CECOE is a non-profit, non-governmental civil society organisation comprising over 190 member organisations. CECOE was licensed by the F.D.R.E. Authority for Civil Society Organisations (ACSO) in 2019 with registration number 4748 under the Civil Society Organisations 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 organisations. CECOE is a 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 organisations across more than 88 countries worldwide.
Since its establishment, CECOE has conducted observation missions for various electoral events. These missions include the Sidama referendum, the 6th General Election, the South West Peoples Region referendum, the South Ethiopia Region referendum, the Wolaita Sodo referendum rerun, the outstanding and re-elections in Benishangul Gumuz, Afar, Somali, and Meskan and Mareko and the 7th General Election. For these missions, CECOE has deployed over 6,000 observers.
Background
Ethiopia's transition toward an inclusive and resilient democracy faces a complex mix of socio-political challenges. Citizen participation in political processes remains low, partly because of insufficient civic education, limited access to reliable information, and low trust in institutions. Persistent gender inequality, under-representation of women in local governance, and localised resource-based or identity-based conflicts further complicate sustainable democratic engagement.
To address these challenges, CECOE, in consortium with Ethiopian Women Rights Advocates (EWRA) and Bright Future, is implementing a 3 year project titled Promoting Democracy, Civic Engagement, and Human Rights in Ethiopia through Strengthening Civic Actors, funded by Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD).
A central pillar of the project is the establishment of six Biqu Zega Hubs, or Competent Citizen Hubs, in strategic locations across Ethiopia. These hubs are physical and programmatic community spaces where CSOs, youth, students, media professionals, universities, and community representatives can access information, convene dialogue, test civic education ideas, and develop locally relevant initiatives. Because civic participation barriers vary by region, age group, media environment, and local context, the project uses the hubs to generate locally owned and practical civic education solutions.
CECOE will organise a three-day Innovate for Democracy Idea Marathon to strengthen the capacity of selected hub CSOs in civic education, human rights, organisational development, proposal design, and innovative project development. The marathon will use design-thinking methods to help participants identify local participation challenges, generate ideas, prepare concept notes, prototype solutions, and pitch practical civic education initiatives for possible small-grant support.
Objectives
General Objective
To guide selected Biqu Zega Hub CSOs representatives to co-create, design, and pitch practical civic education project concepts that respond to localised democratic participation challenges.
Specific objectives
The specific objectives are:
To adapt CECOE's existing civic education manual into contextualised training materials and facilitation tools based on adult-learning and design-thinking principles.
To equip participants with practical project proposal and concept note writing skills so they can submit competitive small-grant applications.
To guide participants through problem definition, ideation, designing, action planning, pitch preparation, and completion of viable concept notes for the grant competition.
Participant profile and expected outputs
The training will bring together 28 selected representatives from the Biqu Zega Hubs, including regional youth, local CSO leaders, high school and university students, media professionals, and other civic actors. CECOE will confirm the final participant list and should ensure appropriate representation by hub, region, gender, youth status, organisation type, and role in follow-up implementation.
By the end of the marathon and mentoring period, each participating hub team or selected group should produce a problem statement, idea canvas, draft concept note, simple work plan, indicative budget, risk and inclusion checklist, and pitch presentation. CECOE should confirm before publication whether the final expected number of ideas is five, six, or another number.
Scope of Work
The consultant will execute the assignment over a total of 15 working days, divided into three distinct phases:
Phase 1: Preparation
Hold an inception meeting with the CECOE program team to confirm objectives, participant profile, agenda structure, deliverables, review process, safeguarding considerations, and timeline.
Review CECOE's existing civic education manuals and identify the core concepts, exercises, and tools to be adapted for the idea marathon.
Adapt and design context-specific training materials, facilitation notes, group exercises, participant handouts, and templates tailored to regional hub participants.
Prepare a slide deck summarising core civic education concepts adapted from CECOE's civic education manual.
Develop a detailed three-day marathon agenda, clearly marking sessions facilitated by the consultant and sessions integrated by CECOE.
Create workshop templates, including problem tree, stakeholder map, idea canvas, simplified concept note, workplan, basic budget estimate, risk and inclusion checklist, and pitch deck template.
Design pre- and post-training assessment tools and participant feedback forms.
Phase 2: Active Facilitation of the "Innovate for Democracy" Marathon
Facilitate three-day Innovate for Democracy Idea Marathon training in Addis Ababa for 28 selected participants.
