About International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES): IFES advances democracy for a better future. We collaborate with civil society, public institutions, and the private sector to build resilient democracies that deliver for all. Our technical assistance and applied research develop trusted electoral bodies capable of conducting credible elections; effective and accountable governing institutions; civic and political processes in which all people can safely and equally participate; and innovative ways in which technology and data can positively serve elections and democracy. Since 1987, IFES has worked in more than 145 countries, from developing to mature democracies. In accordance with IFES’ approach: A society is able to reach its full potential in a world in which people of all genders are fully engaged as equal partners in their families, workplaces, and communities. Based on international human rights standards and best practices, IFES promotes political participation, justice, and equal rights around the world. IFES reflects these values in its programming and workplace culture.

The greatest assets of IFES are our team members. IFES offers competitive benefits and pay, as well as the opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Every member of the IFES team is responsible for carrying out the mission of IFES and integrating IFES values into their work every day: Commitment to Excellence, Effective Communication, High-Quality Decision-Making, Accountability, Teamwork, and Collaboration.

PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE:

IFES is seeking a Traditional Women Leaders and Alternative Dispute Resolution Program Consultant to support the completion of two training modules: One that helps community members better understand the services available to them at the local level, and how to access them, and the other to empower women leaders to lead gender sensitive customary justice efforts in their communities, in keeping with the traditional and statutory provisions in their areas. The ideal candidate will have experience in designing civic engagement content for women in rural and/or indigenous communities. Prior international development experience or experience in the field of human rights is strongly preferred, with a focus on Bangladesh, in particular.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Produce a research product that includes:
  •  a summary of the intersection of customary and statutory legal mechanisms and processes as they relate to women’s rights and justice in both the CHT and the plainlands in Bangladesh;
  • a mapping of the relevant justice related government services available to local community members in the CHT and the plainlands, and whom to advocate for improved access.
• Update IFES’ existing curriculum to integrate information from the research findings.
• Design a second curriculum to be integrated into IFES’ She Leads program for a workshop equipping a select cohort of women leaders that have a mandate to provide customary justice interventions in the CHT, including mediation, on understanding the statutory and customary legal framework in the CHT and how to better provide positive outcomes for women and girls in their interventions.
• Serve as a resource person for the above two curricula, particularly as concerns the delivery of the content in a training of trainers format, ensuring that facilitators are well placed to deliver the content.
• Design a framework for follow-up mentoring and guidance on justice interventions to strengthen Do No Harm and Safeguarding approaches and provide follow-up coaching and mentoring.
• Support the Country Director with the preparation of written reports and presentations on IFES’ programming related to this scope of work, as required.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS: 

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s degree required in relevant field; Master’s degree in international relations, political science, international development with a focus on the intersection of law, rights and development strongly preferred.

EXPERIENCE: 

At least 10 years of relevant experience in designing and implementing programming related to customary justice and traditional legal systems that center the needs of women and girls; demonstrated work with INGOs in fragile and conflict affected environments required; South Asia experience an asset. Demonstrable experience designing training and capacity building programming that is appropriate/relatable to the affected communities in gender justice, human rights and law and governance.

RELATED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Experienced with Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint required. Thorough familiarity with USAID and other international donor regulations and reporting requirements is preferred. Experience working on democracy and governance programs, particularly in restrictive and/or politically sensitive environments required. Experience conducting research and interacting with people experiencing marginalization and producing high quality research products for a variety of audiences. Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines. Strong communicator, both verbally and in writing. Collaborative, team-oriented individual.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Fluency in English is required.

TRAVEL: Travel up to 10% of time might be required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:Standard office work environment, with occasional country office travel. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.