Online Political Advertising Research Consultant

All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment/promotions 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 takes affirmative action with respect to the employment and promotion of women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and covered veterans. IFES will also take affirmative action on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

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Online Political Advertising Research Consultant

Location: Various

Division: The Center

Status: Consultant

Position Number: 22:044

About 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 everyone. As the global leader in the promotion and protection of democracy, our technical assistance and applied research develops 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.

Background

Online political advertising now plays a critical role in many countries, and it often drives trust-eroding and divisive narratives around elections and democratic institutions. Added transparency on this front is an area where innovation is needed. Across the globe, many oversight bodies charged with bringing transparency and accountability to online campaign advertising lack the tools, resources and training necessary to fulfill their expanded mandates.

Primary Function/Purpose

The Online Political Advertising Consultant will support IFES’ programming by conducting aneeds assessment of leadership and staff at election commissions, anti-corruption bodies and other entities charged with oversight of campaign advertising in their unique country context. The Consultant will develop a report that highlights shared and priority challenges facing oversight bodies that are in the early stages of addressing this issue, and insights into replicable practices from oversight bodies that have successfully expanded their work on this topic.

Job Responsibilities

IFES COVID-19 Vaccine Statement:

Position Responsibilities

Under the direction of the IFES Senior Global Social Media and Disinformation Specialist, the Consultant will:

• Develop a research plan
• Collate input from IFES in-country teams on the topic of online political advertising through review of provided program documents and staff interviews
• Conduct a desk review of press statements, reports, academic papers and other external collateral that provides insights into different oversight bodies’ approaches to oversight of online political advertising
• Conduct interviews with leadership and staff at election management bodies, anti-corruption bodies, political finance oversight bodies, and/or media regulators that have a mandate to oversee online political advertising. IFES will assist with facilitating these introductions.
• Participate in planning calls and working sessions with IFES’ technical experts and respond to written and verbal feedback.
• Lead the development and writing of a report summarizing findings and outline recommendations

Deliverables

• Research plan outlining research approach, timeline and interview questions
• Interview recordings and/or transcripts
• Report summarizing research approach, identifying shared challenges and priority needs of relevant oversight bodies, highlighting promising approaches with the potential for replication by other oversight bodies, and providing recommendations for future IFES programming and/or tool development. Report will include an annex with links to resources consulted during project.

Position Requirements

• Master’s degree in law, political science or a related field; a combination of relevant academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree.
• 10-15 years of experience working in elections, political finance, campaign or media oversight; working in academia; or conducting research in academic, non-profit, or NGO settings; past experience working with oversight and regulatory bodies preferred.
• Professional, policy, or academic experience with online advertising, online political advertising preferred.
• Experience designing and conducting research and conducting interviews.
• Professional written and oral fluency in English, with additional professional fluency in French, Spanish, Arabic or other languages preferred.
• Proven ability to operate effectively in a multicultural environment.