Use participatory design-thinking methods to guide participants through empathise, define, ideate, prototype, pitch, feedback, and refinement stages.
Assist participants in identifying regional civic and human rights challenges and translate them into clear problem statements for project proposals.
Guide participants to develop project concepts, implementation steps, stakeholder engagement approaches, simple budgets, monitoring indicators, and pitch messages.
Document daily reflections, group outputs, pitch results, and key lessons for CECOE.
Provide follow-up mentoring and technical grant-writing guidance to hub teams to refine their draft concept notes, workplans, budgets, and pitch materials.
Support hub teams to incorporate constructive feedback from the pitch session and prepare final submissions for the small-grant competition.
Prepare a comprehensive final consultancy report capturing the methodology, participant profile, developed project ideas, assessment results, participant feedback, lessons learned, and recommendations for incubation and follow-up support.
Methodology
The consultant is expected to apply a participatory, inclusive, and adult-learning-centred approach tailored to the context of Ethiopia. The methodology should emphasise practical application, experience sharing, and skills development.
Key methodological approaches should include:
Interactive presentations and guided discussions
Group work and peer learning exercises
Case studies based on real-life civic engagement scenarios
Role plays and simulations to practice response skills
Experience sharing and reflection sessions
Pre- and post-training assessments to measure knowledge gain
The training should integrate reality on the ground and rights-based approaches, ensuring sensitivity to gender, culture, and conflict-affected contexts.
Key Deliverables
No.
Deliverable
Acceptance criteria
Indicative due date
1
Inception report
Methodology, detailed work plan, draft agenda outline, material adaptation plan, mentoring approach, assessment plan, and deliverable schedule approved by CECOE.
Facilitation of Innovate for Democracy Idea Marathon
One three-day marathon was successfully conducted in Addis Ababa with attendance, pre/post assessments, group outputs, and participant feedback documented.
Days 6-8
4
Mentoring and concept note support
Technical support provided to hub teams to refine concept notes, workplans, basic budgets, inclusion/risk checks, and pitch materials for small-grant applications.
Days 9-13
5
Final report and handover package
Final report including findings, outcomes, participant feedback, proposal profiles, assessment results, lessons learned, recommendations, agenda, attendance sheet, and all tools used.
Days 14-15
Required Qualifications and Experience
Advanced degree in civic education, law, human rights, political science, development studies, design thinking, social sciences, or another closely related field.
Proven experience designing and implementing civic education programs, modules, training materials, or facilitation tools.
At least five years of professional experience in workshop facilitation, human-centred design, design thinking, or participatory learning processes.
Demonstrated experience supporting CSOs, youth groups, or community actors to move from idea to concept note, work plan, budget, pitch, and small-grant application.
Demonstrated experience in grant writing, project proposal development, or capacity-building training in proposal formulation for civil society organisations.
Strong familiarity with Ethiopia's civil society, civic engagement, human rights, youth participation, media, and local governance landscape.
Excellent communication, visual facilitation, time management, and collaborative leadership skills.
Strong ability to manage high-energy group work, time-bound ideation, pitch preparation, and constructive feedback.
Excellent written and verbal proposal development, editing, concept note, and basic budget review skills.
Fluency in written and spoken English and Amharic; knowledge of other Ethiopian local languages is an asset where it supports hub participants and regional examples.
Proven ability to foster creative, inclusive, and conflict-sensitive collaborative environments.
Payment Schedule
Installment
Condition for payment
Share
First installment
Approval of inception report, detailed workplan, and agenda outline.
30%
Second installment
Approval of adapted materials and successful facilitation of the three-day marathon.
40%
Final installment
Approval of mentoring outputs, final report, assessment analysis, and handover of editable tools and materials.
30%
Application Process
Applicants shall submit the following documents:
technical proposal explaining understanding of the assignment, methodology, approach, and workplan;
financial proposal, showing professional fees and any reimbursable costs separately;
A business license that has been renewed, along with a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and a VAT registration certificate.
CV of the consultant or CVs of all proposed team members;
at least two references from similar assignments;
Contractual Conditions
Ownership: All final materials, tools, templates, reports, participant outputs, and deliverables produced under the assignment shall belong to CECOE unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Confidentiality and data protection: The consultant shall keep project information, participant data, proposal drafts, and sensitive information confidential and use such information only for this assignment.
