The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness and accountability in government. NDI has supported democratic institutions and practices in every region of the world for more than two decades. Since its founding in 1983, NDI and its local partners have worked to establish and strengthen political and civic organizations, safeguard elections, and promote citizen participation, openness and accountability in government. NDI works in Zambia to support democratic institutions to better engage with stakeholders and citizens on national policy, legislation development and citizen concerns and priorities.

NDI is currently implementing an initiative to support women’s political participation in selected communities across Zambia. The program aims to support community-level stakeholders to create an enabling environment for women’s political participation and to support women in their aspirations to represent their communities and participate in political and electoral processes.

NDI invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced persons to fill two vacant five-week consulting posts in Lusaka, with significant travel required. The purpose of these positions is to support NDI’s initiative to enhance women’s political participation at local government level in selected communities across Zambia. The program aims to support community-level stakeholders to create an enabling environment for women’s political participation and to support women in their aspirations to represent their communities and participate in political and electoral processes.

To evaluate the effectiveness of this initiative and to enhance the research and community of practice on women’s political participation, an evaluation study of the pilot interventions will be conducted.

OVERALL SCOPE OF WORK

To contribute to the successful attainment of the community assessment exercise and the Women’s Political Participation program, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required of the consultancy candidature.

Requirements

During the contract period of three to five weeks, the individual will be deployed to select districts for an initial period of four weeks. Therefore, candidates must be willing to travel for a four-week continuous period for their deployment. Successful candidates will take part in a community assessment teams orientation training and familiarization on data collection tools prior to embarking on the exercise.

Responsibilities

The tasks to be performed by the individual include, but may not be limited to:

• Conduct field visits to designated areas according to the assessment methodology;
•  Coordinate and manage assessment interviews exercise as required by the data collection plans;
• Facilitate the work of the assigned enumerator team in the field;
• Undertake primary data collection through interviews, utilizing established instruments and assessment tools;
• Manage questionnaire/assessment forms, ensuring coherence and data quality and consistency control of collected information. Take accurate notes and record data in written or electronic forms;
• Gather information objectively, appropriately, and sensitively through observation and active listening. Act with respect for local culture;
• Identify and report challenges encountered during data collection;
• Regularly submit completed questionnaires/assessment forms and progress reports;
• Maintain field work control sheets;
• Collaborate effectively within a team;
  Duly adhere to Code of Conduct;
• Oversee security related matters; and
• Perform other duties, as required.

Qualifications and Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in politics, international relations, gender studies or related field;
• At least 4 years relevant work experience in international development and/or democracy, human rights, gender, women’s political participation, and/or inclusive governance-related program management. Demonstrated research experience in data collection and conducting interviews preferred;
  Good understanding/knowledge of local context and community dynamics;
• Extensive knowledge of interviewing techniques and assessment questionnaire design;
• Strong analytical skills and ability to understand and adapt to complex socio-cultural background in  regard to overall assessment context;
  Ability to remain impartial and maintain confidentiality;
• Display strong organizational skills;
• Strong interpersonal and management skills;
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English, as well as strong verbal communication in  several local languages;
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple deadlines and assignments; and
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs and Google work space applications.

Timeframe

This SOW shall run for a period of up but not exceeding five weeks or the completion of all tasks and requirements, whichever comes earlier.