Researcher for Election Day Procedures and Policy Development

Location: Remote, with in-person meetings as needed

Duration: March - August 2025

Contract Type: 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 researcher to conduct a comprehensive assessment and update of Election Day procedures in Lebanon, building on key findings from the 2023 research conducted by LADE and the National Democratic Institute (NDI), as well as insights from the EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) Report. The researcher will develop updated policy recommendations aimed at improving the efficiency, transparency, and integrity of Election Day operations. These recommendations will be practical, implementable, and aligned with international best practices, ensuring their feasibility within Lebanon’s electoral framework. The final report will include a comprehensive research report and a policy document, providing actionable insights to support evidence-based electoral reforms.

4. Scope of Work

The researcher will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Review of Existing Research

A thorough analysis of past research on Election Day procedures in Lebanon will be conducted, with a primary focus on findings from the 2023 research by LADE and NDI, the LADE 2022 Election Monitoring Report, and the EU EOM Report. This review will synthesize insights from previous studies, identifying key issues, recurring challenges, and procedural gaps that impact Election Day operations. The analysis will establish a baseline for evaluating current procedures and serve as a foundation for proposing effective and meaningful reforms.

• Policy Development and Recommendations

Based on research findings, a set of updated policy recommendations will be developed to improve Election Day procedures in Lebanon. These recommendations will focus on voter access, procedural transparency, operational efficiency, accountability mechanisms, and institutional oversight. The proposed reforms will be realistic, actionable, and adaptable to Lebanon’s political and logistical landscape, ensuring their feasibility and alignment with international best practices.

• Final Research Report and Policy Document

A comprehensive research report will be prepared, detailing findings, updated recommendations, and the research methodology used. The report will serve as a key resource for policymakers, election stakeholders, and advocacy groups, offering data-driven insights to guide electoral reforms. Additionally, a policy document will be developed to present key recommendations in an accessible format, facilitating engagement with decision-makers and advocacy efforts.

5. Deliverables

The consultant will be responsible for delivering:

• Comprehensive Research Report with  full analysis of Lebanon’s Election Day procedures, identifying legal, procedural, and operational challenges, with evidence-based recommendations for legislative and procedural improvements.
• Policy Recommendations Document presenting clear, actionable reforms, aligned with international best practices and Lebanon’s political and logistical realities.

6. Timeline and Workplan 

The assignment will take place between March and August 2025, starting from the date of contract signing and concluding by the end of August 2025. The tentative work plan and timeline are as follows:

• Review of existing research and data analysis: March 2025
• Policy development and drafting report commendations: April 2025
• Final and policy document preparation: August 2025

7. Required Qualifications and Expertise

• A master’s or higher degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Law, International Relations, or a related field, with a strong focus on electoral systems, governance, or democratic processes.
• Proven expertise in electoral law, election administration, and democratic governance, with in-depth knowledge of Lebanon’s electoral framework and international best practices.
• Strong research and analytical skills, including experience in policy evaluation, qualitative and quantitative research, and the development of evidence-based electoral reform recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Arabic and English, with the ability to produce clear and actionable research reports and policy documents.