Safeguarding and do-no-harm: The consultant shall comply with CECOE safeguarding requirements and immediately report any safeguarding concern through the agreed CECOE channel.
Conflict of interest: Applicants must disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest before contract award and throughout implementation.
Neutrality and professional conduct: The consultant shall maintain political neutrality, respect participants, and avoid facilitation methods or language that may inflame tensions or exclude participants.
Proposal review safeguards: If the consultant provides technical support and also participates in proposal review, CECOE shall define safeguards to preserve impartiality.
Consultant for the Design, Launch and Capacity Development of the Inter-Regional Peacebuilding Initiative (IRPI)
About CECOE
CECOE is a non-profit, non-governmental civil society organisation comprising over 190 member organisations. CECOE was licensed by the F.D.R.E. Authority for Civil Society Organisations (ACSO) in 2019 with registration number 4748 under the Civil Society Organisations 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 organisations. CECOE is a 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 organisations across more than 88 countries worldwide.
Since its establishment, CECOE has conducted observation missions for various electoral events. These missions include the Sidama referendum, the 6th General Election, the South West Peoples Region referendum, the South Ethiopia Region referendum, the Wolaita Sodo referendum rerun, the outstanding and re-elections in Benishangul Gumuz, Afar, Somali, and Meskan and Mareko and the 7th General Election. For these missions, CECOE has deployed over 6,000 observers.
Background and Rationale
The Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organisations for Elections (CECOE), with support from Agence Française de Développement (AfD), is implementing a project to promote inclusive democracy, civic engagement, human rights, and peacebuilding in Ethiopia. The project recognises that grassroots civil society organisations play an important role in promoting dialogue, trust-building, conflict prevention, civic participation, and accountable democratic practice.
CECOE is seeking to launch the Inter-Regional Peacebuilding Initiative (IRPI) as part of the civic engagement hub approach under the project. The project establishes six Biqu Zega Hubs as physical and programmatic spaces where CSOs, journalists, youth, universities, community representatives, and other civic actors can access information, convene dialogue, share learning, and design locally relevant civic and peacebuilding activities. These hubs will be used as the foundation for inter-regional cooperation by bringing focal points from conflict-affected regions together into clustered platforms that can exchange experience, build trust, coordinate dialogue, and develop joint peacebuilding initiatives across regional boundaries.
The assignment responds to gaps in CSO capacity for conflict analysis, dialogue facilitation, cross-regional collaboration, joint peacebuilding project design, and smooth operation of inter-regional clusters. CECOE therefore seeks a qualified peacebuilding consultant to design the IRPI approach, prepare practical training materials, facilitate the launch and capacity-building sessions, and support cluster-level action planning.
General Objective
To design, launch, support capacity development for, and guide the initial operational setup of the Inter-Regional Peacebuilding Initiative (IRPI).
Specific Objectives
To develop a practical peacebuilding curriculum.
To facilitate a two-day capacity-building training and a one-day launch workshop.
To support the setup of three inter-regional clusters.
To guide participants to prepare joint peacebuilding initiative concepts.
Geographic and Cluster Coverage
The consultant will design the IRPI around the following three inter-regional clusters. CECOE will confirm the final participant list and should show representation by region, cluster, organisation type, gender, and expected role in the hubs.
Cluster
Participating regions
Indicative focus
Cluster 1
Afar, Amhara and Tigray
Aftermath of the Tigray war, historical border disputes, inter-communal trust building, and conflict prevention.
Ethnic tensions, resource access disputes, community dialogue, and joint peacebuilding initiatives.
Scope of Work
Desk Review
The consultant shall conduct a focused desk review of the AFD project proposal and logframe, CECOE peacebuilding manuals, Biqu Zega Hub documentation, conflict profiles for target regions, relevant Ethiopian laws and frameworks, and CECOE policies on safeguarding and data protection.
Consultations
The consultant will consult with CECOE and hub representatives to ground the initiative in local operational realities. These engagements will identify peacebuilding assets and regional sensitivities, gathering Biqu Zega Hub input to tailor the IRPI curriculum and cluster action plans.
Inception
The consultant will execute an inception phase to align the proposed approach with CECOE’s strategy. This involves reviewing expectations to finalise a robust methodology, multi-phased workplan, and deliverable schedule. Additionally, the consultant will establish communication and coordination protocols with the CECOE program team.
