Constitutional and Legal Analyst

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 is seeking highly-qualified applicants for the position of Constitutional and Legal Expert during the Center’s planned monitoring of the work of the Libya National Congress, the selection or election of a constitution-drafting body, and the development of a constitution, leading up to observation of a constitutional referendum anticipated in mid 2013. Pending funding, this independent contract position is initially assigned for six months, with possible further extension.

Primary responsibilities will include:

• Serve as on official representative of the Carter Center in Libya.
• Become fully familiar with the Libyan legal framework concerning constitutional and electoral issues. Assess the drafting process and content of the constitution as it pertains to the exercise of civic and political rights, with particular regards to international obligations for democratic elections.
• Track introduction and passage of any legislation regarding electoral processes in Libya. Assess electoral law and other relevant legislation against national laws and international obligations for democratic elections.
• Meet with representatives of the GNC and other relevant stakeholders tasked with drafting the constitution and drafting/implementing electoral laws and procedures. Attend and report on sessions of the GNC and subcommittees, High National Elections Commission (HNEC) authorities, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Meet with political party representatives, NGO and civil society leaders, and representatives of domestic observer groups, in coordination with the FOD, to share views on relevant electoral, legal, and constitutional aspects.
• Prepare written analyses in accordance with The Carter Center’s legal framework template, based on the above assessments, indicating potential issues and shortcomings within the draft constitution and/or electoral and legal frameworks as related to international obligations for democratic elections and political participation.
• Prepare supplemental memos assessing specific issues on an as needed basis.
• Draft and edit public statements on the constitution drafting and electoral processes.
• Review public reporting for inclusion of international legal references and standards.
• Other program design and implementation duties, as needed.

To read more about the Carter Center’s recent work in Libya, please visit:

http://cartercenter.org/countries/libya-peace.html

Applicants should have a minimum of seven years of senior level experience in constitutional, electoral and/or legal reform in transitional democracies, ideally in the Middle East/North Africa region or comparable countries in transition.  Knowledge of Libyan politics and culture, as well as professional level Arabic language capacity, are highly preferred but not required. The position requires relocation to Tripoli in early January/late February 2013. Salary is commensurate with experience.

The successful candidate will is highly organized, able to work under pressure and tight deadlines when necessary, possesses strong writing and communication skills, and is competent with computer applications. A positive attitude is required.

Please send cover letter, CV, contract requirements, and list of references:

Elizabeth Plachta

The Carter Center

453 Freedom Parkway

Atlanta, Georgia 30307

E-mail: cartercenterlibya@gmail.com

Note: Because this is an international election observation project, Libyan nationals are not eligible to serve as Constitutional Analyst.  Additionally, due to the large volume of applicants, only those candidates selected for additional consideration will be notified by the Center.