Job Summary
Background : Zimbabwe is already in the pre-election phase with By-elections set for 26 March 2022 whilst harmonised elections are less than 15 months away. The proclamation of the 26 March 2022 By-elections and the expectation of a 2023 Harmonised election signal the electoral period. The electoral period in Zimbabwe is hyper sensitive and is characterised by electoral disputes which after failure to settle through out of court dispute resolution mechanisms, are resolved in court, through electoral judgements. These electoral court judgements then form part of precedents for future litigation.
1.2. The Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) has in the past implemented a number of initiatives aimed at positively contributing to improved electoral governance. Some of the initiatives that the LSZ has undertaken include capacity strengthening of the legal profession to be able to contribute to good electoral jurisprudence. The LSZ’s participation has been informed by the need to contribute towards justice and the rule of law from an independent and objective perspective. The LSZ has also participated in the observation of the elections with a view to identify law and policy issues that could be considered for purposes of improving on the electoral governance in Zimbabwe. Prior to the 2018 elections, the LSZ engaged in similar initiatives and a number of practical lessons have been drawn which have informed the need for the LSZ’s proactiveness in electoral and good governance programming. The lessons have thus informed the LSZ’s move to pre-empt the development of standardised practices guiding the electoral litigation processes as well as the observations of pre and post –electoral processes by the legal profession in Zimbabwe.
Duties And Responsibilities
2. Scope of Consultancy
The Law Society of Zimbabwe therefore seeks the services of a Consultant who will work under the overall supervision and direction of the LSZ.
2.1. The consultancy is aimed at achieving the following;
2.1.1. Analysis of electoral court judgements from 2018 to date.
2.1.2. Based on the analysis, identify areas to be incorporated into the revised Electoral Litigation Manual which was developed by the LSZ in 2018 and which was used as a resource pack by the legal profession in assessment of electoral petition.
2.1.3. Develop an Electoral Litigation Toolkit with practical steps and stages which any lawyer intending to litigate on electoral cases should follow as they handle electoral petitions or any other litigation which is hinged on elections.
Qualifications And Experience
3. Consultancy Period
The above mentioned three activities which constitute the above will be conducted between the 30th of March 2022 and 6 April 2022. The draft Electoral Litigation Training Manual which will incorporate the Electoral Litigation Checklist and the Election Observation Tool will be submitted to the Law Society by the 7th of April 2022.
4. Expected Output
At the end of the consultancy, the consultant shall produce and submit the following;
a) A summary of the issues arising from the analysis of the electoral judgments from 2018 to date.
b) A draft revised Electoral Litigation Training Manual.
c) A draft electoral Litigation Toolkit.
d) A summary of the proposed changes introduced in the current Electoral Litigation Training Manua.l
5. Qualifications
• The consultant must hold a Bachelor of Laws degree. A Master of Laws degree or an equivalent postgraduate degree is an added advantage.
• The consultant must also have demonstrable experience in legal research consultancy and development of training manuals.
• Previous experience in similar activities i.e electoral litigation and or observation will be an added advantage.
Applicants should submit the following:
1. An Expression of Interest of not more than 3 pages. The Expression of Interest must detail the researcher’s understanding of the Terms of Reference. The Expression of Interest must also include the proposed work plan and a budget, indicating a breakdown of all costs for conducting this project;
2. A cover letter summarising the applicant’s qualifications;
3. Curriculum Vitae;
4. A sample of relevant work.
How To Apply
Applications must be addressed to secretary@lsz.co.zw and copied to rebecca@lsz.co.zw
Deadline for submissions is Monday 28 March 2022 on or before 1200 hours.