Curriculum Development
The consultant shall consult CECOE's existing peacebuilding manual to develop an IRPI-specific curriculum package. The package should contextualise relevant content for the three inter-regional clusters and add practical facilitation guidance, exercises, and tools needed for the IRPI launch and follow-up.
Training
The consultant shall design and facilitate a 2-day capacity building training and a one-day launching workshop in Addis Ababa for 15 selected IRPI focal points drawn from the six Biqu Zega Hubs and relevant CECOE or partner technical staff. CECOE will finalise participant names and ensure appropriate regional, organisational, gender, and role representation.
Cluster Operational Design
The consultant shall facilitate the formal setup of three inter-regional clusters and prepare a short governance note for each cluster. The governance note shall cover coordination roles, member responsibilities, decision-making, meeting frequency, escalation pathways, documentation, risk management, and immediate next steps.
Mentorship
The consultant will provide mentorship to clusters during the collaborative strategy development phase. Through this process, each cluster is expected to develop a draft concept for a joint peacebuilding initiative. This output must include a comprehensive conflict or problem analysis, a stakeholder map, and a detailed implementation plan. Furthermore, the drafts should incorporate a basic risk matrix, specific inclusion measures, defined roles and responsibilities, and preliminary indicators to monitor ongoing progress.
Methodology and Quality Standards
The consultant shall use participatory adult-learning methods that are practical, inclusive, and adapted to the conflict context of each cluster. The methodology shall avoid lecture-heavy delivery and prioritise simulations, case scenarios, group problem solving, trust-building exercises, concept note exercises, and cluster-specific action planning.
conflict-sensitive moderation;
ensure meaningful participation by women, youth, persons with disabilities, marginalised groups, and representatives from all participating regions;
track attendance, administer pre/post-tests, collect anonymous participant feedback, and document daily reflections;
adapt exercises to each cluster's conflict context without reinforcing stereotypes or political bias;
Submit editable files and incorporate one consolidated round of CECOE feedback for major deliverables.
Deliverables and Timeline
No.
Deliverable
Acceptance criteria
Indicative due date
1
Inception report
Methodology, detailed workplan, consultation plan, curriculum outline, risk and conflict-sensitivity plan, document request list, and deliverable schedule approved by CECOE.
Within 5 working days of contract signing
2
Draft peacebuilding curriculum package
Trainer guide, participant manual, handouts, exercises, cluster case studies, pre/post-tests, and evaluation forms submitted in English for CECOE review.
Week 2
3
Training and IRPI launch facilitation package
Final agenda, session plans, facilitation tools, participant materials, and delivery of two-day training plus one-day launch workshop in Addis Ababa.
Week 3
4
Cluster governance and initiative design package
Governance notes for three clusters and at least three cluster project concepts with implementation steps, roles, timeline, risks, inclusion measures, budget assumptions, and indicators.
Week 4
5
Final consultancy report and handover package
Final report with executive summary, participant profile, training results, evaluation findings, cluster outputs, challenges, lessons learned, recommendations, annexes, and all editable materials.
By Day 30
Roles and Responsibilities
Consultant Responsibilities
Submit the inception report no later than 5 days following the signing of the contract.
Lead technical design of the IRPI curriculum, facilitation approach, and cluster operational tools.
Prepare and submit all agreed deliverables within the approved timeline.
Facilitate training, launch, and technical support sessions professionally and neutrally.
Apply conflict sensitivity, do-no-harm, confidentiality, safeguarding, and inclusive participation standards.
Submit all final materials in editable formats and incorporate the agreed CECOE feedback.
CECOE Responsibilities
Provide evaluative comments regarding the inception report no later than 3 working days following its submission.
Provide relevant project documents, policies, manuals, and background information.
Select and invite participants and confirm regional, cluster, gender, and organisational representation.
Provide venue, refreshments, participant travel or per diem arrangements, printing, and note-taking or documentation support unless otherwise stated in the contract.
Review and approve deliverables in a timely manner and provide one consolidated feedback round for major outputs.
Manage the contract, payments, approvals, safeguarding escalation, and final acceptance of outputs.
