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.
Contingent on an invitation and accreditation by the Zimbabwe Election Commission, the Carter Center is preparing to deploy an international election observation mission to Zimbabwe for the harmonized elections anticipated in August 2023. The Carter Center is seeking highly qualified individuals to serve as Long-term Observers for this mission. Relocation to Zimbabwe for a period of at least three months is required, and observers will travel within their assigned areas regularly.
Candidates should be prepared to travel to remote rural locations and must be able to work in difficult environments with minimal amenities, following all communication and safety/security protocols established by the Center. Observer teams will monitor and report on key electoral developments: including the electoral and political environment, human rights, civic and voter education, the media environment, campaigning, voting, counting, and tabulation processes.
This consultancy position is tentatively scheduled from June 15, 2023, and pending electoral developments will continue through approximately Sept. 15, 2023; applicants must confirm their availability for deployment for the duration of the project.
Responsibilities:
- Monitor the pre- and post-election environment, technical preparations, and the campaign, including the display of the voter registry, candidate nominations, campaigning, political environment, campaign finance, participation of women, of youth and persons with disabilities, election-day and post-election processes, and other aspects of the process.
- Establish relationships with the relevant electoral authorities (Zimbabwean Electoral Commission, court authorities, etc.), political parties, civil society organizations, government representatives, observer groups, security authorities, and others in the assigned area of operation.
- Provide weekly written reports on electoral developments and contribute to other reports as directed.
- Liaise with domestic election observers, civil society organizations, and any other community-based organizations operating at the regional and municipal levels.
- Observe the opening, voting, counting, and tabulation processes in collaboration with an assigned partner.
- Observe post-election results and electoral dispute proceedings in the specified area of responsibility. Assist other Carter Center STOs in returning to Harare to debrief and depart Zimbabwe.
Qualifications:
- Applicants should have at least 3 years of experience participating in election monitoring missions, human rights, political analysis or democracy and governance programs, ideally in Zimbabwe or the region.
- Demonstrated experience and/or knowledge of the Carter Center’s observation methodology, including international and regional standards for democratic elections.
- Leadership skills and cross-cultural understanding are required for all positions.
- Strong knowledge of the political context and electoral environment in Zimbabwe.
- Strong English writing and communication skills, and competence with computer applications are required.
- Strong analytical and interpersonal skills desired.
Financial compensation:
Long Term Observers will receive a per diem to cover meals, incidental expenses, and a weekly stipend as remuneration. The Center will cover observer housing and travel costs.
Application Submission:
To be considered for this position, provide your application details, and upload a CV/resume and cover letter in support of your application on the following website: https://airtable.com/shrE5mZDodsXZOSqA
Only applications received through this link will be considered.
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. Deadline for submissions: May 19, 2023. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position filled as soon as possible.
Note: Because this is an international election observation mission, Zimbabwe nationals are not eligible to serve as long-term observers. Due to the large volume of applicants, only candidates selected for an interview or additional consideration will be notified.