Call for Expression of Interest – Bqu Zega Civic Engagement Hub

The Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations for Elections (CECOE) comprises over 175 civil society organizations operating across all regional states and the two city administrations. CECOE was established in 2019 to augment and coordinate the roles of Ethiopian CSOs in election observation, monitoring, voter education, and the prevention of post-electoral conflicts. CECOE has a proven track record of success, having observed the 6th General Election of Ethiopia, the Sidama referendum, the South West Ethiopia Peoples’ Region referendum, the South Ethiopia referendum, and the referendum rerun in Wolaita Zone. CECOE has also been engaged in various advocacy activities, including advocating for electoral reforms, peacebuilding, and enhancing the participation of women in Ethiopian politics.

CECOE is currently implementing a multi-year project aimed at enhancing citizens’ engagement in human rights, democratic processes, civic rights, duties, and peacebuilding; improving the implementation of best practices among civil society; and strengthening women’s leadership in local governance. The project will be implemented in partnership with CECOE, Bright Future, and Ethiopian Women Rights Advocates (EWRA) across multiple regions of Ethiopia, through civic engagement hubs, digital learning platforms, sub-grants, training, and advocacy initiatives.

The project aims to establish six (6) Regional Civic Engagement Hubs. These Hubs will serve as dynamic resource centers for democracy promotion, human rights advocacy, e-learning, and inter-regional peacebuilding. CECOE seeks strong local CSOs to collaborate and establish “Bqu Zega’ Regional Civic Engagement Hubs”. The core, innovative approach is that these Hubs will strengthen youth participation. Their main goal is to promote democracy, human rights, and active civic engagement among youth and the community. Crucially, they will be the physical bridge for the ‘Bqu Zega’ E-learning Platform, serving as dynamic resource centers for democracy, human rights advocacy, e-learning, and inter-regional peacebuilding.

Terms of Reference (ToR) For Customizing the Design of a Manual into Afan Oromo, Tigrigna, Afar, and SomaliBackground

Terms of Reference (ToR) For Customizing the Design of a Manual into Afan Oromo, Tigrigna, Afar, and Somali
Background
 
The Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations for Elections (CECOE) comprises over 175 civil society organizations operating across all regional states and the two city administrations. CECOE was established in 2019 to augment and coordinate the roles of Ethiopian CSOs in election observation, monitoring, voter education, and the prevention of post-electoral conflicts. CECOE has a proven track record of success, having observed the 6th General Election of Ethiopia, the Sidama referendum, the South West Ethiopia Peoples’ Region referendum, the South Ethiopia referendum, and the referendum rerun in Wolaita Zone. CECOE has also been engaged in various advocacy activities, including advocating for electoral reforms, peacebuilding, and enhancing the participation of women in Ethiopian politics.
 
CECOE is currently implementing a project titled “Civic Education for Better Civic Engagement and Political Participation in Ethiopia.” This project is funded by the German Government and supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH under the “Support to Good Governance (S2GG) in Ethiopia” as part of the project has developed a comprehensive manual has been developed that has already been translated into five languages: Amharic, English, Afan Oromo, Tigrigna, Afar, and Somali. The Amharic and English versions have been professionally designed and formatted, maintaining consistent layout, visuals, and branding standards.
Objective of the Assignment
The objective of this assignment is to adapt the existing manual design and layout (developed in Amharic and English) into Afan Oromo, Tigrigna, Afar, and Somali, ensuring that each version mirrors the original format, style, and visual identity.
Scope of Work
The selected company will be responsible for:
Design Adaptation


Use the existing InDesign or editable design files of the manual.
Insert the provided translated text (Afan Oromo, Tigrigna, Afar, Somali) into the design template.
Maintain all visual elements, graphics, fonts, and styles consistent with the Amharic and English versions.


Formatting and Layout Adjustment


Ensure proper alignment, spacing, and readability of each language text.
Adjust font types and sizes where necessary to ensure compatibility with each script (e.g., Ethiopic and Latin).
Ensure page numbering, tables, and captions are correctly formatted.


Quality Assurance
Review and cross-check for any layout errors, missing text, or misaligned elements.
Conduct a visual proof with the organization’s team before finalizing.


Output and File Management


Produce both print-ready and web-optimized versions.
Submit editable source files (InDesign or equivalent) and final PDFs.