Reporting and Review Arrangements
The consultant will report to the CECOE Program Manager or assigned Project Coordinator. All deliverables shall be submitted electronically. CECOE will review each major deliverable and provide consolidated feedback. Before final acceptance, the consultant shall present key findings and draft recommendations to CECOE, submit all editable materials, incorporate one consolidated round of CECOE feedback, and provide the final approved consultancy package.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Advanced university degree in peace and conflict studies, peace and security studies, political science, law, international relations, sociology, development studies, or another relevant social science field. Equivalent professional experience may be considered where the candidate demonstrates strong practical expertise in peacebuilding and facilitation.
At least five years of professional experience in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, mediation, dialogue facilitation, curriculum development, and CSO capacity building, preferably in Ethiopia or comparable multi-ethnic and conflict-affected contexts.
Demonstrated experience designing and facilitating participatory training, ToT sessions, community dialogue, conflict-sensitive action planning, or inter-regional collaboration processes.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Amharic.
Deep understanding of Ethiopia's local socio-political context, civil society landscape, and peacebuilding needs.
Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality outputs under tight deadlines in complex, politically sensitive, and conflict-affected operating environments while maintaining neutrality, confidentiality, and do-no-harm standards.
Application Requirements
Applicants shall submit the following documents:
technical proposal explaining understanding of the assignment, methodology, facilitation approach, conflict-sensitivity approach, and workplan;
financial proposal, showing professional fees and any reimbursable costs separately;
A business license that has been renewed, along with a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and a VAT registration certificate.
CV of the consultant or CVs of all proposed team members;
at least two references from similar assignments;
Payment Schedule
Installment
Condition for payment
Share
First installment
Approval of the inception report and detailed work plan.
30%
Second installment
Approval of draft curriculum package and successful delivery of the two-day training and one-day launch workshop.
40%
Final installment
Approval of the final curriculum package, cluster initiative design document, final consultancy report, and handover of all editable materials.
30%
Contractual Conditions
Ownership: All final materials, data, tools, manuals, reports, and outputs produced under the assignment shall belong to CECOE unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Confidentiality and data protection: The consultant shall keep project information, participant data, and sensitive conflict-related information confidential and shall use such information only for this assignment.
Safeguarding and do-no-harm: The consultant shall comply with CECOE safeguarding requirements and shall immediately report any safeguarding concern through the agreed CECOE channel.
Conflict of interest: Applicants must disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest before contract award and throughout implementation.
Neutrality and professional conduct: The consultant shall maintain political neutrality, respect all participants, and avoid language or methods that may inflame tensions or reinforce stereotypes.
Termination: CECOE may terminate the contract for non-performance, breach of confidentiality, safeguarding violation, conflict of interest, or other material breach in accordance with the contract.
Duty Station: Addis Ababa, with frequent travel to project regions (including Tigray, Harar, Benishangul-Gumuz, Gambela, Afar, Somali, Amhara, and Oromia)
Reports to: Project Manager
Contract Type: Full-time (Project-based)
Duration: 1 year (with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding, aligned with the 36-month project duration)
1. Background
The Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations for Elections (CECOE) is the lead partner in a consortium alongside Bright Future and Ethiopian Women Rights Advocates (EWRA). Together, we are implementing a multi-year project titled "Promoting Democracy, Civic Engagement, and Human Rights in Ethiopia through Strengthening Civic Actors". This comprehensive initiative aims to enhance citizen participation, support grassroots civil society organizations (CSOs), promote peacebuilding, and elevate women’s leadership in local governance.
To ensure the successful delivery of these strategic goals, CECOE is seeking a highly qualified Project Officer. This role is critical for the day-to-day coordination, implementation, and monitoring of project activities across our target regions.
2. Purpose of the Position
The Project Officer will ensure the seamless execution of project activities by working in close collaboration with consortium partners and regional stakeholders. The officer will be instrumental in operationalizing the "Bqu Zega" civic engagement hubs, supporting the e-learning platform, facilitating the Inter-Regional Peacebuilding Initiative (IRPI), and advancing women’s leadership and CSO capacity-building efforts.
3. Duties and Responsibilities
The Project Officer will perform the following key tasks:
Project Implementation and Coordination
Facilitate the establishment and daily operations of the 6 regional "Bqu Zega" civic engagement hubs and the digital e-learning platform.
Coordinate seamlessly with consortium partners (Bright Future and EWRA) to ensure the timely and effective delivery of all joint activities.
