The Carter Center, Democracy Program
Consultant – Political/Campaign Finance Expert
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 a Political/Campaign Finance Expert 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 expert will engage with stakeholders, conduct analysis, and report on political and campaign finance issues based on national law and international standards for democratic elections. The duration and 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:
- Review and assess Peru’s political and campaign finance laws and regulations, including ancillary legislation that may affect political finance. Assess implementation of the legal framework and the complaints and appeals process for campaign finance violations.
- Engage with electoral authorities, political parties and candidates, domestic and international election observer groups, the private sector, media representatives, and local NGOs and scholars familiar with campaign finance.
- Contribute to the continued development of a methodology for observation of campaign finance as requested by Carter Center project staff, under the guidance of the Mission Director.
- Prepare a written assessment of the legal framework governing political and campaign finance in Peru, identifying strengths, highlighting gaps, and contextualizing challenges faced by regulatory bodies, the judiciary, political parties, and other stakeholders. The assessment should propose measures to improve regulation and practice.
Qualifications:
- Applicants should have at least seven years of 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.
- Extensive experience working on issues related to campaign finance.
- Advanced degree in a 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 campaign finance, human rights, and electoral rights.
- 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:
If you have questions, please email: alejandro.espinosa@cartercenter.org
Only applications received through this link will be considered.
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.