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.
The Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations for Election Observation (CECOE) is a non-profit, non-governmental coalition of more than 175 member organizations, registered by the F.D.R.E. Authority for Civil Society Organisations (ACSO) in 2019 (Registration No. 4748) under Proclamation No. 1113/2019. CECOE works to strengthen and coordinate the role of Ethiopian civil society organizations in election observation, voter education, electoral conflict prevention, and capacity building. The organisation is accredited by the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE). It has extensive experience conducting citizen election observation and voter education initiatives across the country, including during the 2019 Sidama Referendum, the 2021 General Elections, the 2023 referendums in South Ethiopia, and the 2024 outstanding and re-elections.
CECOE Plans to negotiate and conclude a framework agreement with a qualified travel agent for the provision of international and local travel services.
2. Objective
The main objective of the agreement is to get reliable travel agents to facilitate confirmed flight reservations and ticket issuances on a credit basis and at any time, upon the official request by the CECOE.
3. Services required
For every accordingly approved travel request, travel agents shall immediately make bookings on the most direct and convenient route and on the lowest fare.
If required, travel arrangements can not be confirmed. The travel agent shall notify the CECOE of the problem and present three alternative routings and quotations for consideration.
For wait-listed bookings, the travel agent shall provide regular feedback on the status of the flight.
The Travel Agent shall promptly issue and deliver accurately prepared tickets and detailed journeys, (in printed or electronic format), showing the precise status of the airline on all segments of the journey, and shall keep well-informed of carrier schedule changes, as well as all other alterations and new conditions affecting travel and make appropriate adjustments for any changes in the flight when necessary, tickets and billings shall be modified or issued to reflect these changes.
The Travel Agent shall accurately advise on the ticketing deadlines and other relevant information on reservations made, to avoid cancellations of bookings.
Other services
The Travel Agent shall facilitate a corporate discount agreement with the respective airline the customer frequents to support the CECOE`s cost saving on travel expenses by securing discounts and incentive schemes which will be set up according to the airline's policies and considering the travel budget available.
Refunds
The Travel Agent shall process a refund for all returned airline tickets within the agreed number of days that might be indicated in the corporate agreements with airlines. If tickets are paid for by the traveller, the traveler`s refund notice shall be processed by the travel agent within a reasonable time period.
Deliverables (Reports)
The Travel Agent shall keep records of all tickets procured, using the standard format to be provided by CECOE, and report on a monthly basis. The data provided should be accurate and consistent at all times.
Service Standards
The Travel Agent is expected to be a polite, responsive, and efficient service provider at all times to fulfill the CECOE expectations.
Duration
The contract shall be for up to two years, and unless it is terminated earlier, renewed after the existing contract period stated in the contract has expired.
4. Required Experience
The company/Firm should have:
Legal renewed licenses like VAT, Trade license, and TIN
At least 10 years of relevant experience in this sector
The Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations for Election Observation (CECOE) is a non-profit, non-governmental coalition of more than 175 member organizations, registered by the F.D.R.E. Authority for Civil Society Organisations (ACSO) in 2019 (Registration No. 4748) under Proclamation No. 1113/2019. CECOE works to strengthen and coordinate the role of Ethiopian civil society organizations in election observation, voter education, electoral conflict prevention, and capacity building. The organisation is accredited by the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) and has extensive experience conducting citizen election observation and voter education initiatives across the country, including during the 2019 Sidama Referendum, the 2021 General Elections, the 2023 referendums in South Ethiopia, and the 2024 outstanding and re-elections.
To support its operations, CECOE developed a set of organisational manuals effective 2023- 2026—namely the Human Resource Manual, Finance Manual, and Property Administration Manual—which have been in use for the past three years. These manuals were initially designed to guide the organisation’s operations during a defined period and under specific institutional and regulatory conditions.
Given the evolving operational environment, organisational growth, and changes in the civil society and regulatory landscape in Ethiopia, it is now necessary to revise and update these manuals. The revision aims to ensure that the manuals remain relevant, aligned with current best practices, and responsive to CECOE’s operational needs and sectoral demands.
2. Objective of the Assignment
The overall objective of this consultancy is to review, update, and harmonise CECOE’s Human Resource, Finance, and Property Administration Manuals to ensure they are:
Aligned with the current organisational structure and operations
Compliant with applicable legal and regulatory frameworks in Ethiopia
Reflective of best practices in nonprofit management
Practical, user-friendly, and implementable
3.Scope of Work
The consultant will undertake the following tasks:
3.1. Review and Assessment
Conduct a comprehensive review of existing manuals (HR, Finance, Property Administration)
Assess gaps, inconsistencies, and outdated provisions
Review relevant national laws, regulations, and donor compliance requirements
Benchmark against best practices in civil society and nonprofit management
3.2. Stakeholder Consultation
Conduct consultations with CECOE management and staff
Identify operational challenges and priority areas for improvement
Incorporate feedback from key stakeholders
3.3. Revision and Updating
Revise and update the Human Resource Manual, including:
Recruitment and selection
Performance management
Staff development and training
Code of conduct and disciplinary procedures
Revise and update the Finance Manual, including:
Financial management and controls
Budgeting and reporting
Procurement procedures
Audit and compliance
Revise and update the Property Administration Manual, including:
Asset management
Inventory control
Procurement and disposal procedures
3.4. Harmonization and Alignment
Ensure consistency across all manuals
Align policies with CECOE’s organisational structure and strategy
Integrate cross-cutting issues such as accountability, transparency, and risk management
3.5. Validation and Finalization
Facilitate a validation workshop with CECOE stakeholders
Incorporate feedback and finalise the manuals
Submit final, clean, and user-friendly versions
4. Deliverables
The consultant is expected to deliver:
Inception Report (methodology, work plan, timeline)
Final Revised Manuals (approved and ready for use)
5. Duration of the Assignment
The assignment is expected to be completed within 30 working days from the date of contract signing.
