Legal Analyst

The Carter Center is seeking highly-qualified candidates to serve as Legal Analyst with the Center’s core team in Cairo. The Legal Analyst is primarily responsible for engaging closely with key electoral stakeholders and providing an analysis of the legal framework governing the 2013 House of Representatives elections.  This analysis will be in accordance with international standards for democratic elections, taking into consideration the country’s constitution, the election law, and other legal documents relevant to the process. He/she will contribute to public and private statements commenting on all aspects of the electoral process in order to provide an impartial assessment of the electoral process and detailed recommendations for ways to improve its inclusiveness, credibility, and transparency.

The position requires relocation to Cairo, anticipated to be in early February 2013. The position will be contracted for approximately 3-4 months (with the possibility of extension). These dates are subject to change. Candidates who can commit to the full deployment period will receive first consideration.

Primary responsibilities:

·        Be fully familiar with the legal and regulatory framework for the elections as well as international standards for democratic elections.  Have familiarity with the technical procedures required for voter registration, candidate registration, and other steps of electoral preparation.

·        Contribute to the EOM’s assessment of whether the electoral process is conducted in accordance with the legal framework as set out in national legislation as well as international standards for democratic elections.  Assess the legal provisions for the participation of women and ethnic/linguistic minorities in the electoral process, and other human rights issues, as required.

·        In addition to liaising with election administration officials, meet with judicial and other relevant bodies, in particular with officials responsible for constituency delimitation and voter registration. In coordination with the Field Office Director (FOD), meet with political party representatives, NGO and civil society leaders, and representatives of domestic observer groups to share views on relevant legal aspects.

·        Brief mission members on important legal issues, and provide training to Carter Center observers regarding the electoral law, other legal issues, and international standards for democratic elections. 

·        Assess and analyze, from a legal perspective, the activities of constituency delimitation and election administration, in particular:

o   the consistency of the election management body in interpreting and applying national legislation;

o   the role of the election management bodies in dispute resolution;

o   the conduct and effectiveness of complaints and appeals processes.

• Prepare regular reports on electoral issues as requested by the FOD.

• Contribute to the preparation of interim reports and preparation of the Center’s preliminary statement.

• Prepare an analytical report including recommendations for the FOD about election administration for inclusion in the final report before leaving the mission area. 

Qualifications:

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

• A minimum of 5-7 years of experience conducting legal analysis on electoral issues and/or democratic governance issues;
• Knowledge of Arabic is highly preferred;
• Knowledge of Egyptian politics and culture;
• Experience in countries transitioning to sustainable peace and democracy;
• Cross-cultural understanding;
• Strong writing and communication skills;
• Ability to live in difficult conditions, perform well under stress, work within a team, and maintain professionalism at all times.

Compensation:

Salary is commensurate with experience. Costs associated with international travel as well as accommodation, transport and communications in Egypt are undertaken by the Carter Center.

Please send CV, brief cover letter, and contact details for at least three references to:

Paul Linnell

E-mail: jobs@egypt.cceom.org

Deadline for submissions: January 31, 2013

*Please include the title of the job for which you are applying in the subject line of the email

Note: Because this is an international observation mission, Egyptian nationals are not eligible for this position.  Additionally, due to the large volume of applicants, only those candidates selected for additional consideration will be notified by the Center.

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.