Deliverables and Timeline
Deliverable
Description
Timeline
Inception meeting & sample layout
Initial discussion and sample layout for one language
Within 5 days of signing the contract
Draft design layouts
First drafts of all 4 languages
Within 15 working days
Incorporation of feedback
Adjustments after review by CECOE
Within 5 working days
Final deliverables
Print-ready and editable versions for all 4 languages
Within 25 working days total
 
Deliverables
The design company will be required to submit the following items. All deliverables must be provided for each of the four languages specified (Afan Oromo, Tigrigna, Afar, and Somali), ensuring consistency with the original Amharic and English versions.
Drafts for Review
Complete Digital Drafts: A full, PDF version of the manual for all four languages (Afan Oromo, Tigrigna, Afar, and Somali). This draft is for the CECOE team to conduct the “visual proof” mentioned in the Scope of Work.
Final Production-Ready Files
Print-Ready PDFs (4 files): High-resolution, press-quality PDF files (one for each language). These files must be:
Exported in CMYK color mode.
Include necessary bleed and crop marks for professional printing.
Have all fonts and high-resolution graphics embedded.
Print-Ready PDFs (4 files): High-resolution, press-quality PDF files (one for each language). These files must be:
Exported in CMYK color mode.
Include necessary bleed and crop marks for professional printing.
Have all fonts and high-resolution graphics embedded.
Editable Source Files
The designer must provide all native, editable working files used to create the manuals. This package is crucial for [Name of Organization] to make future updates.
Packaged InDesign Files (4 folders): A complete, packaged Adobe InDesign (or equivalent) project folder for each of the four languages.
Each package must include:
The editable design file (.INDD).
An InDesign Markup (Interchange) file (.IDML) for backward compatibility with older software versions.
A “Links” folder containing all placed graphics, images, and visual elements.
A “Document Fonts” folder containing all specific font files used in the layout
Qualification Requirements
The design company should have:
Proven experience in graphic design and publication layout.
Experience working on multilingual publications (preferably in Ethiopian languages).
Proficiency in Adobe InDesign or equivalent design software.
Ability to meet deadlines and produce high-quality outputs.
A portfolio of previous, similar work.
Supervision and Reporting
The company will report to CECOE and work closely with CECOE’s communications team.
Duration of Assignment
The total duration of the assignment is 25 working days from the contract signing date.
Payment Terms
Milestone
Payment Percentage
Upon submission and approval of sample layout
30%
Upon submission of draft designs for all four languages
40%
Upon submission and approval of final deliverables
30%
 
Application Procedure
Interested and qualified design firms are invited to submit:
A brief technical proposal describing their approach and timeline.
A financial proposal with a detailed cost breakdown per language.
Company profile and relevant experience.
Samples of previous similar design work.

Customizing the Design of a Manual into Afan Oromo, Tigrigna, Afar, and Somali

Background
 
The Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations for Elections (CECOE) comprises over 175 civil society organizations operating across all regional states and the two city administrations. CECOE was established in 2019 to augment and coordinate the roles of Ethiopian CSOs in election observation, monitoring, voter education, and the prevention of post-electoral conflicts. CECOE has a proven track record of success, having observed the 6th General Election of Ethiopia, the Sidama referendum, the South West Ethiopia Peoples’ Region referendum, the South Ethiopia referendum, and the referendum rerun in Wolaita Zone. CECOE has also been engaged in various advocacy activities, including advocating for electoral reforms, peacebuilding, and enhancing the participation of women in Ethiopian politics.
 
CECOE is currently implementing a project titled “Civic Education for Better Civic Engagement and Political Participation in Ethiopia.” This project is funded by the German Government and supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH under the “Support to Good Governance (S2GG) in Ethiopia” as part of the project has developed a comprehensive manual has been developed that has already been translated into five languages: Amharic, English, Afan Oromo, Tigrigna, Afar, and Somali. The Amharic and English versions have been professionally designed and formatted, maintaining consistent layout, visuals, and branding standards.
Objective of the Assignment
The objective of this assignment is to adapt the existing manual design and layout (developed in Amharic and English) into Afan Oromo, Tigrigna, Afar, and Somali, ensuring that each version mirrors the original format, style, and visual identity.
Scope of Work
The selected company will be responsible for:
Design Adaptation


Use the existing InDesign or editable design files of the manual.
Insert the provided translated text (Afan Oromo, Tigrigna, Afar, Somali) into the design template.
Maintain all visual elements, graphics, fonts, and styles consistent with the Amharic and English versions.


