Stakeholder Mapping Expert for Electoral Reform Initiatives

Location: Remote, with in-person meetings as needed

Duration: February – March 2025

Contract Type: Short-term Consultancy

1. About LADE

LADE is a Lebanese non-profit and non-partisan organization advocating for election integrity and fair representation as two vital pillars for a functional democracy. Since its establishment in 1996, the Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections (LADE) has been heavily involved in instigating electoral reform on a national level through a set of well-designed interventions amongst which election monitoring constitutes a cornerstone for a viable parliament, where it features as a necessary tool to assess the electoral framework and propose amendments when needed. The association’s early efforts reached paramount in 1998 with the implementation and management of a full-fledged campaign aiming at restoring local elections across Lebanon for the first time since the breakout of the Lebanese Civil War. Consequently, LADE’s role grew further and as a leading reformist organization. LADE’s awareness extended throughout the years to cover pre-elections, e-day and post-elections activities. Moreover, the association has been able, in a short period of time, to catch up with the academic and societal debates around media ethics and gender participation and has successfully developed a multifaceted and multidisciplinary approach to citizenship and electoral reform. 

2. Project Overview

LADE, in partnership with the European Union, launched a 30-month project aimed at making Lebanon’s parliamentary elections more democratic and aligned with international standards. The project will focus on implementing electoral reforms, strengthening electoral bodies, and promoting transparency and inclusiveness through civil society engagement. The project aims to increase public confidence and the perceived integrity of the electoral process by introducing at least three major reforms and improving perceptions of electoral fairness among both the public and international observers.

3. Objective

LADE is seeking a Stakeholder Mapping Expert to conduct a comprehensive analysis of key actors involved in electoral reform initiatives in Lebanon. This assignment will focus on identifying, categorizing, and analyzing relevant stakeholders, mapping their relationships, and assessing their interests, influence, and stance on electoral reforms. The expert will develop a dynamic stakeholder map to illustrate political and institutional dynamics, highlighting opportunities, challenges, and risks. A detailed stakeholder analysis report will be produced to inform evidence-based advocacy and reform strategies.

4. Scope of Work

The expert will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Stakeholder Identification & Categorization

Conduct a comprehensive identification of key national and international stakeholders engaged in Lebanon’s electoral reform process. This includes political actors, civil society organizations, government institutions, and international entities. Each stakeholder will be categorized based on their level of influence, interest in reforms, and stance—whether as proponents, neutral actors, or opponents. This classification will provide a structured understanding of stakeholder dynamics, informing strategic engagement efforts.

• Stakeholder Influence & Relationship Mapping

Analyze power dynamics and stakeholder relationships to assess the networks between political actors, civil society groups, governmental institutions, and international partners. Identify key allies, neutral entities, and opposing forces within the reform landscape. This mapping will reveal underlying political and institutional alliances, enabling a strategic approach to coalition-building and advocacy.

• Dynamic Visual Stakeholder Map

Develop a comprehensive visual representation of stakeholders, showcasing their relationships, levels of influence, and evolving positions over time. This dynamic map will illustrate shifting political alignments, helping stakeholders anticipate changes and adjust engagement strategies accordingly. By integrating real-time data, the map will serve as a practical tool for navigating Lebanon’s complex electoral reform landscape.

• Strategic Analysis & Risk Assessment

Conduct a detailed evaluation of challenges, risks, and opportunities related to electoral reform advocacy. Identify potential obstacles to reform efforts, assess the feasibility of engagement with different stakeholders, and highlight strategic entry points for advocacy initiatives. Based on this analysis, tailored recommendations will be provided to enhance stakeholder engagement and mitigate risks effectively.

5. Deliverables

The consultant is expected to deliver a comprehensive, well-structured stakeholder analysis report designed. The report will offer actionable insights, supporting evidence-based decision-making in electoral reform advocacy covering the following main sections: 

• Identification of key electoral reform stakeholders.
• Stakeholder interests, influence, and relationships.
• Strategic recommendations for engagement.
• A dynamic map illustrating stakeholder relationships and influence.
• Assessment of potential obstacles and opportunities for electoral reform advocacy.

6. Timeline and Work Plan

The assignment will span 10 working days, starting from the date of contract signing and concluding by the end of March 2025. The tentative timeline includes:

• Inception Report: Submit an initial plan within one week of contract initiation, outlining the research approach, methodology, and work plan.
• Draft Report: Share a preliminary report for review and feedback, incorporating initial findings and stakeholder insights.
• Final Report: Deliver a comprehensive final report that includes key findings, stakeholder relationships, strategic recommendations, a dynamic stakeholder map, and an analysis of challenges and opportunities for evidence-based electoral reform advocacy.

7. Required Qualification and Expertise

• Advanced degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Governance, or a related field.
• Proven expertise in stakeholder mapping, political analysis, and electoral systems.
• Experience working with civil society organizations, policymakers, electoral bodies, and international institutions..
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to map and interpret complex stakeholder relationships.
• Experience in developing visual stakeholder maps and presenting findings through data-driven insights.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills in English; knowledge of Arabic is an asset.
• Previous experience conducting political and electoral assessments in Lebanon.

8. Working Modality

The assignment will be conducted remotely, with the possibility of in-person meetings as required. The consultant must be available for virtual check-ins and coordinate effectively with LADE’s team.