The Carter Center is guided by a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering; it seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health. The Center has been invited to observe the upcoming Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) election in May and presidential elections in July and plans to send an initial team of experts to begin its pre-electoral assessments. Deployment is anticipated in late April/early May for the anticipated May 22 legislative elections. Travel restrictions have been lifted in Israel, making the deployment of an expert mission possible, however, an application to Israeli authorities to enter is still required. Pending developments, the Carter Center may deploy an international observer mission, and the person hired for this position would become part of the core team. This position is funded for an initial period of two months and may be extended through July.
The Center is seeking a highly qualified individual to serve as a Legal/Electoral Analyst. The analyst will work with Carter Center staff in the Center’s office in Ramallah, with occasional travel to Gaza. S/he should have a depth of experience working on election observation missions, election administration or providing technical assistance to an EMB, and legal analysis. Candidates with a demonstrated understanding of Palestinian political dynamics, experience working or living in West Bank/Gaza and Arabic language proficiency will be given highest consideration. Five to ten years of experience in democracy and/or elections is required, in addition to a degree in political science or another relevant field.
Responsibilities
The Legal/Electoral Analyst will be responsible for engaging with key electoral stakeholders to assess Palestine’s electoral code and regulations, and their implementation. S/he will:
- Act as an advisor on electoral administration and its implementation to the mission, including liaising with the Central Elections Commission (CEC) and other electoral stakeholders;
- Become familiar with the electoral, legal, and regulatory framework of the Palestinian Authority. Assess technical procedures required for voter and candidate registration, campaigning, balloting, counting, tabulation and transmission of results, dispute resolution and other relevant issues against national legislation, administrative procedures and international obligations for democratic elections.
- Meet with representatives of political parties, the judiciary, NGO and civil society, national observer groups and other key stakeholders, in coordination with members of the election observation mission, to share views on the electoral process and environment;
- Prepare briefing papers and memos as requested on key aspects of election administration; and
- Assist in drafting Carter Center mission press releases, public statements, and project reports with a lead role in assessing the legal framework and election administration.
Qualifications
- Substantive experience working on legal/electoral analysis, either as part of election observation missions, support to an electoral management body, or practitioner in a relevant field;
- Previous participation in international election observation missions and a strong knowledge of election observation methodologies;
- Demonstrated legal experience and knowledge of election law and international obligations concerning human rights, including political and electoral rights;
- Arabic languages skills, both written and spoken, are desirable but not required.
- Professional experience in West Bank/Gaza or the MENA region is desirable; and
- Leadership skills, cross-cultural understanding, and a background working in sensitive political situations and as part of a team are required.
Please upload a cover letter and a CV to https://airtable.com/shrUe4bEmLbGtjdQ9. Only applications uploaded in the system will be considered.
Extended application deadline: April 23, 2021 or until filled. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their application documents as soon as possible; decisions will be made on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Due to the large volume of applicants, only those candidates selected for an interview or additional consideration will be notified by the Center. No phone calls or in-person contacts will be entertained.