The Carter Center is guided by a fundamental commitment to promote human rights, alleviate human suffering, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health conditions. The Center seeks a highly qualified, motivated and energetic consultant with extensive experience working as an electoral analyst to contribute to the Center’s Citizen Observation program and electoral reform efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Start date: As soon as possible
Location: Kinshasa, DRC
Length of assignment: 1-year contract with the possibility of extension.
Covid-19 Adjustments: In the case that a candidate is selected from a country where travel to the DRC is not possible, the position will begin remotely until travel is possible.
Background
The Center’s overarching goal in the DRC is to promote accountability, transparency and respect for human rights through strengthening the capacities of both civil society actors and government institutions. In 2007, the Center created the Human Rights House (HRH) in Kinshasa as a vehicle to build a vibrant citizenry to hold the government accountable. Following involvement in the 2011 Presidential and Legislative elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Center began partnering with local civil society organization, Justice and Peace Congo (JPC), to strengthen their capacity to advocate for more credible electoral processes based on international obligations for democratic elections. These activities led up to the JPCs successful citizen observer deployment of the December 2018 national elections in the DRC and the release of final recommendations based off their observations. In parallel, the Center conducted an election experts’ mission and released their own findings and recommendations. In follow up to those efforts, the Center is continuing work to advance the implementation of reforms in advance of the next national elections.
Summary
Based in the DRC and working closely with the Center’s Citizen Observation program, this position will provide regular, in-depth analysis of the changing electoral and political environment, provide input into Carter Center activities, and identify opportunities for advocacy actions (for both our partner, JPC, and the Center itself). The goal of this position is to support The Carter Center and its partners in advancing needed reforms to the DRC’s electoral system and processes based on the recommendations made in both the Center’s and JPC’s 2018 election observation reports.
Minimum Qualifications and Requirements
The qualified candidate will have some or all of the following qualifications:
- At least 10 years of experience in election analysis, electoral reform and related advocacy.
- Strong background in electoral law.
- Experience in the development and delivery of capacity building programs and mentoring in the field of electoral reform.
- Strong communication, writing and IT skills.
- Ability to establish priorities, and to plan, co-ordinate and monitor own work.
- Good inter-personal skills, ability to work in a consultative and collaborative manner.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relationships in a sensitive political environment.
- Fluent in French and strong English reading, writing, and speaking abilities.
- Previous experience working in the DRC or Great Lakes region is a plus.
Key Responsibilities
- Meet with relevant stakeholders to gather information on electoral developments and identify windows of opportunity for advocacy by civil society, including JPC, and The Carter Center to advance consideration and implementation of recommended electoral reforms.
- Provide a weekly analysis of the changing electoral and political environment in the DRC.
- Provide input into Carter Center activities and identify opportunities for advocacy actions (for both JPC and the Center itself) to advance needed reforms to the DRC’s electoral system and processes.
- Support the Center’s advocacy officer in hosting monthly advocacy meetings as they are relevant to electoral reform.
- Support the development of the Center’s stakeholder workshops by providing input on electoral law and the potential for electoral reform activities.
- Support the management of annual advocacy subgrants to be disbursed to JPC as they are relevant to electoral reform by providing feedback on project proposals and workplans.
- Undertake assessment of electoral reform capacity within JPC identified core team members and make recommendations for long term sustainable measures to address identified gaps.
- Contribute to TCC’s mentorship of local partners.
- Provide suggestions and input on any additional related trainings or support needed for future programming.
- Provide input on Carter Center donor proposals and reports.
- Other related tasks as required.
Compensation
Salary is commensurate with experience. Costs associated with international travels as well as accommodation, transportation and communications in DRC are undertaken by The Carter Center.
Applications reviewed on a rolling basis, with a goal of filling the position as soon as possible. To apply, please send a cover letter, CV, references, and salary requirements to democracyprogramrecruitment@cartercenter.org. When applying, please include “DRC Electoral Expert” in the subject line. Only those candidates selected for an interview or additional consideration will be notified by the Center, no phone calls please.