Observer Coordinator, Côte d’Ivoire 2020 Election Observation Mission

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.  Through this call for applications, we are seeking qualified candidates to serve as Observer Coordinator in our upcoming Côte d’Ivoire international election observation mission. This consultancy position is scheduled from August 1 through mid-January 2021, with a possibility of an extension pending electoral developments. Applicants must confirm their availability for deployment for the entire duration of the project. The consultant will report to the Abidjan-based Chief of Party.

The Observer Coordinator will be a member of the core team, the focal point for training and management of the EOM’s LTO and STO delegations and take the lead to shape the mission’s observer deployment and data collection from the field. The expert will prepare supplemental memos and weekly reports and play a supportive role in the drafting of public statements and reports.

Responsibilities:

The Observer Coordinator will manage and oversee the deployment and participation of long- and short-term observers in the Carter Center’s 2020-2021 election observation mission to Côte d’Ivoire. S/he will assist in the design, implementation and oversight of the Center’s planned observation activities, including the long- and short-term observer deployment plans, observation methodology and reporting, including:  

  • S/he will prepare the logistics, training and deployment of observers and, in coordination with other core team members, provide logistical and programmatic support to the observers while deployed. Act as the core team’s principle point of contact for observers, including:
    • Playing a primary role in organizing and implementing training of observer teams and periodic debriefs;
    • Supervising long-term observers’ work in the field; maintaining daily contact with all teams;
    • Coordinating the production, analysis and compilation of observer field reports during the pre- and post- electoral period and synthesizing LTO reporting on a weekly basis;
    • Providing guidance to long-term observers regarding weekly observation reporting;
    • Facilitating liaison between observers and key political and electoral interlocutors;
    • Facilitating a daily information flow between the core team and the deployed observers.  
  • The Observer Coordinator will:
    • Coordinate travel, accommodation and logistics for observer deployments within Côte d’Ivoire;
    • Ensure security requirements are implemented for observers, in coordination with the Security Manager;
    • Help manage compilation of observer data for real-time reporting, storage of reports, and data analysis; 
    • Prepare observer deployment packets and oversee production of briefing materials for STO delegations;
    • Oversee advance work for STO deployment and manage local contacts in each area;
    • Work with the Chief of Party and accountant/financial analyst to oversee observer finances;
    • Lead the design and implementation of an LTO and STO reporting framework, supervising field reporting, assisting developing forms and procedures, and conducting data analysis;
    • Draft press releases, public statements, and project reports; and
    • Perform other related duties requested for the good functioning of the mission, including remaining available to answer questions for the mission’s final report until it’s published.

Requirements

  • Demonstrated experience working on election observation missions as an observer, in election administration or providing technical electoral assistance.
  • Demonstrated experience in managing personnel and complex logistical operations, preferably in the context of an election observation mission in a similar country context.  
  • Three to five years of experience in democracy and/or elections is required. Degree in political science, law or another relevant field is preferred.
  • Candidates who speak French on a professional level and have demonstrated experience working in Côte d’Ivoire and/or West Africa are encouraged to apply.

To be considered for this position, provide your application details and upload a CV/resume and cover letter in support of your application in the following website: https://airtable.com/shrP9mLOwLd2ZbsTj. Only applications received through this link will be considered. As this is an international election observation mission, Ivorian nationals are not eligible for this role. 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 please. For questions, e-mail CDIrecruitment@cartercenter.org. Application deadline: July 25, 2020, or until the position is filled. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and potential candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.