The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) is an independent, non-governmental organization providing professional support to electoral democracy. Through field work, applied research and advocacy, IFES strives to promote citizen participation, transparency and accountability in political life and civil society.

Since 1995, IFES has conducted a range of assistance activities to support the development of democratic elections and political processes in Georgia. IFES supported the country's institutions and citizenry in building democracy through improvements in election law and administration, civil society development, rule of law and good governance. IFES continues to work closely with election officials, political parties, media, educational institutions, and the non-governmental sector through each election cycle.

Currently, IFES is implementing the Increased Trust in the Electoral Process (ITEP) project, a four-year initiative funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This project is aimed at increasing trust in the electoral process among the public and political participants over three election cycles - 2012 parliamentary elections, 2013 presidential election and 2014 local elections. The project involves close collaboration with the Georgian Central Election Commission (CEC) on matters of capacity building and transparency, technical support to Georgian civil society organizations and media outlets, work with political parties on election law reform, efforts to improve voter access, and extensive voter and civic education, focusing on minorities and vulnerable groups.

Invitation for Grant Competition:

IFES invites non-governmental, not-for-profit organizations, registered in Georgia, to submit applications for project activities aimed at educating and informing voters. The projects will be geared towards the period preceding and including the upcoming local self-government elections of 2014.

Preference will be given to proposals focused on rural and ethnic minority regions as well as to organizations which are based in or focused on the target region(s).

IFES will consider initiatives up to 30,000 GEL in value. Grant funds may be used only for the activities directly related to the implementation of a grant project.

IFES reserves the right to fund one, several, or none of the applications submitted.

Please see full RFA in the attached file.

Deadline for submission of applications: March 3, 2014, 13:00.

source:www.jobs.ge