About Me

MOÏSE LOKA FONTON
BP 1688 Abomey-Calavi, Benin
📞 +229 01 97 64 11 69 | 📧 [email protected]

PROFILE SUMMARY
Experienced political and electoral expert with over 15 years of progressive experience in program management, electoral support, election observation, technical assistance, and governance in Africa. Demonstrated expertise in managing multi-stakeholder electoral programs, advising national and regional institutions, and contributing to democratic governance reforms. Skilled in data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and capacity-building. Extensive field experience across multiple African countries, with fluency in both English and French.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS
·        – Advanced Degrees in Political Science and Electoral Management

·        – Over 8 years of experience in electoral support, including long-term and short-term election observation, technical assistance, and institutional development

·        – Deep familiarity with the African Union, ECOWAS, national electoral commissions, and civil society frameworks

·        – Experience working in inter-governmental and international institutions such as IRI, NDI, and with AU/ECOWAS missions

·        – Proven ability to develop and manage programs, produce analytical reports, and contribute to strategic frameworks for electoral support

·        – Fluent in French and English, and multiple local languages

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Deputy Director, International Republican Institute, Benin
July 2024 – April 2025

·        – Senior representative for IRI in Benin, liaising with donors, government, political actors, and civil society

·        – Leads project implementation and M&E of violent extremism, human rights, governance and elections-related programs

·        – Oversees strategy, compliance, reporting, and mentoring of national program staff

·        – Conducts research and develops knowledge resources on electoral violence, party dynamics, and civic engagement

·        – Provides regional expertise on electoral observation and supports peer country missions

Program Manager, International Republican Institute, Benin
Dec 2021 – June 2024

·        Led all aspects of program delivery and partner coordination

·        Oversaw compliance, reporting, and high-level political engagement

·        Designed and monitored election-related activities and political participation programming

In-Country Coordinator, International Republican Institute, Benin
May 2020 – Dec 2021

·        – Directed implementation of electoral support activities

·        – Advised on design and strategy, worked closely with electoral bodies and political parties

Elections Observation and Analysis Roles
2015 – 2024

·        – Missions in Mozambique (2024), Nigeria (2015, 2019, 2023), Tunisia (2019), Zimbabwe (2018), DRC (2018), Liberia (2017), Togo (2015) with IRI, NDI, AU, ECOWAS

·        – Responsibilities included political analysis, coordination of STOs, stakeholder engagement, and regional reporting

Local Electoral Leadership Roles
·        – Local Coordinator, National Electoral Commission, Benin (2019)

·        – Local Representative, Constitutional Court (2006) and Electoral Commission (2011, 2015, 2016, 2019), Benin

·        – National Coordinator, Cadre d’Appui aux Processus Electoraux (2012–2019): Oversaw civic education and domestic observation missions with international partners

EDUCATION
·        – Master’s Degree, Electoral Management – University of Abomey-Calavi (2014)

·        – Master’s Degree, American Studies – University of Abomey-Calavi (2008)

·        – Bachelor’s Degree, American Studies – University of Abomey-Calavi (2006)

CERTIFICATIONS
·        – UN Peacekeeping Operations | USAID Gender 101 | IRI Procurement

·        – Civic Responsibility (YALI) | Peacebuilding (USIP) | Peace Operations – Mali

LANGUAGES
French (native), English (advanced)

TECHNICAL SKILLS
Microsoft Office Suite | SharePoint | Electoral Data Analysis | Report Writing

PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES
·        David Thirlby – [email protected]

·        Lauren Seaman – [email protected]

·        Alyssa Rickard – [email protected]