Field Observer: Polling Unit and Collation Centre Observer – Katsina at Kukah Centre

 Purpose and Objectives

To support the implementation of the Accountability & Compliance Monitoring Framework by:

• Observing and reporting electoral incidents.
• Through structured, verified, and timely reporting, Field Observers will contribute to:
• Evidence-based compliance scorecards.
• Strengthened institutional accountability.
• Reduced electoral risk.
• Enhanced public confidence in electoral processes.
• Field Observers will operate under the technical guidance of the project team.

Scope of Work

• Field Observers will be deployed across designated Local Government Areas (LGAs), Wards, Polling Units, and Collation Centres in Bauchi, Gombe, Oyo, Delta, Edo, Yobe, Zamfara, Katsina, and Nasarawa States, and operate within agreed reporting timelines.

Their work will focus on:

• Polling units: fixed observation of opening and setup, accreditation, voting, closing, counting, results recording and posting, where accessible.
• Collation centres: assigned registration area/ward, local government/area council, state, and, for the presidential election where applicable, national collation locations, subject to authorization and accreditation.
• Observers will remain at their allocated duty stations unless instructed otherwise by the mission coordination team or required to relocate for personal safety.

Field Observers will receive training on:

• Before deployment, observers will complete training on the approved observation forms,
• electoral legal framework, incident classification, verification standards, digital reporting,
• inclusion, conflict sensitivity, safeguarding, and personal security procedures.

Main Responsibilities and Tasks

• Election Day Monitoring Responsibilities

Observe and document incidents related to:

• Timely opening of polling units and availability of election materials.
• Accreditation, voting, counting, and results collation processes.
• Conduct and professionalism of electoral officials, security personnel, party agents, and other stakeholders.
• Compliance with electoral procedures and the rights of voters, including women, youth, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.
• Incidents of electoral violence, voter intimidation, vote buying, disruption of the voting process, or any other electoral irregularities.
• Accurately document and submit verified observations using the approved Election Day observation tools and reporting platform.
• Provide timely, objective, and evidence-based reports to support The Kukah Centre’s Election
• Day analysis and post-election assessment.

Collation Centre Observation

• Report the level, location and opening of the assigned collation centre, including security arrangements, access conditions, personnel and availability of collation materials.
• Observe receipt and handling of result documents, transparency of the collation process, procedural order, treatment of objections and access of duly authorised party agents and observers.
• Record observable discrepancies, delays, interruptions, intimidation, interference, disruptions, or disputes affecting collation, and identify the affected election and collation level.
• Where lawful and feasible, document information publicly presented at each collation stage and note the announced totals and decisions without independently certifying or declaring results.
• Observe the movement or handover of results to the next collation level where this forms part of the assigned duty and safe access is available.
• Remain on duty for continuation of collation beyond polling day only in accordance with the deployment instructions and safety protocols.

Data Collection & Reporting

• Submit incident reports using standardised digital templates.

Ensure data includes:

• Date and time
• GPS location (where feasible)
• Description of incident
• Source verification
• Supporting evidence (where appropriate)
• Comply with reporting timelines (daily or event-based).
• Verification & Triangulation
• Following the Election Day Observation training, Field Observers are expected to apply the approved
• observation methodology and reporting protocols throughout their deployment.

Field Observers must:

• Verify observations and reported incidents through direct observation or, where necessary, corroborate information with at least two independent and credible sources.
• Clearly distinguish between:
  • Directly observed and verified incidents.
  • Credible reports from reliable sources.
  • Unverified allegations or rumours, which should not be reported as factual unless subsequently authenticated.
• Accurately document and submit observations using the approved Election Day observation tools and reporting channels.
• Immediately escalate critical incidents, including electoral violence, security threats, disruption of voting, or other significant irregularities, through the designated communication channels.
• Engagement & Liaison
• In the course of their assignment, Field Observers may:
• Liaise professionally with polling officials, security personnel, party agents, accredited observers, community leaders, civil society organisations, and media representatives where necessary to clarify or verify information.
• Participate in scheduled check-ins and post-deployment debriefing sessions organised by The Kukah Centre.
• Provide timely information on emerging issues or incidents that may affect the peaceful and credible conduct of the election.

Field Observers must not:

• Interfere with or attempt to influence any stage of the electoral process.
• Intervene in disputes between electoral stakeholders or assume the role of mediator.
• Make public statements, grant media interviews, or comment on Election Day incidents on behalf of The Kukah Centre without prior authorisation.
• Engage in or support any form of electoral malpractice or misconduct, including campaigning for any candidate or political party, vote buying or vote selling, voter inducement, intimidation, or any activity that compromises their independence, impartiality, or credibility as accredited election observers.

Deliverables

• Each Field Observer will submit:
• Incident Reports documenting any observed electoral irregularities, security incidents, procedural breaches, or other significant developments during the voting, counting, and results collation processes.
• All reports must comply with data governance and confidentiality protocols.

Deliverables

• Each Field Observer will submit:
• Incident Reports documenting any observed electoral irregularities, security incidents, procedural breaches, or other significant developments during the voting, counting, and results collation processes.
• All reports must comply with data governance and confidentiality protocols.

Reporting Requirements

• Field Observers will report to: The Research Manager

Required Expertise

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in social sciences, law, peace and conflict studies, journalism, governance, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience in election observation, community monitoring, or conflict tracking.
• Strong understanding of Nigeria’s electoral context.
• Familiarity with the electoral legal framework.
• Ability to use smartphones or digital data collection tools is a must.

Required Competencies

• Must reside in the assigned Ward and LGA
• Demonstrated knowledge of local political dynamics
• Familiarity with key community stakeholders (traditional, youth, religious, political actors)
• Understanding of historical flashpoints in the area
• Strong analytical and documentation skills.
• Ability to work in high-pressure environments.
• Conflict sensitivity and adherence to Do No Harm principles.
• Respect for confidentiality and ethical standards.
• Ethical Considerations
• Field Observer must:
• Maintain strict political neutrality.
• Avoid affiliation with political parties during deployment.
• Not accept gifts, inducements, or benefits from political actors.
• Ensure confidentiality of sensitive data.
• Observe personal security and safety protocols.
• Demonstrate cultural and religious sensitivity.
• Violation of the Code of Conduct may result in immediate termination.
• Ownership of Outputs
• All deliverables produced under this assignment shall remain the property of the comm