Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) is a non-governmental organisation and social enterprise driven by the desire to have a more transparent and accountable government as well as citizens empowered to actively participate in governance processes. Our programs are designed to promote values and initiatives which drive institutional, behavioural and systemic change on a large scale and in a way that will benefit society and its development.
Job Title: Elections and Democratic Engagement Lead
Reports To: CEO
Location: Abuja
Job Summary:
The Elections and Democratic Engagement Lead is responsible for the design, coordination, and delivery of comprehensive programs that promote democratic integrity, inclusive civic participation, and electoral reform in Nigeria. This role will support a wide range of stakeholders, including INEC, political parties, the National Assembly, media, civil society organizations, and the public, to strengthen electoral systems, enhance transparency, and foster active citizenship. The successful candidate will lead a team delivering on national priorities around democratic engagement through strategic planning, policy support, civic tech, capacity building, and evidence-based advocacy.
Key Responsibilities
Component 1: Support to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
- Lead and manage technical assistance to INEC and State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs), including the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON).
- Support INEC on policy reform, legal and regulatory issues, and election procurement and logistics.
- Design and implement civic education and electoral transparency programs in collaboration with INEC.
- Monitor and analyze election processes and collaborate on election observation initiatives.
Component 2: Support to the National Assembly
- Engage relevant parliamentary committees on electoral law reform and political finance regulation.
- Provide expert input and policy briefs on democratic accountability and legal frameworks.
- Facilitate public hearings, town halls, and legislative roundtables on key electoral issues.
Component 3: Support to Political Parties
- Develop capacity-building programs for political parties on internal democracy, campaign finance, inclusion, and compliance.
- Support multiparty dialogues and policy engagements on electoral reforms and code of conduct.
- Foster platforms that enable issue-based political debates and candidate-citizen engagement.
Component 4: Support to Media
- Collaborate with media houses to promote accurate and inclusive election reporting.
- Support fact-checking initiatives, media monitoring, and responsible political journalism.
- Build media capacity to track campaign finance, voter suppression, and hate speech.
Component 5: Support to Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)
- Work with CSOs to lead nationwide civic education campaigns and election monitoring efforts.
- Strengthen civil society engagement in electoral oversight, reform advocacy, and digital democracy.
- Facilitate the deployment of citizen observers, youth-led movements, and grassroots mobilization networks.
Cross-Cutting Responsibilities
- Lead national civic engagement strategies that target youth, women, and marginalized communities.
- Oversee the design and execution of digital tools and platforms for civic tech and political engagement.
- Coordinate voter education and registration drives, leveraging innovation and community-based approaches.
- Analyze political trends, electoral data, and reform gaps to inform programming and advocacy.
- Supervise and mentor field teams, observers, consultants, and volunteers engaged in electoral activities.
- Publish reports, policy briefs, and knowledge products on electoral integrity and democratic resilience.
- Cultivate strategic partnerships with local and international stakeholders to scale impact and foster reform coalitions.
Required Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Political Science, Law, Public Policy, Development Studies, or related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in electoral engagement, democratic governance, or civic participation.
- Demonstrated experience in managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects with a national or subnational scope.
- Proven experience working with INEC, political actors, CSOs, or donor-funded democratic reform projects is highly desirable.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong understanding of Nigeria’s electoral laws, institutions, and political landscape.
- Exceptional project management, coordination, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Knowledge of civic tech applications and digital platforms for political participation.
- Excellent facilitation, advocacy, and public communication skills.
- Data analysis and political research capabilities.
- Ability to manage teams across multiple locations and under high-pressure electoral environments.
- Strong commitment to inclusion, accountability, and democratic values.
Preferred Attributes
- Demonstrated thought leadership in elections, democracy, or civic innovation.
- Experience engaging with regional democratic networks or election management bodies.
- Fluency in English and at least one major Nigerian language is a plus.
Work Environment
- Based in Abuja with frequent travel across project states and FCT.
- May involve working on evenings/weekends, particularly around election periods.
Other information:
- Only Nigerian based candidates will be considered.
- We reserve the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the criminal background check.
Mode of Application: Kindly Click here to apply
https://forms.gle/kJe6LHtj8v88WiHJ7
Note: Please note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and only qualified applicants will be contacted.
Application Deadline: 15th August, 2025.
