RFQ: Phase II consultancy on the implementation of campaign finance legislation in Jamaica

The aim of this consultancy is to support the Electoral Commission of Jamaica in its efforts to better implement and operationalise the legal and regulatory framework pertaining to political party finance, through the enhanced human and financial resource allocation and the development of policies, processes and tools.

Methodology

The Secretariat has delivered the first phase, which resulted in the production of an Implementation Plan. The Plan identifies and outlines all requisite tasks in order of priority and includes a rough timeline for delivery. The second phase, which will include a country visit, will focus on operationalising the Implementation Plan.

The Campaign Finance Expert will be based at the Electoral Commission of Jamaica for two weeks and will undertake the balance of their consultancy days from home.

Tasks

Based upon the recommendations contained in the Phase I Implementation Plan, and in agreement with the Electoral Commission of Jamaica, the consultant will undertake the following tasks:

• Using the Implementation Plan as a guide, analyse the legal and regulatory framework governing political party finance in Jamaica, as well as the scope, functions and powers of the ECJ and Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP).
• Analyse the Phase 1 Implementation Plan and identify all recommendations made therein, as pertaining to staffing, budgeting, policies, procedures, tools and timeframes. Based on discussions with the ECJ and ORPP, produce an inception plan that prioritises these recommendations and sets out how to assist the ECJ and ORPP in the implementation of these recommendations during the course of the consultant’s stay in Kingston.
• For each of the recommendations, and in consultation with the ECJ and ORPP, produce guidance notes, brief policy papers, plans and any other documentation as may be required to assist the ECJ and ORPP in the implementation of these recommendations.
• Produce a Final Report that incorporates the above-listed documentation (either within the body of the report or as annexes) and that describes the key determinations of the study, including on the development and implementation of key systems, policies and processes. The Final Report should also offer guidance on next steps for a possible third phase of support.

Qualifications and experience required

• Postgraduate degree in social sciences/humanities such as political science, law, development studies, or other related field or relevant disciplines.
• 10 years or more of experience, knowledge and expertise in democratic governance, electoral process and democratisation;
• Should have significant experience in providing practical advice to policy makers; be able to work well with Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs), civil society, political parties and the donor community;
• Should have significant experience in developing operational frameworks to implement political party finance legislation
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills;
• Experience of producing high quality reports and analytical documents;
• Respect for diversity and intercultural understanding

Language

• Excellent English writing and communicating skills required.

Expenses

The total consultancy fees will amount to a maximum of £17,500 at a rate of a maximum of £700 per working day.  The Consultant will also be provided with a return economy class airfare and a daily subsistence allowance at the United Nations’ prevailing rate. Accommodation will be booked and paid for by the Secretariat. The consultant will also be reimbursed for expenses (including for visas, Covid-19 PCR tests and local travel costs) up to £500, upon provision of receipts in line with Commonwealth Secretariat’s policy. 

How to apply

To participate in the RFQ process, interested parties ("Bidders") must complete and submit an RFQ which can be downloaded below.

All clarification queries must be submitted by 17:00 BST 28 July, 2023 to [email protected].

Bidders must submit their RFQ response document no later than the Return Date – 12:00 noon BST on 11 August, 2023 to [email protected].

The appointed consultant shall be awarded a contract that will be effective for up to 25 working days.