preliminary maps on the suggested demarcation of boundaries.

· -Provided MEC with suggested and recommended demarcations of boundaries based on a defined methodology and international principles.

· -Facilitate training for staff implementing the activities in the field

· -Develop a model terms of reference for boundary disputes

· -Organise and facilitate a stakeholder’s workshop to validate and solicit views on the Strategy and sensitise people to the process of demarcation, generating buy-in.

· -Finalisation of the Demarcation of Electoral Boundaries Strategy and plan for the actual demarcation exercise.

Output 2: Implementation of the Demarcation of Electoral Boundaries Strategy

Expected activities include:

· - Facilitate training for staff implementing the Strategy activities in the field

· - Support the demarcation exercise and the drawing of the constituency boundaries on the ground

· Under MEC leadership, support consultations with stakeholders to resolve issues that arise.

· -Consolidate the outcomes of the constituency and boundary delimitation exercise.

Required Qualifications and Experience

The successful candidate should possess:

· Minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience providing relevant electoral assistance.

· Extensive knowledge and experience in boundary and constituency delimitation and demarcation

· Demonstrated experience in developing/using GIS for the purpose of electoral mapping and boundary delimitation;

· Knowledge of democratic governance in Africa; experience working with Electoral Bodies in Africa is an advantage.

· Experience of producing high quality reports and analytical documents.

· Excellent training and communication skills as well as the ability to communicate fluently in English (spoken and written);

· Ability to engage with gender mainstreaming issues in the contact of national development planning.

· Advanced degree (Masters Degree or equivalent) in Geo-Spatial Analysis, Geography, Public Administration or a related field from a recognised and reputable institution

Applicants who meet post criteria will need to complete an application online, attaching a CV along with a covering letter including names and contact details of three referees. Applicants should also include a brief Proposal for delivery of the support identifying how the 120 Working Days would be allocated over the 8 month period. The Proposal should also include a proposed itemised and all-inclusive budget in compliance with the details above.

Link to apply: http://thecommonwealth.org/jobs/electoral-boundary-demarcation-expert