The United Nations Integrated Election Assistance Team (IEAT) in South Sudan is implementing a 5-day BRIDGE modular workshop Building Institutional Excellence in Elections for the National Elections Commission (NEC) of South Sudan. The workshop is organized for NEC decision-makers and key senior staff (members of the Board of Commissioners, Heads of Directorates, Heads of Departments, Advisors to the Board, members of the State High Election Committees) who are involved in making and/or advising on decisions in relation to the strategic direction of the institution.

The workshop aims to explore themes relating to the management, organization, structure and culture of an EMB and enhance participants’ understanding of how to build institutional excellence in election administration.

The workshop learning objectives are:

·    To consider concepts, principles, standards and practices on how to build institutional excellence in election management.

·    To discuss practical ways in which EMBs can strengthen their ability to carry out their mandate with integrity and efficiency through case studies and practical exercises.

·    Building upon the previous induction workshop, to prepare the Board of Commissioners and NEC senior management for their institutional leadership and management roles.

This workshop is the first of a series of BRIDGE workshops taking place from April to June 2024 as part of a broad capacity development programme that aims to (i) enhance the knowledge of the NEC on electoral principles and practices and the functions of election management throughout the electoral cycle; (ii) raise the awareness of targeted stakeholders on electoral issues; and (iii) start to develop a qualified cadre of facilitators in South Sudan who are able to use the BRIDGE curriculum effectively in order to deliver workshops on electoral issues for the benefit of a range of electoral stakeholders.