Governance/Democracy Specialist

About the role

The Sustainable Research and Development Center (SRD Center) is seeking a Governance/Democracy Specialist to join an evaluation team for an end‑term assessment of a governance programme in Iraq. The consultant will help design and implement a mixed‑method evaluation, engage with stakeholders and produce evidence‑based findings on democratic participation, electoral integrity, media freedom and accountability.

Key responsibilities

• Contribute to the design of the evaluation methodology, tools and work plan.
• Review project documents, strategies, policies and relevant literature.
• Develop interview guides, focus‑group protocols and consultation frameworks.
• Conduct key informant interviews, stakeholder consultations and field visits.
• Analyse qualitative and quantitative data to assess relevance, effectiveness, impact and sustainability.
• Evaluate how the project advanced democratic processes, inclusive civic participation, media reporting and prevention of disinformation or electoral violence.
• Ensure gender, youth, disability inclusion and conflict sensitivity are reflected in the analysis.
• Draft sections of the inception, draft and final evaluation reports and present findings.
• Collaborate closely with the Team Leader and other team members to ensure timely, high‑quality deliverables.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree in political science, governance, development studies, human rights, international relations, law, media studies, public policy or a related field.
• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in governance, democracy, civil society, elections, civic engagement, media freedom or related development programmes.
• Proven experience designing and conducting participatory evaluations in conflict‑affected settings.
• Strong analytical and report‑writing skills, with fluency in English.

Required skills