Policy Researcher

Assignment Description: Policy Researcher to draft two policy papers on (1) the role of open public data in uncovering fraud and (2) the mega center issue in Lebanese elections.

Assignment Location: Home-based, with regular meetings with DRI staff.

Employment Type: Short-term consultancy.

Assignment Period: June–July 2023.

Budget: 2,500 EUR.

How to apply: Please send the application documents to info.lebanon@democracy-reporting.org cc’ing e.haddad@democracy-reporting.org, by Wednesday 31st of May 2023, 11:59 pm local time.

Background

Democracy Reporting International (DRI) is a non-partisan, independent, not-for-profit organisation registered in Berlin. DRI promotes the political participation of citizens, accountability of state bodies, and the development of democratic institutions worldwide. Democratic discourse is the basis of our mission and vision. In our work, we facilitate discussion and exchange about democratic government and the need for a continuous discourse adhering to democratic rules.  

In the framework of the project “A bottom-up reform agenda for Lebanon: Supporting Youth, women, and civil society actors to expand civic space”, DRI is enabling an inclusive political and systemic change based on active citizenship, accountability, and good governance. It is articulated around the parliamentary and municipal elections to build on the growing trend of civic activism by supporting emerging civil society actors to shape political decision-making. With active citizenship at the forefront, the project aims to channel civic activism to shape policy and decision-making in Lebanon by supporting civil society actors and municipal officials to influence a reform agenda revolving around their demands. 

To this end, DRI is recruiting a data-driven elections researcher with outstanding writing skills and critical thinking to draft two policy papers on (1) the role of open public data in uncovering fraud: exploration of how important open public data is, using examples of mismanagement and possible fraud, to highlight the need for an open data policy and dissemination of public information in a timely manner; and (2) the importance of mega centers in Lebanese elections, describing context, challenges, and recommendations needed to establish such centers. Each paper should be between 2,500 and 3,000 words.

Your duties and responsibilities:

Under the supervision of DRI’s Project Coordinator, the policy writer will:

• Provide an outline and methodology for the policy paper;
• Draft, finalise, and proof-read in flawless English a highly readable policy papers on the abovementioned subjects;
• Ensure that the writing is crisp, concise, and following line with a think tank style;
• Provide a list of abbreviations;
• Ensure his/her availability, in person or remotely, for regular meetings with DRI to discuss substantial changes;
• Ensure that the finalised papers comply with the following requirements:
  • Clarity and accessibility;
  • Neutrality of tone and style, following DRI’s drafting style;
  • Linguistic correctness and proper syntax (British English);
  • Consistency in the use of terms and names/spelling of official documents and bodies;
  • Correct terminology, grammar, punctuation, and referencing;
  • Gender-sensitive language;
• Revise and amend the final drafts of the policy papers based on DRI’s comments.

Your skills and experience:

• An advanced university degree in Political Science, Social Science, humanities, or other related fields;
• At least five (5) years of professional experience in public policy data analysis, elections, international standards of democratic elections, and think tanks in Lebanon;
• Senior policy writing skills in English following a concise, think tank style, and evident track/publication record in the abovementioned thematic areas;
• Strong understanding of the Lebanese national issues, in particular strong background & expertise in relation to elections dynamics and electoral law;
• Thoroughness, accuracy, and outstanding attention to detail;
• Ability to deliver under tight deadlines;
• Cultural and gender sensitivity.