Supporting your field mission Elections

www.othersolutions.eu

Anticipating, Analysing, Preparing:

Elections and their Impact on Field Security/Operations
From the post-election violence in Kenya to the recent coup attempt in Burundi, the local political
arena can often be a risk factor which threatens the action of NGOs on the field. This may have a
security impact on personnel, partner organisations, resources and assets.
At OTHER SOLUTIONS, we can help NGOs in their preparation by using a systematic approach,
integrative comprehensive analyses, and operational support.

Aim: This preparation will support missions in developing a pro-active

approach in managing a political environment that may potentially be
changing rapidly. This will help them anticipating the potential rupture of
normality and the subsequent deterioration of the environment.

Content: The length and specific emphasis will depend on the area/country
of operation and the specific needs of your mission. The content of the
mission will generally be articulated around three main themes:

Post-Elections in Kenya, 2013 (VoA News)

Focus on Context and Risks

o Actor table,
o Actor and power mapping,
o Context assessment
o Threat Vulnerability and Risk assessments

Focus on possible Scenarios

o Scenarios forecast
o Specific risk assessment per scenario

Focus on operations (Continuity of operations, Planning for contingencies)

o Security health check
o Action plan to anticipate the various scenarios and recommendation
o Business continuity plan (if there is need for one)

Potential outcomes: (depending on the situation, to be discussed before any consultancy)

Context analysis (national and local, for each area of operation)

Risk analysis (national and local, for each area of operation)
Scenarios and impact forecast
Contingency plans
Business continuity plan
Crisis management exercise

Supporting your field mission Elections

www.othersolutions.eu

Modularity: Various trainings modules can be added.

Trainings: This can for example cover personal security, security management and crisis management
trainings, as well as providing other tailored support (drivers, the guards, office managers)
Context Analysis: Our dedicated team of analysts can provide can provide regular context update that
include a political, economic, and security watch (weekly/monthly reports, either thematic or geographic)

Method & Approach: The Consultancy is based on both a reflective and a participatory approach. This
methodology uses active staff involvement, including scenario-based exercises and group work. It emphasizes
the importance of critical analysis. Further learning methods used at different stages of the mission may include
videos, debates and discussions, experience sharing from the Consultant.
Consultant: Our Consultants have extensive experience working with NGOs. They develop and deliver riskmanagement related services adapted to the operational context. We are confident that we will be able to offer
consultants with a deep understanding of the situation in your country of operation, who will challenge your staff
in their understanding of the context in order to support their preparation for the upcoming challenges. During
missions, our Consultants are always supported by our dedicated team of analysts.
Location: At your field office or base; remote support can also be designed upon request.

Language: We have consultants who work in the following languages: English, French, Arabic, Spanish, and
Russian. All our documentation can be adapted to the language used during the training.

Contact: We welcome informal discussions, by phone or by Skype. Please email us on

contact@othersolutions.eu with Elections preparedness in the title, and we will be in touch at a time that is
convenient for you.

Unrest in Burundi in Elections run-up, Al-Jazeera, May 2015

Post-Elections violence in Nigeria, Africareview, 2011