Opportunities with the Democracy Program

Opportunities with the Democracy Program

The Carter Center’s Democracy Program regularly recruits volunteers and consultants to fill a variety of posts, such as observers on an international election observation mission, an evaluation specialist to analyze the program’s impact, or a field office director overseeing the direct implementation of a project.  Our needs change often, so please join our recruitment mailing list through the link below, or check this page frequently to see if new positions are posted.

 

Join our Recruitment Mailing List

To receive all recruitment notices by email as soon as they are posted, please join our recruitment mailing list.  You can complete the mailing list registration form here.

 

Open Positions

Please click on the the links below to be directed to a description of each position and instructions on how to apply.  Any inquiries related to a posted position should be directed to the contact person and address included in the position notice.

International:

  • Consultant – Observer Coordinator (Tunisia)
  • Consultant – Legal Analyst (Tunisia)
  • Volunteer – Long-Term Observer (Tunisia)

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Consultant – Observer Coordinator (Tunisia)

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 Tunisia 2019 international election observation mission. This consultancy position is scheduled from July 1 through January 2020; applicants must confirm their availability for deployment for the entire duration of the project. The consultant will report to the Tunis-based Mission Director and Atlanta-based Associate Director of the Carter Center’s Democracy Program.

 

The Observer Coordinator should have demonstrated experience working on election observation missions as an observer, in election administration or providing technical electoral assistance. Three to five years of experience in democracy and/or elections is required. Advanced degree in political science, law or another relevant field is preferred. Candidates who speak French or Arabic on a professional level and have demonstrated experience working in Tunisia and/or the region are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities:

The Observer Coordinator will manage and oversee the deployment and participation of long- and short-term observers in the Carter Center’s 2019 election observation mission to Tunisia. 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:

  • 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, analyzing and summarizing observer reports in 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 Tunisia;
    • 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 Country Representative 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.

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/shrIheU6SEtvebC2c. Only applications received through this link will be considered.

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Consultant – Legal Analyst (Tunisia)

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 Legal Analystin our upcoming Tunisia 2019 international election observation mission.  This consultancy position is scheduled from July 1 through January 2020; applicants must confirm their availability for deployment for the entire duration of the project. The consultant will report to the Tunis-based Mission Director and Atlanta-based Associate Director of the Carter Center’s Democracy Program.

The Legal Analyst should have demonstrated experience working on election observation missions, in election administration, or providing legal/electoral technical assistance. Five to 10 years of experience in democracy and/or elections administration is required. Advanced degree in political science, law or another relevant field is required. Candidates who speak French or Arabic on a professional level, have demonstrated experience in Tunisia and/or the MENA region and familiarity with international obligations for elections and political participation are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities:

The Legal Analyst is responsible for understanding and analysing Tunisia’s legal framework and electoral law, and briefing mission staff and electoral stakeholders on legal issues as appropriate. S/he will:

  • Become familiar with the legal and regulatory framework for Tunisia’s elections as well as any other relevant laws (media regulations, judicial system, electoral procedures, etc.) and international obligations for democratic elections;
  • Assess the implementation of the legal framework for Tunisia’s elections in practice, including its agreement with both relevant national legislation and international obligations for democratic elections by:
    • Conducting a legal/electoral framework assessment based relevant sections of the Carter Center’s handbook on democratic election standards;
    • Meeting with the election commission (ISIE) and other relevant stakeholders tasked with implementing the electoral law;
    • Liaising with relevant judicial bodies, including officials responsible for electoral dispute resolution;
    • Meeting with political party representatives, NGO and civil society leaders, and representatives of citizen observer groups in coordination with other core team staff to share views on relevant legal aspects.
  • Collect, review and summarize all laws relevant to the electoral process in Tunisia;
  • Monitor and analyze electoral complaints and appeals, maintaining a database of relevant information;
  • Assist in the implementation of the Carter Center election observation methodology through contribution to the development and refinement of reporting tools (written and verbal reports, checklists, etc) for long- and short-term observers;
  • Brief mission members on legal issues, and provide training to long- and short-term observers regarding the election law, other legal issues, international standards for democratic elections and checklists to be used during the mission;
  • Prepare a written gap analysis in accordance with The Carter Center’s methodology, based on the legal/electoral framework assessment, indicating all potential issues and shortcomings within Tunisia’s legal framework as related to international obligations for democratic elections;
  • Prepare supplemental memos assessing specific legal issues on an “as-needed” basis;
  • Contribute to the preparation of the Statement of Preliminary Findings and Conclusions, and the Final Report of the election observation mission, bearing primary responsibility for drafting report sections focused on the legal/electoral framework and electoral dispute resolution, as well as review of the full report for inclusion of references to international standards and obligations. Remain available for consultation until the final report is published; and
  • Perform other duties as appropriate for the good functioning of the mission.

