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The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria (the Centre), and ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa are assessing state compliance with the Guidelines on Access to Information and Elections in Africa (the Guidelines) that the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Commission) adopted during its 61st Ordinary Session in November 2017. The Centre completed its initial country assessment under the Guidelines focusing on the 2019 elections in South Africa. The Centre is collaborating with ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa to examine the performance of stakeholders (Election Management Body; appointing authority; law enforcement agencies; political parties and candidates; media and regulatory bodies; election observers; and civil society) in proactively disclosing election-related information as envisaged under the Guidelines in the 2022 general elections in Kenya. The study is a joint initiative between the Centre and ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa.

 In this regard, the Centre and ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa invite researchers based in Kenya to submit applications for a study on state compliance with the Guidelines. The objective of the study is to evaluate the realisation of the right of access to information during the 2022 elections in Kenya. The research will be assessed primarily based on the Guidelines and taking into consideration the respective national access to information laws as well as other regional and international human rights obligations.

The researcher is to submit a report that meets the below criteria:

  • A well-researched, evidence-based report on the state of access to information in Kenya;
  • A detailed analysis of the relevant legislative framework;
  • A current assessment of the measures taken by the relevant stakeholders to facilitate access to information during elections;
  • An assessment of the application and impact of digital technologies on access to information during elections;
  • An analysis of access to information for vulnerable and disadvantaged groups;
  • An assessment of the impact of information disorder on the electoral information integrity; and
  • Detailed sector-specific recommendations.

The research seeks to contribute to a larger body of work on electoral transparency by assessing how African countries ensure access to information during elections as envisioned by the Guidelines. Researcher(s) can make reference to the report on South Africa’s compliance with the Guidelines during their 2019 elections for guidance. The researchers are expected to submit their first draft on 15 September and the final report after the review process. They will also facilitate a sensitisation session on the Guidelines on Access to Information and Elections in Africa during four multi-stakeholder regional training workshops in Kenya.

Eligibility

  • Post-graduate degree in law or social sciences with specialisation in human rights and democracy.
  • In-depth understanding of elections and the state of access to information in Kenya.
  • Demonstrable knowledge of the African human rights system.
  • Demonstrable experience in undertaking similar assignments.
  • Proficiency in English.
  • Based in Kenya.

Terms of payment

The successful researcher will be paid USD 4500 for undertaking the study. The remuneration will be payable in two instalments: the first instalment upon signing the contract and the second instalment upon completion of the study to the satisfaction of the Centre and ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa.

Application information

Prospective applicants are requested to submit their expression of interest, a curriculum vitae of no more than five pages and a sample of the applicant’s previous work of similar nature to  marystella.simiyu@up.ac.za copying sarah@article19.org and patrick@article19.org

Closing date for applications is 15 May 2022.

Deadline: 15 May 2022

 

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