Long-Term Election Observers

The Carter Center

Location:

(MENA region)

Contact Information:

Paul Linnell

Phone:

4046143778

Email:

TCCobservers@gmail.com

Fax:

4044205196

Description:

Pending political developments and donor funding, The Carter Center is considering the deployment of international observation missions to monitor e1ections in countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The Carter Center is recruiting highly-qualified individuals to serve as long-term observers (LTOs) for elections in the MENA region, and encourages the submission of applications for flexible deployment to a number of countries.

Deployment for selected candidates could begin as soon as early September 2011, and may last through January 2012. These dates are subject to change. Candidates who can commit to the full deployment period will receive first consideration.

To read more about the work of The Carter Center's Democracy Program, please visit: http://cartercenter.org/peace/democracy/index.html

Details of position: LTO teams serve as the backbone of the Center's election observation missions and are expected to monitor, assess and report on key electoral developments, including but not limited to: the electoral and political environment, security, human rights, civic and voter education, the media environment, voter registration, campaigning, polling, counting, and tabulation processes. This information will be used to generate public and private statements regarding preparations for the elections in order to provide an impartial assessment of the processes and detailed recommendations for ways to improve its inclusiveness, credibility, and transparency.

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

Primary responsibilities:

• Monitor and assess the electoral and political environment on the ground in the period leading up to, including, and following the elections.
• Prepare weekly written reports for the Center's field offices, as well as additional analysis requested by senior staff.
• Provide planning and logistical support for the planned deployment of Carter Center Medium-Term Observer and Short-Term Observer teams, where applicable.

To apply, Please send a brief cover letter, CV and a list of references (preferably with email contact information) to:

Paul Linnell Assistant Project Coordinator

E-mail: TCCobservers@gmail.com

Deadline for submissions: September 1, 2011

Qualification:

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

• Experience in election monitoring or administration and/or democratic governance;
• Knowledge of Arabic is highly preferred;
• Knowledge of MENA politics and culture, regional expertise;
• Expertise in some or all of the following areas: elections, human rights, conflict resolution and peace-building, political analysis;
• Experience with countries transitioning to sustainable peace and democracy;
• Cross-cultural understanding;
• Ability to live in difficult conditions, perform well under stress, work within a team, and maintain professionalism at all times.