Formatting and Layout Adjustment


Ensure proper alignment, spacing, and readability of each language text.
Adjust font types and sizes where necessary to ensure compatibility with each script (e.g., Ethiopic and Latin).
Ensure page numbering, tables, and captions are correctly formatted.


Quality Assurance
Review and cross-check for any layout errors, missing text, or misaligned elements.
Conduct a visual proof with the organization’s team before finalizing.


Output and File Management


Produce both print-ready and web-optimized versions.
Submit editable source files (InDesign or equivalent) and final PDFs.


Deliverables and Timeline
Deliverable
Description
Timeline
Inception meeting & sample layout
Initial discussion and sample layout for one language
Within 5 days of signing the contract
Draft design layouts
First drafts of all 4 languages
Within 15 working days
Incorporation of feedback
Adjustments after review by CECOE
Within 5 working days
Final deliverables
Print-ready and editable versions for all 4 languages
Within 25 working days total
 
Deliverables
The design company will be required to submit the following items. All deliverables must be provided for each of the four languages specified (Afan Oromo, Tigrigna, Afar, and Somali), ensuring consistency with the original Amharic and English versions.
Drafts for Review
Complete Digital Drafts: A full, PDF version of the manual for all four languages (Afan Oromo, Tigrigna, Afar, and Somali). This draft is for the CECOE team to conduct the “visual proof” mentioned in the Scope of Work.
Final Production-Ready Files
Print-Ready PDFs (4 files): High-resolution, press-quality PDF files (one for each language). These files must be:
Exported in CMYK color mode.
Include necessary bleed and crop marks for professional printing.
Have all fonts and high-resolution graphics embedded.
Print-Ready PDFs (4 files): High-resolution, press-quality PDF files (one for each language). These files must be:
Exported in CMYK color mode.
Include necessary bleed and crop marks for professional printing.
Have all fonts and high-resolution graphics embedded.
Editable Source Files
The designer must provide all native, editable working files used to create the manuals. This package is crucial for [Name of Organization] to make future updates.
Packaged InDesign Files (4 folders): A complete, packaged Adobe InDesign (or equivalent) project folder for each of the four languages.
Each package must include:
The editable design file (.INDD).
An InDesign Markup (Interchange) file (.IDML) for backward compatibility with older software versions.
A “Links” folder containing all placed graphics, images, and visual elements.
A “Document Fonts” folder containing all specific font files used in the layout
Qualification Requirements
The design company should have:
Proven experience in graphic design and publication layout.
Experience working on multilingual publications (preferably in Ethiopian languages).
Proficiency in Adobe InDesign or equivalent design software.
Ability to meet deadlines and produce high-quality outputs.
A portfolio of previous, similar work.
Supervision and Reporting
The company will report to CECOE and work closely with CECOE’s communications team.
Duration of Assignment
The total duration of the assignment is 25 working days from the contract signing date.
Payment Terms
Milestone
Payment Percentage
Upon submission and approval of sample layout
30%
Upon submission of draft designs for all four languages
40%
Upon submission and approval of final deliverables
30%
 
Application Procedure
Interested and qualified design firms are invited to submit:
A brief technical proposal describing their approach and timeline.
A financial proposal with a detailed cost breakdown per language.
Company profile and relevant experience.
Samples of previous similar design work

TV Documentary Production: Women’s Media and Public Engagement in Ethiopia

Issuing Organization: Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations for Elections (CECOE)
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Documentary Duration: 20 minutes
Language: Amharic
Submission Deadline: October 1, 2025 

1. Background

The Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations for Elections (CECOE), in collaboration with NIMD and supported by the European Union, seeks to produce a 20-minute documentary highlighting Ethiopian women’s participation in media and public engagement. The film will profile women as candidates, activists, community leaders, and civic educators, showcasing their challenges, achievements, and contributions to public engagement.

2. Objective

The objective of this documentary is to:

  • Highlight the lived experiences of Ethiopian women engaged in media and public engagement.
  • Showcase their contributions and media advocacy journey.
  • Inspire other women and girls to participate in leadership, public advocacy, and civic engagement.

