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) in May and presidential elections in July and plans to send an initial team of experts to begin its pre-electoral assessments. Deployment is planned for early May for the anticipated May 22 legislative elections. Travel restrictions have been lifted in Israel, making the deployment of an expert mission possible. 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 Human Rights/Participatory Rights Analyst. The analyst will work with Carter Center staff in the Center’s office in Ramallah, with occasional travel to Gaza. The analyst is one of the international core team thematic experts and should have experience working on election observation missions or relevant projects concerning participatory rights and international human rights obligations. Candidates with a demonstrated understanding of Palestinian political or human rights issues, 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 human rights/participatory rights analyst will be responsible for assessing the exercise of political and electoral rights and protection of human rights in the lead up to the Palestinian legislative and presidential elections, as stipulated by international treaties and Palestinian law. S/he will:
- Act as the mission’s primary technical expert on human rights, with a particular focus on fundamental freedoms and participatory rights in elections, and the conduct of the election vis-a-vis regional and international treaties, and domestic laws;
- Assess the exercise of participatory rights and protection of human rights during the Palestinian legislative elections, as stipulated by regional and international treaties, and Palestinian law;
- Follow key developments in participatory rights and respect for human rights throughout the electoral cycle in Palestine;
- Analyze aspects of Palestine’s national legislation concerning women and youth as it pertains to the legislative and presidential elections. Assess whether provisions regarding their participation are implemented in accordance with the legal framework as well as international standards for democratic elections.
- Meet with human rights organizations, NGOs, political party representatives, civil society leaders, and representatives from other observer groups to share views and assess the Palestinian human rights environment;
- Contribute to Carter Center press releases, public statements, and project reports as necessary, including weekly reports, and draft a final report section concerning participatory rights during the electoral period; and
- Brief mission members and Carter Center staff on key human rights issues before, during and after the legislative elections, drafting briefing papers and other mission-related documents as requested.
Qualifications
- Significant substantive experience working internationally on democracy and governance, human rights, or related field.
- Robust background in and knowledge of international law and human rights standards, including but not limited to participatory rights.
- Demonstrated experience in assessing human rights with a focus on fundamental freedoms pertaining to political and electoral rights.
- Proficiency in English and Arabic, both written and spoken, is desirable, but not required;
- Professional experience in Palestine or the MENA region is desirable; and
- Leadership skills, cross-cultural understanding, and a background working in sensitive political situations are required.
Please upload a cover letter and a CV to https://airtable.com/shrUe4bEmLbGtjdQ9. Only applications uploaded in the system will be considered.
Deadline for submissions: 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.