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CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: ToR for Engagement of a Technical Expert for the Review and Operationalisation of the INEC Framework on Access and Participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the Electoral Process

TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR)

Engagement of a Technical Expert for the Review and Operationalisation of the INEC Framework on Access and Participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the Electoral Process

ABOUT TAF AFRICA

TAF Africa is an independent non-governmental organization registered in Nigeria in 2006/2007, originally established as The Albino Foundation. It has since evolved from a focus on persons with albinism to a broader disability inclusion mandate. TAF Africa advocates for the rights, dignity, and full inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable groups, working across Nigeria to eliminate discrimination, stigma, and barriers to participation in social, political, and economic life. 

TAF Africa envisions an inclusive society that empowers PWDs to actively participate in all spheres of development. Its mission is to collaborate with state and non-state actors to advance rights and dignity through policy and legislative reforms, education, and empowerment initiatives. The organization’s work spans advocacy and public awareness, capacity building, accessibility audits, and strategic partnerships with public and private institutions. Guided by values of transparency, equity, accountability, mutual respect, professionalism, integrity, and collaboration, TAF Africa focuses on inclusive education, political participation and electoral reforms, economic empowerment, access to justice, and inclusive healthcare. You can learn more about TAF Africa at https://tafafrica.co/   

PROJECT CONTEXT

This assignment is situated within the European Union-funded programme – EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN II), Component 5b, which focuses on enhancing the political participation of PWDs and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). 

This assignment is designed to strengthen the political participation of PWDs in the electoral process by facilitating direct engagement with election management bodies, political parties, and civil society organizations. The intervention will create an inclusive political environment, inspire institutional commitments, influence policy reforms, and expand both the pool and capacity of PWDs aspiring for and occupying elective positions.

INEC FRAMEWORK CONTEXT

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) developed the Framework on Access and Participation of PWDs in the Electoral Process in 2018 to address systemic barriers to inclusion within Nigeria’s electoral system. The Framework promotes the equal participation of PWDs as voters, candidates, and electoral officials, and is grounded in national laws as well as international instruments such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It outlines clear strategic objectives, actions, and an accompanying Operational Plan designed to guide implementation and institutionalise inclusive electoral practices. 

Despite its strong foundation, implementation of the Framework has been limited and even outdated, necessitating a comprehensive review and update. In particular, the Framework requires alignment with the Electoral Act 2026, integration of emerging best practices in disability inclusion, and a more comprehensive operationalisation strategy. Strengthening these elements is critical to ensuring that the Framework effectively supports inclusive participation and delivers meaningful impact ahead of the 2027 General Elections. 

PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The overall purpose of this consultancy is to review, update, and support the INEC in operationalising its Framework on Access and Participation of PWDs, ensuring that it is aligned with current legal and policy frameworks, practically implementable, inclusive, and responsive to stakeholder needs, and supported by a clear, actionable, and results-oriented implementation plan. 

Objectives of the Assignment

The objective of the assignment includes to: 

  1. Review the existing INEC PWD Framework (2018) and its Operational Plan  
  2. Align the Framework with current legal and policy instruments, especially the Electoral Act 2026 and the National Disability Act 2018.   
  3. Integrate emerging best practices in disability-inclusive electoral processes  
  4. Facilitate stakeholder validation and ownership of the revised Framework  
  5. Strengthen INEC’s institutional capacity for implementation  
  6. Develop a comprehensive results-oriented implementation plan  

SCOPE OF WORK

The Technical Expert will undertake the following tasks: 

Desk Review and Analysis

  • Conduct a comprehensive review of the current INEC Framework and Operational Plan to assess structure, objectives, and implementation effectiveness.
  • Identify and analyse implementation gaps and assess the continued relevance of existing strategies and provisions.  
  • Examine applicable legal frameworks, policies, and international electoral standards to determine alignment and compliance.  
  • Benchmark global best practices on inclusive electoral processes and extract applicable lessons for contextual adaptation. 

Stakeholder Consultations 

  • Engage key stakeholders, including:  
  • Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD)  
  • Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs)  
  • INEC departments (especially Gender and Inclusivity Unit)  
  • Civil Society Organizations and development partners  
  • Document inputs and recommendations  

Framework Review and Revision 

The expert will be expected to update the Framework to reflect current legal provisions, address identified gaps, and strengthen strategic objectives and actions, while improving clarity, coherence, and usability.

Development of Operational/Implementation Plan 

  • Develop a detailed implementation plan that clearly outlines strategic actions with specific timelines for execution.  
  • Define and assign roles and responsibilities across all relevant INEC structures to ensure accountability and coordination.  
  • Establish a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework to track progress, measure outcomes, and inform decision-making.  
  • Identify potential risks and put in place practical mitigation strategies to reduce their likelihood and impact.  
  • Prepare the required resources estimate to support successful implementation. 

Validation Workshop 

  • Facilitate a multi-stakeholder validation session to review and agree on the framework.  
  • Present the revised framework and implementation plan to stakeholders for consideration.  
  • Incorporate received feedback and finalize all documents for approval and use. 

Capacity Building 

  • Design and deliver a one-day capacity-enrichment session for National INEC Disability Desk Officers.  
  • Develop comprehensive training materials and practical tools to support the session and ongoing implementation.  
  • Design and deliver a one-day capacity-enrichment session for INEC Disability Desk Officers on the implementation of the disability inclusion framework, applying inclusive electoral practices, and strengthening monitoring and reporting systems. 

KEY DELIVERABLES

The assignment is expected to be conducted over a period of 8 weeks, with the expected deliverables: 

 

S/N 

Deliverables  

Timeline  

1 

Inception Report (methodology, work plan, timeline)  

1 week 

2 

Reviewed INEC Framework on PWD Access and Participation  

3 weeks  

3 

Comprehensive Implementation/Operational Plan  

1 week  

4 

Stakeholder Consultation Report & Validation Workshop Report  

1 week 

5 

Capacity Building Materials and Report  

1 week 

6 

Final Consolidated Report  

1 week  

Reporting and Coordination 

The Technical Expert will report to the TAF Africa representative, work closely with INEC’s Gender and Inclusivity Department, and coordinate with relevant stakeholders throughout the assignment to ensure effective implementation and alignment of activities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE 

The Technical Expert should possess an advanced degree in Law, Political Science, Public Policy, Development Studies, or a related field, along with a strong academic and professional grounding relevant to governance and institutional reform. 

The role requires at least 10 years of relevant experience in electoral processes and governance, disability inclusion and human rights, as well as policy development and institutional strengthening. A strong understanding of the Nigerian electoral system, its legal frameworks, and applicable disability rights standards is essential. 

The ideal candidate must demonstrate proven experience in policy review and development, stakeholder engagement, and the design and delivery of capacity-building and training programmes, along with strong analytical and report-writing skills. They should also possess excellent facilitation and communication abilities, strong consensus-building skills, and the capacity to deliver high-quality outputs within agreed timelines. 

Ethical Considerations 

 

The technical expert must demonstrate a strong commitment to ethical standards by ensuring the meaningful participation of PWDs at all stages, integrating accessibility and inclusion throughout the assignment, and upholding strict confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism at all times. 

5.3. Submission of Applications

Interested consultants/firms shall submit:

  1. Technical proposal (brief)
  2. Methodology and workplan
  3. CVs of key personnel
  4. Sample of similar work
  5. Financial proposal

To Apply: Call For Applications: Disability Inclusion Survey in Public and Private Schools

Applications Close: March 6th, 2026

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