Consultant: Michigan Nonpartisan Election Observation – Observer Coordinator

Consultant: Michigan Nonpartisan Election Observation – Observer Coordinator

About The Carter Center

The Carter Center is guided by a fundamental commitment to promoting human rights, alleviating human suffering, enhancing freedom and democracy, and improving health conditions. The Center seeks a highly qualified, motivated, and energetic consultant to serve as Observer Coordinator for the Center’s nonpartisan election observation efforts in Michigan.

The Democracy Program works globally to support and strengthen participatory democracy, consistent with human rights. Beginning in 2020, The Carter Center began efforts to support good election administration in the United States, including expanding nonpartisan observation, bolstering dispute resolution, tracking disinformation and dangerous speech, contributing to electoral reform and accessibility, and promoting principles for trusted elections.

Employment Details

• Level of effort: Up to 22 days per month
• Start date: As soon as possible
• Location: Michigan (U.S.); travel throughout Michigan may be required; work in Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor and remote work are also expected
• Pay: Commensurate with experience
• Length of assignment: Through January 30, 2027, with a high likelihood of extension/renewal depending on performance

Scope of Work and Responsibilities

Working under the supervision of a Democracy Program associate director, and in close coordination with the Atlanta-based project team, the consultant will:

Observer Coordination and Field Management

• Serve as the primary manager of observers, including regional, county, and/or general election observers;
• Support training of observer teams during orientations and briefing sessions regarding observation methodology, code of conduct, policies and procedures, data collection tools, and other core aspects of the observation effort;
• Supervise observer fieldwork and maintain regular contact with observer teams throughout the observation period;
• Coordinate communication with observers, including regular programmatic and substantive updates, guidance on priority topics of observation, and follow-up on issues arising from the field;
• Ensure appropriate liaison, as directed, between observers and relevant stakeholders, including election officials, civic groups, community partners, and other appropriate interlocutors;
• Help troubleshoot field challenges and escalate operational or substantive issues to the project leadership team as needed.

Deployment Planning and Observation Operations

• Assist in the design and management of the Center’s planned observation activities, including deployment plans, observer field plans, observation coverage, and implementation of the project methodology;
• Help identify possible observer deployment sites and support development of deployment recommendations based on project priorities;
• Prepare and implement observer deployment plans, taking into account logistical, operational, and other relevant considerations;
• Support the preparation of deployment packets and related materials, including schedules, contact lists, reporting guidance, maps, and briefing materials;
• Coordinate with project staff to ensure observers have the information, materials, and support needed to carry out their assignments effectively;
• Assist with advance preparation for key observation days and periods, including early voting, Election Day, canvassing, post-election processes, and other observation activities as assigned.

Reporting, Data Collection, and Analysis Support

• Assist in developing and implementing reporting systems for observer activities;
• Support observer reporting in the field, including ensuring timely submission of forms, reports, a
• Work closely with the data management team and other project staff to support the use of electronic reporting systems and the flow of observer information for real-time monitoring and analysis;

Logistics and Administrative Coordination

• Support coordination of observer travel, accommodation, scheduling, and related logistics in collaboration with the broader project team;
• Help coordinate deployment transportation and other field arrangements as needed;
• Work with relevant team members to support implementation of observer safety, communication, and logistical protocols;
• Assist with tracking observer deployment-related needs and resolving logistical issues that arise during the observation period;
• Support project meetings, briefings, debriefings, and other mission-related activities as requested.

Representation and Reporting Products

• As directed, represent The Carter Center with key stakeholders on issues related to observer deployment, coordination, and methodology;
• Contribute to internal updates, weekly summaries, briefing materials, and other project reporting products;
• As requested, assist in drafting sections of public statements, press materials, preliminary findings, and final reports related to observer deployment and observation activities;
• Complete other tasks as requested to support the good functioning of the observation.

Qualifications

• Relevant experience in election observation, election administration, democracy programming, civic engagement, field coordination, and/or related work;
• Demonstrated experience coordinating teams, managing field-based activities, or supporting large-scale deployments in fast-moving environments;
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple workstreams, deadlines, and operational details at once;
• Experience supporting trainings, supervising staff or volunteers, and maintaining clear communication across dispersed teams;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Ability to synthesize field information clearly and communicate findings to both technical and non-technical audiences;
• Familiarity with U.S. elections is strongly preferred; ability to quickly learn Michigan-specific election processes is required;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and comfort using structured reporting and data collection systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting nonpartisan election observation or civic monitoring efforts;
• Familiarity with Michigan election administration, including early voting, Election Day procedures, canvassing, and post-election processes;
• Experience working with observer reporting systems, survey tools, or mobile data collection platforms;
• Knowledge of accessibility considerations in election administration;
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including election officials, civil society actors, and community-based partners.

How to apply

Please submit an application at the following link, including your CV and contact information: https://thecartercenter.formstack.com/forms/michigan_consultancy_application

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Only applicants selected for an interview or additional consideration will be notified.