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/shrIheU6SEtvebC2c.Only applications received through this link will be considered.

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Volunteer – Long-Term Observer (Tunisia)

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 Long-term Observers (LTOs) in our upcoming Tunisia 2019 international election observation mission. These consultancy positions are scheduled from July 15 through January 2020; applicants must confirm their availability for deployment for the entire duration of the project. Consultants will report to the Tunis-based Mission Director, Observer Coordinator and Atlanta-based Associate Director of the Carter Center’s Democracy Program. 

LTOs will work in pairs and travel regularly within their area of responsibility in Tunisia. Conditions vary, and candidates should be prepared to travel to remote, rural locations and must be able to work in a challenging environment with minimal amenities. LTO safety is a priority for The Carter Center, and candidates must be willing to follow all communication and safety/security protocols.

LTO teams serve as the backbone of the Carter Center’s election observation missions and will monitor and report on key electoral developments in Tunisia, including the electoral and political environment, human rights, civic and voter education, the media environment, campaigning, balloting and tabulation processes, and electoral dispute resolution. LTOs will also report on political participation issues, including those related to gender, disability and socio-economic issues. This information will be the basis for an impartial assessment of the election process and recommendations for improving inclusiveness, credibility, and transparency.

Primary responsibilities:

  • Under the direction of the Mission Director and Observer Coordinator, and working in coordination with a long-term observer team partner, monitor the pre- and post-election environment, technical preparations, and the campaign, including candidate nominations, campaigning, political environment, campaign finance, participation of women, participation of minority communities, election-day and post-election processes, and other aspects of the process;
  • In coordination with a long-term observer team partner, establish relationships with the relevant electoral authorities, political parties, government representatives, observer groups, armed forces and security authorities, and others at the regional and municipal levels in the assigned area of operation.
  • Provide weekly written reports and oral briefings on electoral developments as needed to the Mission Director and Observer Coordinator, and contribute to other reports as directed. This may include editing weekly reports for contributions to pre-election statements.
  • Liaise with domestic election observers, civil society organizations, and any other community-based organizations operating at the regional and municipal levels.
  • Make logistical arrangements for the field deployment of the short-term observer (STO) delegation, including accommodation, meals, transport, interpretation and communication.
  • Prepare written briefing materials relevant to each deployment area, including contact lists. Assist with briefing members of the STO delegation.
  • Observe the voting, counting, and tabulation processes.
  • Observe post-election results and electoral dispute proceedings in the specified area of responsibility. Report to the leadership team as requested. Assist other Carter Center observers in returning to Tunis to debrief and depart Tunisia.
  • Abide by the Carter Center’s code of conduct for international observation and agree to follow the principles of the International Declaration for International Observers, the ISIE Code of Conduct for observers and the observation methodology of the Carter Center mission in Tunisia.

 Qualifications:

Ideal candidates will possess some or all of the following qualifications:

  • Experience in election monitoring or administration and/or democratic governance.
  • Knowledge of politics and culture in the MENA region, with a focus on North Africa in particular.
  • Professional experience in Tunisia or North Africa.
  • Expertise in some or all of the following areas: elections, human rights, conflict resolution and peace-building, political analysis.
  • Ability to communicate clearly in English, including through written reports. Willingness to read and contribute to reports.
  • French and/or Arabic language skills strongly preferred.
  • Cross-cultural understanding and ability to live in difficult conditions, perform well under stress, work within a team, and maintain professionalism at all times.

Compensation:

LTO positions are considered voluntary. Selected candidates will receive a daily per diem to cover meals and incidental expenses, as well as a weekly stipend as remuneration. LTO housing and travel costs are undertaken by The Carter Center.

 

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/shrIheU6SEtvebC2c.  Only applications received through this link will be considered.

As this is an international election observation mission, Tunisian 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.

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For questions, e-mail

. Application deadline: June 5, 2019, or until the position is filled.