The Carter Center, Democracy Program
Consultant – Legal Analyst
Election Expert Mission (EEM)
Lima, Peru
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 Carter Center is seeking a highly qualified independent contractor to serve as Legal Analyst for an international Election Expert Mission (EEM) to Peru for the presidential, parliamentary, and Andean Assembly elections to be held on April 12, 2026, with a possible presidential runoff on June 7, 2025. The Legal Analyst will conduct an analysis of Peru’s electoral legal framework and election dispute resolution mechanisms in view of international election obligations and standards, among other duties. The duration and full scope of the EEM is contingent on the availability of funds and electoral developments. The expert team will deploy for one month around election day for the first round and for three weeks around the presidential run off if needed.
Primary responsibilities:
In coordination with the Mission Director:
- Conduct a comprehensive legal and electoral framework assessment, drawing on the Carter Center’s handbook on democratic election standards. This work will provide a foundation for evaluating the elections against national legislation and international obligations.
- Meet with the election management bodies and other stakeholders to understand their perspectives on implementation of electoral law and dispute resolution.
- Support the mission’s assessment of the election administration’s implementation of the legal framework. This includes examining how electoral procedures are carried out and identifying strengths and weaknesses in the system.
- Liaise with electoral stakeholders, including government officials, election administrators, political party leaders and candidates, civil society representatives, domestic and international observer groups, and others.
- Prepare written assessments of the legal framework and mechanisms for resolving disputes. Contribute to assessments of other aspects of the election process.
- Brief core team members and others on legislation, regulations, and international standards for democratic elections. Develop checklists to guide reporting, ensuring consistency in data collection.
- Provide input for Carter Center reports, ensuring that findings and recommendations are communicated clearly.
- Represent The Carter Center in electoral stakeholder coordination meetings as necessary, reinforcing the organization’s role as a trusted partner in promoting transparency, accountability, and democratic integrity in Peru’s electoral process.
Qualifications:
- Applicants should have at least seven years of senior level experience implementing election monitoring missions, democracy and governance programs, or conflict-prevention efforts, ideally in the region, or at a minimum in other countries in similar democratic context.
- Demonstrated experience and/or knowledge of the Carter Center’s observation methodology, including international and regional standards for democratic elections.
- Proven experience in relevant role(s) for international non-governmental organization, including establishment of country offices and managing required administrative procedures, personnel and programmatic activities.
- Law or advanced degree in relevant field is preferred.
- A demonstrated understanding of Peruvian political dynamics with emphasis on electoral issues and previous experience working in Peru and/or the region are preferred.
- Strong experience working on election observation missions
- Demonstrated legal experience and knowledge of election law and international obligations concerning human rights, political and electoral rights, electoral and political violence
- Excellent organizational, oral, and written communication skills
- Fluency in Spanish and English, both written and spoken, is required.
- Leadership skills, cross-cultural understanding, and a background working in sensitive political situations are required.
To be considered for this position, provide your application details and upload a CV/resume and cover letter in support of your application at the following link:
Only applications received through this link will be considered.
If you have questions, please email: alejandro.espinosa@cartercenter.org
As this is an international election observation mission, Peruvian nationals are not eligible for this role. Only those candidates selected for additional consideration will be notified.