Legal and Electoral Analyst - Occupied Palestinian Territory

The Carter Center

Democracy Program

Consultant – Legal and Electoral Analyst

Occupied Palestinian Territory

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. 

Pending funding, The Carter Center is seeking a highly-qualified candidate to serve as Legal and Electoral Analyst in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza Strip to support Carter Center activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). The Legal and Electoral Analyst is primarily responsible for engaging with key governmental stakeholders, political party, human rights and civil society representatives, to assess the electoral dynamics and exercise of fundamental freedoms in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. This analysis will be in accordance with Palestinian reconciliation agreements and Palestine’s Basic Law and international commitments to human and civil rights. This independent contract position is anticipated for approximately one year beginning on March 1, 2013.

Primary Responsibilities:

A. As part of The Carter Center team at the Jerusalem/Ramallah-based Field Office, serve as Legal and Electoral Analyst in the OPT. 

B. Support The Carter Center’s activities in the OPT by providing assessments of the electoral environment, legal and electoral framework for elections, and ability of citizens to exercise their fundamental political and civic rights, grounded in legal analysis.

C. Facilitate contacts and meet with key actors on a range of electoral issues in coordination with other consultants and Carter Center staff. These actors may include political party representatives, the Central Elections Commission (CEC), NGOs, human rights and civil society representatives including women’s groups, government officials, and representatives of the international community.

D. Assess the overall electoral issues and political developments. Identify key concerns in the context of anticipated future electoral processes. Provide legal analysis and strategic advice to The Carter Center on substantive legal issues and draft periodic briefings, written reports, and public statements, as appropriate.

E. Prepare supplemental memos and reports assessing specific issues on an as needed basis.

F. Contribute to regular public reporting.  And assume primary responsibility for drafting reports focused on the electoral environment.

Applicants should have a minimum of 7-10 years of legal and electoral analysis experience on democracy and governance issues. The position requires relocation to Jerusalem and frequent travel to the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Prior work experience in Palestine and fluency in English is required. The ability to work in Arabic is preferred. Strong writing and communication skills and competence with technology are required.  Salary is commensurate with experience.

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

Rana Shabb

E-mail: cartercenterpalestine@gmail.com

The Carter Center

453 Freedom Parkway

Atlanta, Georgia 30307

Deadline for submissions: February 15, 2013, or until position is filled.

Note: Because this is an international reporting mission, Palestinian nationals are not eligible to serve as Legal and Electoral Analyst. Due to the large volume of applicants, only those candidates selected for additional consideration will be notified