Summary
Date Posted: Thursday, June 30, 2022 , Base Salary: Not Disclosed

JOB DETAILS:
Introduction
The Oslo Center was founded in 2006. It is a democratic support organization focusing on supporting democratization processes. The Oslo Center's approach to democracy assistance is by providing technical assistance to promote and enhance democratic practices by strengthening governance, political and government institutions, and civic spaces.

The Oslo Center has since 2011 been working in Kenya to support democracy through the provision of technical expertise to institutions of democracy and governance mainly political parties, women and youth in political parties, and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP).

RATIONALE: Background Information
A key tenet of all political parties is the promotion of democracy, good governance, participation, and inclusion of the people in decision-making processes. Political parties in Kenya are governed by Kenya’s Constitution and more specifically the Political Parties Act of 2011 which regulates the formation and conduct of all parties. In accordance with the law, all political parties must be formed and adhere to compliance and not contrary to the legal framework regulating political parties.

In a multi-party democracy like Kenya, political parties play a critical role in protecting and promoting political rights and values as espoused in the constitution including freedom of association, and the right to vote and be elected.

Participation and inclusion are key elements of a democracy. The political party nomination process of candidates for elections is therefore one of the key processes which can promote democratic values, both internally in the party and in the democracy in the country. A free and fair party nomination process would provide equal opportunities to be nominated and participate in the process based on an accountable and transparent process. The political parties’ nomination process is a fundamental element for enhancing the culture of participation and inclusion which could contribute positively to the overall democratization process in a county.

However, over the years, there has been a notable challenge among the political parties to offer free and fair party nominations that will ensure adherence to internal democratic processes and to democratic principles enshrined in the Kenyan constitution. The extent to which the political party electoral and nomination processes support efforts for democratization underpins the necessity to investigate the political party nomination process from a legal perspective, how the legal framework is being interpreted and implemented, and what the citizens' expectations for the nomination process.

Objectives of the study
The study seeks to determine the following:
Has the legal framework for political parties through the Political Party Act and Election Act contributed to party nominations in Kenyan political parties becoming more democratic, inclusive, and participatory?

The research should also answer the following sub-questions
• How has the nomination process within political parties been implemented and how has the nomination process contributed to strengthening participation and transparency?
• How has the legal framework contributed to accountability and transparency in the nomination process?
• How has the legal framework and relevant other legal documents contributed to the inclusion and nomination of women, youth, and PWDs as candidates?
• What are citizens' views on the party nomination process?

Based on the above findings:
• How has the legal framework for the party nomination process and political parties’ implementation and operationalization of it impacted Kenya’s democratic development?
• Identify recommendations on how best to strengthen the legal framework and nomination process

Scope of work
The consultancy will entail the following:
• Conducting detailed research on the political party nomination process to identify the utilization of new trends, existing gaps, and challenges observed.

Study Methodology
The study will adopt a mixed research approach to collect and analyze data from both primary and secondary sources. The methodology will be participatory, engaging different stakeholders in meaningful and appropriate ways to ensure inclusion, reflecting on and respecting stakeholder diversity (especially gender, age, and special interests groups) as a minimum.

To gauge the views of the citizens up to 7 focus groups should be organizing considering geography, gender, age, and SIGs.

Expected Deliverables
The Research Consultant is expected to develop.
• Research and methodology proposal
• Research tools including questionnaires and interview guides.
• Data set including the database of the participants to be included in the study.
• Draft report on the Political party nomination processes in Kenya.
• Final Report on the Political party nomination processes in Kenya.

Timelines
The research is expected to begin in July and end in August, taking a maximum of 35 days.

Qualifications and attributes required
Individuals interested in this assignment must meet the following minimum requirements:
• Master’s Degree in Political science, Law, public administration, or equivalent experience
• At least 12 years of experience in conducting research in the field of democracy and governance.
• Experience in qualitative data collection and analysis, ability to organize and moderate focus group discussions.
• Ability to establish priorities, and to plan, coordinate and monitor own work.
• Good interpersonal skills, and ability to work in a consultative and collaborative manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relationships in a political environment
• Proven ability to adapt the research plan to challenges and opportunities emerging during the research


Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 144

Level of Education: Associate Degree

Job application procedure
Application process
• Qualified candidates are requested to send a technical proposal including the methodology for the research assignment and financial proposal. Application letters and resumes for the key personnel that will be involved in the study should also be included in the application.
• The application should be sent to ock@oslocenter.no  on or before July 3, 2022. Kindly indicate RESEARCH ON POLITICAL PARTY NOMINATION PROCESS on the subject line of the email.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• How to apply
• The application should be sent to ock@oslocenter.no  on or before July 3, 2022.

All Jobs

QUICK ALERT SUBSCRIPTION