Disability Rights Researcher and Consultant | Remote

About International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES): IFES advances democracy for a better future. We collaborate with civil society, public institutions, and the private sector to build resilient democracies that deliver for all. Our technical assistance and applied research develop trusted electoral bodies capable of conducting credible elections; effective and accountable governing institutions; civic and political processes in which all people can safely and equally participate; and innovative ways in which technology and data can positively serve elections and democracy. Since 1987, IFES has worked in more than 145 countries, from developing to mature democracies. In accordance with IFES’ approach: A society is able to reach its full potential in a world in which people of all genders are fully engaged as equal partners in their families, workplaces, and communities. Based on international human rights standards and best practices, IFES promotes political participation, justice, and equal rights around the world. IFES reflects these values in its programming and workplace culture.

The greatest assets of IFES are our team members. IFES offers competitive benefits and pay, as well as the opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Every member of the IFES team is responsible for carrying out the mission of IFES and integrating IFES values into their work every day: Commitment to Excellence, Effective Communication, High-Quality Decision-Making, Accountability, Teamwork, and Collaboration.

Since 1994, IFES has played a significant role in promoting electoral, administrative, and legal reform in Ukraine. In cooperation with partners in Ukrainian civil society and the Central Election Commission (CEC), IFES is working to foster dialogue on electoral reform, build the capacity of local NGOs, institutionalize best practices in training election officials and ensure more equal representation in the electoral process for disadvantaged populations, especially women, representatives of national minorities and persons with disabilities.

IFES Ukraine is seeking an experienced Consultant (Researcher) to join the expert team who is working on research on EU accession of Ukraine and disability inclusion, and in particular, will contribute to research on informational accessibility part.

PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE:

IFES in partnership with Ukrainian OPD Fight for Right (FFR) will conduct research on EU accession and disability inclusion, aimed at approximating Ukrainian law with EU Disability law in the context of accession to the EU. The study will include analytical papers that will assess the current situation in the Ukrainian legal domain on disability rights, as well as practice of implementing legal provisions, and indicate the steps to be undertaken to facilitate the approximation process alongside introducing tools and mechanisms for the NGOs/OPDs participation in this process. Two papers will be developed first, on political participation and informational accessibility, with potential future papers to be determined at a later date. IFES aims to make the study as visual as it is possible, using tables, graphics, maps, etc.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

In close consultation with IFES team a Researcher will be responsible for conducting the research part on the disability standards in the media sector under the EU law, and will fulfill the following Scope of Work:

• Analyze how disability matters are mainstreamed in the Audiovisual Media Services Directive 2010/13/, fields of action of the Directive, the EU’s monitoring process of its implementation.
• Research the practice of Member states in aligning their legislation with the given directive (Romania, Poland (the list will be discussed with the team).
• Analyze the compatibility of the new law with Directive in respect to rights of people with disabilities.
• Identify the areas where the further approximation is needed for Ukraine and including recommendations for the authorities in this regard.
• Prepare the structure/table of content of the research; compiling different parts of the research prepared by other team members.
• Provide the final draft (also drafts prepared weekly) to the peer-reviewer.
• Participate in the coordination meetings when required.

EXPECTED DELIVERABLES:

Analysis of how disability matters are mainstreamed in the Audiovisual Media Services Directive 2010/13, fields of action of the Directive, the EU’s monitoring process of its implementation.

• Analysis of the practice of Member states in aligning their legislation with the given directive (Romania, Poland (the list will be discussed with the team), in the table or graphic format.
• Analysis of the compatibility of the new law with Directive in respect to rights of people with disabilities.
• Identified areas where the further approximation is needed for Ukraine; list of recommendations for the authorities in this regard.
• Finalized structure/table of content of the research EU Accession and Disability Inclusion: Informational Accessibility.
• Final draft of the full research EU Accession and Disability Inclusion: Informational Accessibility (after accepting revisions/recommendations from the peer reviewer).

SKILLS and SPECIFICATIONS

• Excellent analytical skills and ability to manage multiple tasks within prescribed timelines;
• Ability to work and complete tasks independently;
• Ability to show initiative, good judgment, and resourcefulness;
• Value operating in a collaborative and cooperative environment;
• Excellent communication, presentation, and briefing skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills and stakeholder abilities;
• Excellent writing skills;
• Conduct himself/herself with integrity and function ethically;
• Willingness to adhere to all principles of confidentiality;
• Commitment to advancing democracy and promoting inclusive electoral processes.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s Degree in human rights, law, sociology, or another relevant field, Master’s degree preferred;

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in conducting research.
• Prior experience in conducting research in European integration/human rights/disability rights.
• In-depth knowledge of EU law and experience in preparing studies/research in this area.
• Working level of proficiency in the rights of people with disabilities in the national and/or international context.
• Professional experience of working with international organizations and technical assistance programs is an asset.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Fluency in English language is required.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and a Letter of Interest in English, with “Researcher on the rights of people with disabilities” in the subject line, to IUProcurement@ifes.org no later than April 26, 2024.

All qualified applicants shall receive consideration for announced consultancy and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. IFES encourages people with disabilities and from other diverse backgrounds to apply.

Expected date of performance: May 1 – August 15, 2024