Supporting your field mission Elections Preparedness www.othersolutions.eu

Anticipating, Analysing, Preparing:

Elections and their Impact on Field Security/Operations

Aim: We support NGOs, enabling their missions, and 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 of the mission and specific emphasis depend on the area/country of operation and the specific needs of the mission. The content is generally articulated around three main themes:

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 for each scenario o Likelihood vs Impact

Focus on operations (Continuity of operations, Planning for contingencies) o Security health check o Action plan to anticipate the various scenarios and recommendation o Operations continuity plan

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

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

Risk assessment (national and local, for each area of operation)

Scenarios and impact forecast

Contingency plans

Operations continuity plan

Crisis management exercise based on likely scenarios)

Post-Elections in Kenya (VoA News, 2013)

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,

integrating comprehensive analyses, and providing operational support.

Supporting your field mission Elections Preparedness www.othersolutions.eu

Modularity: Various 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)

Premises Assessment

Method & Approach: The mission 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

Consultant: Our Consultants have extensive experience working with NGOs. They develop and deliver risk-management 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 the country of operation, who will challenge staff in their understanding of the context in order to support their preparation for the upcoming challenges. During missions, our Consultants are supported by our dedicated team of analysts.

Location: At field offices or bases; 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.

Unrest in Burundi in Elections run-up (Al-Jazeera, May 2015) Post-Elections violence in Kyrgyzstan (LExpress, 2010)