3. Scope of Work

The selected production company will be responsible for the full production of a 20-minute high-quality documentary and a 2–3 minute promotional trailer, including all activities from concept development to final delivery, in close consultation with CECOE. The company will also provide progress updates and all supporting production materials.

4. Deliverables

  • 20-minute high-definition documentary in MP4 format.
  • 2–3 minute promotional trailer

6. Eligibility & Requirements

  • Demonstrated experience in TV documentary production 
  • Capability to produce high-quality video with professional equipment and crew.
  • Strong storytelling and editing skills.
  • Knowledge of women’s issues, political participation, and public engagement in Ethiopia is an advantage.
  • Ability to meet deadlines and adhere to CECOE’s standards and ethical guidelines.

7. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

  • Experience and capacity of the company (10%)
  • Quality and relevance of previous work (10%)
  • Technical approach and methodology (40%)
  • Cost-effectiveness and budget (40%)

8. Timeline

The production company is expected to complete the entire documentary production process — from concept development, filming, to final delivery — within one month from the contract start date. Final submission of the 20-minute documentary and the 2–3 minute promotional trailer must be completed by November 5.

Internship

I. Background

CECOE is a non-profit and non-governmental civil society organization with more than 175 member organizations. CECOE was licensed by the F.D.R.E. Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) in 2019 with registration number 4748 under the Civil Society Organizations Proclamation 1113/2019, to enhance and coordinate the role of Ethiopian CSOs in election observation, voter education, preventing electoral conflicts, and providing capacity building and support for its member organizations.

CECOE is a committed member of the East and Horn of Africa Election Observers Network (E-HORN), African Election Observers Network (AfEONet), and a member of the Global Network of Domestic Election Monitors (GNDEM), which connects regional networks and individual monitoring organizations across more than 88 countries worldwide. Since 2019, CECOE has observed seven electoral events, deploying both Long-Term Observers (LTOs) and Short-Term Observers (STOs) for referendums and general elections. CECOE is currently implementing a project titled “Enhancing the Credibility, Transparency, and Inclusiveness of the Seventh General Elections of Ethiopia through systematic citizens’ election observation.” This initiative, supported by the Embassy of Ireland in Ethiopia, is focused on the planning and preparation for observing the upcoming 7th General Election.

II. The Position

CECOE is seeking to hire interns to support its election observation activities for the upcoming 7th General Election. The interns will operate under the auspices of the CECOE Secretariat, working closely with the CECOE staff, Member organizations, Regional Focal Persons, Zonal coordinators and observers. They will assist in processing data from observers to ensure accurate and timely reporting.

III. Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The Interns will be responsible for, among other things:

  1. Assisting in the recruitment of observers in coordination with Regional Focal Persons and Zonal coordinators.
  2. Verifying data accuracy from observer reports, checklists, and forms submitted by Regional Focal Persons, Zonal coordinators, and observers.
  3. Performing basic data cleaning, including identifying and correcting errors, duplicates, or inconsistencies in observation data.
  4. Supporting the generation of reports by organizing cleaned data, assisting with basic analysis, and preparing summaries.
  5. Contributing to the timely processing of observer reports to facilitate the quick dissemination of findings.
  6.  Assisting with data entry, digitization, and archiving of information.
  7. Providing administrative support for data-related activities, such as maintaining contact management forms and tracking resources.
  8. Participating in quality control checks for training materials and simulation exercises as needed.
  9. Reporting any critical data discrepancies or issues to the Management Team.
  10. Undertake additional tasks as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

IV. Required Qualifications and Experiences

  1. Minimum of a diploma or Bachelor’s degree in fields such as law, political science, information technology, statistics, social sciences, or a related area.
  2. Basic proficiency in data handling tools such as Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or similar software; familiarity with data cleaning techniques is an advantage.
  3. Amharic and English fluency, both spoken and written, are required. Knowledge of local languages relevant to assigned regions is preferred.
  4. At least 3 months of experience or relevant internships in data entry, administrative support, or CSO-related activities; experience in election or rights-related work is a plus.
  5. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to work under supervision in a team environment.
  6. Excellent basic oral and written communication skills in English.

V. Duration

The positions are short-term internships for 6 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and project needs.