Organize and facilitate capacity-building workshops, "Innovate for Democracy" marathons, and local civic engagement events across the target regions.
Provide logistical and technical support for the sub-granting processes, particularly for the civic engagement seed funds and joint peacebuilding projects.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)
Track the progress of project activities against established work plans, budgets, and the broader results framework.
Collect data, document success stories, and compile case studies from the regional hubs to measure impact.
Assist in organizing bi-annual roundtable discussions, lesson-learning summits, and the annual Civic Education Conference.
Contribute to outcome-level monitoring focusing on citizen engagement, peacebuilding efficacy, and the advancement of women’s leadership.
Capacity Building and Stakeholder Engagement
Collaborate with hub representatives to enhance the organizational and advocacy capacities of emerging CSOs, journalists, and youth networks.
Support mentorship programs and peer-to-peer networking forums tailored for young women leaders and civil society actors.
Build and maintain robust working relationships with local government entities, human rights commissions, community leaders, and media outlets.
Facilitate inter-regional dialogues and campaigns that promote human rights, civic duties, and conflict resolution.
Reporting and Documentation
Prepare high-quality periodic progress reports, activity briefs, and operational updates for internal use and donor compliance.
Ensure meticulous documentation of all field activities and assist the finance team with financial compliance monitoring.
Support the development and dissemination of project communication materials, including policy briefs, radio/TV spots, and advocacy campaigns.
6. Expected Deliverables
Timely, high-quality implementation of project activities in strict alignment with consortium work plans.
Comprehensive monthly and quarterly progress reports, complete with actionable insights and detailed activity documentation.
Effective and responsive coordination of the "Bqu Zega" civic engagement hubs and regional CSO partners.
Measurable contributions toward the project's targeted outcomes regarding citizen participation, peacebuilding, and gender-responsive policy advocacy.
4. Required Qualifications and Experience
A Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Law, Human Rights, Development Studies, Gender Studies, or a related field (A Master’s degree is a distinct advantage).
A minimum of 5+ years of relevant professional experience in project coordination, civic engagement, peacebuilding, or human rights advocacy.
Demonstrated experience collaborating with grassroots CSOs, women’s rights organizations, or democratic governance initiatives.
Strong familiarity with Ethiopia's current civic education landscape, peacebuilding methodologies, and women’s leadership programming.
Proven expertise in organizing large-scale training sessions, community dialogues, and stakeholder workshops.
Hands-on experience with sub-grant management, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and capacity development.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of producing high-quality reports.
Proficiency in English and Amharic; knowledge of additional local languages (such as Afan Oromo, Tigrigna, Af Somali, or Af Afar) is a strong asset.
5. Competencies
Exceptional organizational and coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
High cultural sensitivity and excellent interpersonal skills for working with diverse inter-regional groups.
A deep commitment to democratic values, human rights, gender equality, and sustainable peacebuilding.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and adaptive learning skills.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a diverse consortium team.
● Excellent communication and interpersonal 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.
The Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations for Elections (CECOE) was established in 2019 to augment and coordinate the role of Ethiopian CSOs in election observation, monitoring, voter education, and preventing post-electoral conflicts. Following its establishment, the CECOE opened a new chapter in the country’s CSO sector by systematically observing the Sidama referendum, which took place in the same year of the coalition’s establishment. Building upon this experience, during the 6th Ethiopian general elections, the coalition implemented several seminal projects that tectonically shifted the role of Ethiopian CSOs in electoral processes.
The Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations for Elections (CECOE) is implementing a 12-month project (January–December 2026) with financial support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The project aims to enhance monitoring, reporting, and public engagement in high-risk electoral contexts.
As part of this initiative, CECOE will produce and broadcast 52 weekly peace-focused radio programs under the existing program “Yesua Dimts.” The program will promote peaceful electoral participation, particularly in identified hotspots.
2. Objective of the Assignment
To design, produce, and deliver high-quality, engaging, and conflict-sensitive weekly radio programs that translate electoral early warning insights into accessible, informative, and impactful public messaging.