6. Required Qualifications and Experience
The consultant (or consulting firm) should have:
Advanced degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Law, or related field
At least 10 years of relevant experience in organisational development and policy/manual development
Proven experience working with civil society organisations or NGOs
Strong knowledge of Ethiopian legal and regulatory frameworks for CSOs
Demonstrated experience in HR, financial management, and institutional systems development
Excellent analytical, writing, and facilitation skills
7. Reporting and Supervision
The consultant will report to the CECOE Secretariat and work closely with designated focal persons. Regular progress updates will be required throughout the assignment.
8. Payment Terms
Payment will be made based on agreed milestones, for example:
30% upon submission of draft manuals
40% upon validation workshop completion
30% upon submission and approval of final manuals
9. Application Requirements
Interested consultants should submit:
Technical proposal (methodology and work plan)
Financial proposal
Updated CV(s)
Samples of similar work (manuals/policies developed)
To engage a consultant to develop a comprehensive training manual for media professionals on the role of civil society organization in observation, International electoral standards, election observation principles and methodologies, and professional standards for media reporting during elections, and to facilitate two training sessions for media professionals.
1.2. Background
CECOE is a non-profit, non-governmental civil society organization comprising over 175 member organizations. Looking ahead to the 7th General Election, anticipated for June 2026, CECOE will undertake a comprehensive program of activities, including voter education, comprehensive election observation (through the deployment of long-term and short-term observers), capacity-building workshops for electoral stakeholders, and advocacy for electoral reforms.
The media play a crucial role in democracy, and a truly democratic election is impossible without them. A free and fair election involves not only the right to vote and knowledge of how to cast a ballot, but also a participatory process. Collaboration between media and civil society is essential, as election observer groups benefit greatly from strong engagement with media professionals. To fulfill these roles effectively, media professionals must maintain high standards of professionalism, accuracy, and impartiality in their coverage, supported by continuous engagement and capacity-building initiatives.
To this end, CECOE seeks to engage a qualified consultant to develop a comprehensive training manual and curriculum (in English) for media professionals and stakeholders.
The manual will cover the role of civil society organization in election, electoral standards, election observation principles and methodologies, Ethiopia’s legal framework governing media and elections, the
political media landscape, and the role of media in promoting transparent, ethical, and professional election reporting. In addition to preparing the manual, the consultant will facilitate a two-day training for Ethiopian media professionals and stakeholders based on the developed curriculum.
1.3. Scope of work and Expected Outcome
Training Manual Development
○ Based on the research and identified gaps, develop a well-structured and comprehensive election reporting training manual for media stakeholders.
○ Ensure the manual is aligned with Ethiopian legal frameworks, electoral standards, election observation principles, and best practices in professional and ethical election reporting.
Training Coordination and Delivery
○ Design and schedule a two one-day training program for media professionals and stakeholders.
○ Identify potential trainees and manage invitations and confirmations.
○ Facilitate the training sessions, ensuring interactive and practical engagement. Training Assessment
○ Develop and administer pre- and post-training assessments to measure participants’ knowledge and learning outcomes.
Reporting and Evaluation
○ Prepare a comprehensive report documenting the training, including evaluation of participants, lessons learned, and impact assessment.
○ Provide recommendations for future capacity-building initiatives for media in election reporting.
1.4. Key Issues to Be Covered in the training
A. Overview of the Electoral Cycle
B. Role of Civil Society Organizations in Elections
C. Engagement between Media and Election Stakeholders
D. Election Reporting: legal and ethical considerations, source identification, and election news coverage
E. Social media, misinformation and elections reporting
1.5. Final Deliverable
● A comprehensive election reporting training manual
● A two one-day training program
● pre- and post-training assessments
● A comprehensive training report
2. Requirement for Educational background and Experience
A. Educational and Professional Background
○ A relevant Master’s degree (MSc or MA) in Journalism, Media Studies, Political Science, Communications, Law, Development Studies, or a related field.
B. Relevant Experience
○ 5–7 years in media training, election reporting, or election observation.
○ Experience in developing training manuals, curricula, or learning materials.
○ Prior work in media research, needs assessments, and stakeholder engagement. C. Skills and Competencies
○ Ability to facilitate training and workshops effectively.
○ Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills in English.
○ Experience engaging media, civil society, and election stakeholders.
D. Technical Approach
○ Demonstrated understanding of the Ethiopian media landscape, electoral processes, and election observation principles.
○ Practical approach for developing the manual and delivering the training.
F. Deliverables and Timeliness
○ Track record of producing high-quality reports and materials.
○ Ability to meet deadlines and submit a comprehensive final report including training evaluation.
3. Application and Deadline
3.1. Documents to be submitted
While submitting the application the Applicant shall, in particular, ensure to attach the following:
1. Technical and financial proposal
2. Profile of the consultant (max 1 page) explaining why they are the most suitable for the work. 3. Recent CV and sample work 4. Renewed business license, including VAT registration and Tin Number certificate 4. Timeframe
