Consultant – Mission Director & Political Analyst

Democracy Program 

Consultant – Mission Director & Political Analyst 

Ramallah, West Bank – April 2026  

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 security developments, the Center plans to observe the Palestinian municipal elections on April 25, 2026, with the deployment of an expert mission. Deployment is anticipated in early April, pending travel restrictions to the region, for the anticipated elections. Pending funding, this position is scheduled for an initial period of two months through early May with possible extension. If security and logistical considerations prevent the deployment of a mission, the Center may conduct remote analysis of the electoral process.  

The Center is seeking a highly qualified individual to serve as a Mission Director and Political Analyst. The analyst will work with Carter Center staff in the Center’s office in Ramallah. The analyst should have a depth of experience leading election observation missions, election administration, or providing technical assistance to an EMB, and political analysis. Candidates with a demonstrated understanding of Palestinian political dynamics, experience working or living in the West Bank/Gaza, and Arabic language proficiency will be given the highest consideration. Five to ten years of experience in democracy and/or elections is required in addition to a degree in political science or another relevant field.   

Responsibilities: 

  1. Direct the core team of experts tasked with assessing Palestine’s April municipal elections 
  1. Follow political and electoral developments in Palestine related to the municipal elections; advise Carter Center staff and consultants on developments, historical background, and legal frameworks. 
  1. Research legal and electoral issues related to the electoral process to inform the team’s analysis of the political and electoral environment in Palestine; advise on political party developments and positions with respect to internal Palestinian and Palestinian-Israeli affairs. 
  1. Liaise with Palestinian Authority officials, the Central Elections Commission, the judiciary, civil society organizations and other key stakeholders on political, electoral, and legal affairs; working closely with field office staff, facilitate relationships with local entities, and hold meetings with stakeholders.  
  1. Lead the drafting process for Carter Center mission press releases, public statements, and project reports; review core team report drafting and draft final report sections concerning the electoral environment for the elections, and the preparations and administration of the polls vis-à-vis Palestine’s electoral framework, coordinating with other technical experts as necessary to cover key aspects of the process. 

Qualifications: 

Applicants should: 

  1. Have a breadth of experience in political and/or electoral analysis, preferably related to democracy, governance, and election observation. 
  1. Have prior experience working with electoral administration, either working on post-election implementation or with Election Observation Missions.  
  1. Have prior experience working in Palestine and extensive knowledge of Palestinian politics and the electoral framework.  
  1. Have prior experience drafting political analysis writing; demonstrate strong analytical, writing, and communication skills; fluency in English is required; an ability to work in Arabic is preferred. 
  1. Be able to travel to the West Bank for approximately 8-10 weeks from April through May, pending funding and security developments. 

To be considered for this position, please provide your application details and upload a CV/resume and cover letter in support of your application to the following website:  

https://thecartercenter.formstack.com/forms/pal_april26

Deadline for submissions: March 23, or until filled. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their application documents as soon as possible; decisions will be made on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Due to the large volume of applicants, only those candidates selected for an interview or additional consideration will be notified by the Center. No phone calls or in-person contacts will be entertained. 

Note: This position is subject to funding and security developments in Palestine. Because this is an international election observation project, Palestinian nationals are not eligible to serve as a Mission Director or Political Analyst.