3. Scope of Work
The Radio Host and Producer will be responsible for both editorial and production aspects of the program, including:
A. Content Development
Develop weekly program concepts and scripts aligned with project objectives
Ensure content is conflict-sensitive, balanced, and evidence-based
Integrate key themes such as:
Peaceful coexistence
Electoral integrity
Misinformation awareness
Conflict prevention and resolution
B. Program Production
Plan, produce, and edit 52 weekly radio episodes
Coordinate recordings ( field, where applicable)
Ensure high-quality audio production and editing
Manage program flow, timing, and structure
C. Hosting and Facilitation
Host weekly radio programs in an engaging and professional manner
Facilitate discussions with experts, community members, and stakeholders
Ensure inclusive representation of voices, including women and marginalized groups
D. Coordination and Collaboration
Work closely with the CECOE team
Coordinate with guests, contributors, and field sources
4. Deliverables
52 fully produced, edited, and hosted radio programs
Weekly scripts and program outlines
Audio recordings and archived program files
Brief monthly summaries of program themes and key messages.
5. Duration: 9 months (May - January 2026)
6. Required Qualifications and Experience
Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Communications with a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience
Proven experience in radio producing and hosting
Proven experience in negotiating airtime and coordinating partnerships with radio stations.
7. Reporting and Supervision
The Radio Host and Producer will report to CECOE’s Communication Manager and work closely with the management and communications teams.
8. Key Competencies
Background and experience on Peacebuilding (Related) radio contents
CECOE is a prominent, non-profit, and non-governmental civil society organization in Ethiopia, boasting a membership of over 175 CSOs. Licensed in 2019 by the F.D.R.E. Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) under Proclamation 1113/2019 (registration number 4748), CECOE is dedicated to enhancing and coordinating the role of Ethiopian CSOs in election observation, voter education, electoral conflict prevention, and providing capacity building support to its members.
CECOE is actively engaged in regional and global networks, including the East and Horn of Africa Election Observers Network (E-HORN), the African Election Observers Network (AfEONet), and the Global Network of Domestic Election Monitors (GNDEM), which connects monitoring organizations across more than 88 countries. Since its establishment, CECOE has observed seven electoral events, utilizing both Long-Term Observers (LTOs) and Short-Term Observers (STOs) for general elections and referendums.
Currently, CECOE is implementing a crucial project, "Enhancing the Credibility, Transparency, and Inclusiveness of the Seventh General Elections of Ethiopia through systematic citizens' election observation." Supported by the Embassy of Ireland in Ethiopia, this project focuses on the strategic planning and preparation for observing the upcoming 7th General Election.
II. The Internship Opportunity
CECOE is seeking enthusiastic and detail-oriented interns to join its team and support the election observation activities for the upcoming 7th General Election. Operating under the CECOE Secretariat, the interns will work in close collaboration with CECOE staff, Member organizations, Regional Focal Persons, Zonal coordinators, and observers. The primary objective of this position is to facilitate the accurate and timely processing of observer-submitted data to ensure effective reporting.
III. Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Interns will primarily focus on data management and administrative support for the election observation process, including:
Verifying the accuracy of data submitted through observer reports, checklists, and forms from various field personnel (Regional Focal Persons, Zonal coordinators, and observers).
Conducting basic data cleaning to identify and rectify errors, duplicates, or inconsistencies within the observation data.
Organizing cleaned data and assisting with basic data analysis and summary preparation to support the generation of timely reports.
Contributing to the prompt processing of observer reports to enable rapid dissemination of findings.
Assisting in the observer recruitment process, coordinating efforts with Regional Focal Persons and Zonal coordinators.
Providing administrative support for data-related tasks, such as maintaining contact management forms and tracking resource allocation.
Assisting with data entry, digitization, and archiving of information.
Participating in quality control checks for training materials and simulation exercises when necessary.
Reporting any critical data discrepancies or issues immediately to the Management Team.
Performing other related tasks as assigned by the immediate supervisor.
IV. Qualifications and Experience Requirements
Required:
A minimum of a Diploma or Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Law, Political Science, Information Technology, Statistics, Social Sciences, or a related discipline.
Basic proficiency in data handling tools (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or similar software).
Fluency in both spoken and written Amharic and English. Excellent basic oral and written communication skills in English are essential.
Strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and the proven ability to work effectively in a team environment under supervision.
Preferred:
Regional language proficiency
Familiarity with basic data cleaning techniques.
Experience or relevant internships in data entry, administrative support, or activities related to Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
Experience in election or rights-related work.
Knowledge of local languages relevant to the assigned regions.
V. Internship Duration
These are short-term internship positions for a period of 2 months. An extension may be possible based on individual performance and the ongoing needs of the project.
