Project Officer/ Election Observation and Monitoring 

Background of CECOE

The Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations for Elections (CECOE) is a coalition of over 175 local civil society organizations engaged in democracy and electoral activities across Ethiopia. CECOE obtained a certificate of registration from the FDRE Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) in 2019 with the registration number 4748.  CECOE was established to coordinate civic engagement, increasing citizen participation in voter education, election observation, research, and advocacy with the view to bolstering long-term civil society engagement in Ethiopia’s electoral process in a sustainable manner.

Following its establishment, CECOE observed the Sidama referendum which laid the groundwork for significant projects during the 6th Ethiopian general elections, reshaping the role of Ethiopian CSOs in electoral processes. During the Sixth National and Regional Elections, CECOE deployed over 3,500 observers across nine regional states and two city administrations for the June and September 2021 elections, including the South West Ethiopia referendum. The Coalition also initiated a media monitoring project, tracking election-related information across seven media outlets, political party social media accounts, and CSOs. Moreover, CECOE coordinated voter education campaigns in various regions. In February 2023, CECOE successfully observed a referendum in six zones and five special woredas of SNNPR, deploying 434 stationary and 76 mobile observers. CECOE has also observed the outstanding and reelections of the Sixth General elections which were organized on June , 2024 in Benishangul, Afar, Central Ethiopia and Somali regions. Based on its observation findings, CECOE issues statements and final observation reports which are later on used to engage stakeholders in electoral reform activities, organizing forums, workshops, and producing policy briefs and advertisements.

Job Overview/ Summary

CECOE is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Election Observation and Monitoring Officer to ensure the integrity and transparency of the electoral and political processes. The successful candidate will be responsible for observing election procedures, monitoring compliance with electoral laws, and reporting findings to enhance the democratic process.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Observation and monitoring of electoral and political processes
    • Oversee and document electoral and political processes at a regional and national level
    • Ensure adherence to legal and procedural guidelines throughout the electoral and political processes.
  • Data Collection and Reporting
    • Gather and analyze data related to voter turnout, election irregularities, and procedural compliance.
    • Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations on findings for stakeholders.
  • Capacity building and stakeholder engagement
    • Collaborate with election officials, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to promote transparency and accountability.
    • Participate in briefings and debriefings to share observations and recommendations.
    • Assist in training volunteers and staff on political process monitoring techniques and best practices.
    • Provide guidance on ethical standards and reporting procedures.
  • Crisis management 
    • Identify and respond to potential issues or irregularities during the election process.
    • Recommend corrective actions to improve electoral practices.

Job  Requirements

  • BA, LLB, LLM degree in human rights, Constitutional law, Political Science, International Relations, Law, or other related fields.
  • At least 6 years of work experience for BA/LLB and  4 years experience for LLM or MA
  • Experience on election and related roles 
  • Proven experience in election monitoring, civil service, or a related area.
  • Strong analytical and observational skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Knowledge of electoral laws and regulations is preferred.

Skills and Competencies Required

  • Strong attention to detail and critical thinking skills.
  • Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines under pressure.
  • Cultural sensitivity and the ability to work in diverse environments.

How to apply

Interested applicants should apply using this link 

When to apply 

Interested applicants should apply on or before October 31, 2024

CECOE strongly encourages female candidates to apply!

Civic Education Officer

Background of CECOE:

The Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations for Elections (CECOE) is a coalition of over 175 local civil society organizations engaged in democracy and electoral activities across Ethiopia. CECOE obtained a certificate of registration from the FDRE Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) in 2019 with the registration number 4748.  CECOE was established to coordinate civic engagement, increasing citizen participation in voter education, election observation, research, and advocacy with the view to bolstering long-term civil society engagement in Ethiopia’s electoral process in a sustainable manner.

CECOE is currently implementing a project titled “Civic Education for Better Civic Engagement and Political Participation in Ethiopia.” This project is financed by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and commissioned by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany under the “Support to Good Governance (S2GG) in Ethiopia” program, Focused on digital civic education, the project will engage in the design and provision of a nationwide and localized civic education campaign using interactive audiovisual (radio spots and video ads) and printed materials.

Job Overview/Summary:

The Civic Education Officer will be responsible for designing, implementing, and monitoring civic and voter education programs. This role aims to enhance the public’s understanding of civic rights, duties, and electoral processes to foster active participation in democratic activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Develop and implement civic education programs in collaboration with stakeholders.
  • Conduct training sessions and workshops for civic educators.
  • Oversee the development and distribution of civic education materials.
  • Coordinate with media outlets for the dissemination of civic education messages.
  • Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of civic education campaigns.
  • Prepare reports and documentation on program activities and outcomes.
  • Perform other related tasks which are not stated above as assigned or deemed necessary.

Job Requirements:

  • Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Law, Education, or a related field.
  • At least 2 years of experience in an election-related role.
  • Proven experience in training and capacity-building activities.
  • Strong understanding of the electoral process and civic rights.

Skills and Competencies Required:

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Fluency in English and Amharic; an additional local language (Tigrigna, Oromiffa, Somali, etc.) is a plus.

CECOE strongly encourages female candidates to apply!

Social Media Manager

Background of CECOE:

The Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations for Elections (CECOE) is a coalition of over 175 local civil society organizations engaged in democracy and electoral activities across Ethiopia. CECOE obtained a certificate of registration from the FDRE Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) in 2019 with the registration number 4748. CECOE was established to coordinate civic engagement, increasing citizen participation in voter education, election observation, research, and advocacy with the view to bolstering long-term civil society engagement in Ethiopia’s electoral process in a sustainable manner.

CECOE is currently implementing a project titled “Civic Education for Better Civic Engagement and Political Participation in Ethiopia.” This project is financed by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and commissioned by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany under the “Support to Good Governance (S2GG) in Ethiopia” program, Focused on digital civic education, the project will engage in the design and provision of a nationwide and localized civic education campaign using interactive audiovisual (radio spots and video ads) and printed materials.

Job Overview/Summary:

The Social Media Manager will be responsible for managing CECOE’s social media platforms and ensuring the effective dissemination of civic education content. This role involves content creation, monitoring social media trends, and engaging with the online community to promote civic knowledge and engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Develop and implement social media strategies to promote civic education.
  • Create, curate, and manage published content (images, video, content).
  • Monitor and respond to users in a “social” way while cultivating engagement.
  • Oversee design (e.g., Infographics, Videos, thumbnails, ads etc).
  • Analyze key metrics and tweak strategy as needed.
  • Compile reports for management showing results (ROI).
  • Perform other related tasks which are not stated above as assigned or deemed necessary.

Job Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Communications, IT, Social sciences, Public Relations, or any other related field.
  • At least 2 years of experience in social media management or a related field.
  • Excellent consulting, writing, editing (photo/video/text), presentation, and communication skills.
  • Demonstrable social networking experience and social analytics tools knowledge.

Skills and Competencies Required:

Knowledge of the digital world and a good understanding of major social media channels.

Positive attitude, attention to detail, with good multitasking and organizational ability.

Fluency in English and Amharic; an additional local language (Tigrigna, Oromiffa, Somali, etc.) is a plus.

CECOE strongly encourages female candidates to apply!