Consultant: Georgia Nonpartisan Observation Program Advisor (U.S. Elections Team)
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 for the Center’s US Elections, Georgia portfolio.
This position requires up to 15 days of work per month.
Start date: As soon as possible.
Location: US state of Georgia, travel throughout state required
Pay: $250 to $550 a day
Length of Assignment: Through August 31, 2025, with a high likelihood of extension or contract renewal depending on performance
The Democracy Program at The Carter Center 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. There are multiple aspects to this project: expanding nonpartisan observation efforts, bolstering the electoral dispute resolution process, tracking disinformation and dangerous speech, contributing to electoral reform, and promoting a set of principles for trusted elections. In our home state of Georgia this project’s programming has focused on systematic and robust data collection and analysis of election administration practices through nonpartisan election observation.
The Carter Center is looking for an experienced professional with knowledge of the U.S. & Georgia’s electoral system that can design and track work plans as we work to increase transparency in the electoral process and support election officials. In consultation with Carter Center staff and other consultants with relevant expertise:
Nonpartisan Observation:
- In close coordination with Atlanta headquarters, design and oversee the execution of a potential observation methodology appropriate for the legal and electoral context. Identify appropriate financial, staffing, logistical, etc. supports to ensure its successful implementation.
- Review and enhance observer training plan and materials used for pilot efforts in 2022 and 2024 vis-a-vis state election laws; advise and direct the execution of the plan by training staff and volunteers.
- Remain abreast of major proposed and/or adopted changes to election administration in the state.
- Ensure the quality of reported observer data, including by establishing a team able to provide data cleaning, logical checks, and external validation of findings as needed.
- Lead the development of internal policies, procedures, scopes of work, etc., as needed to facilitate the execution of election observation-related tasks.
- Lead development of communications scenarios and protocols for reporting on and after election day; oversee drafting of any official statements, reports, or external communications products.
- Remain abreast of major political developments in the state and make recommendations for adjusting programming as needed.
- Manage the work of consultants assigned to the project, providing assignments, guidance, coaching, and support as necessary and appropriate to ensure the success of the observation program and the success of supporting consultants.
Election Administration Expertise and Support– Research and Analysis:
- Contribute to research and drafting of documents for public and private use on key issues related to various aspects in election administration.
- Contribute to project-related outputs including curricula for observer training programs, voter education materials on key aspects of the electoral process, toolkits and written products of electoral stakeholders, policies and procedures to identify examples of good practice as well as areas where additional steps could be taken to promote transparency in the electoral process or the overall improvement of election integrity, public reports, public statements, op-eds and articles, and talking points
Outreach and Representation:
- As requested by Carter Center staff, represent the program at public events, webinars and other fora and in public speaking engagements; Liaise with state election officials and others on key issues to support project goals;
- Assist The Carter Center in building and maintaining relationships with election officials, advocacy organizations, voter engagement coalitions, and similar stakeholders around the state;
- Identify key events relevant to furthering program objectives
Advice and Guidance:
- Provide regular and timely report outs to staff on the news and changes in the political and electoral landscape within the state
Coordination:
- Participate in regular coordination meetings with other consultants, other Carter Center programs, Carter Center staff, and project partners on key aspects to ensure successful implementation of the project.
Qualifications:
- 7+ years proven experience with election administration practices; knowledge of election observation, poll watching, or election protection practices is a plus;
- Proven project management experience;
- Proven project/program management skills;
- Excellent understanding of the election and voting process in the U.S., Georgia is a plus;
- Excellent understanding of key political dynamics around elections in the U.S.;
- Experience implementing data collection methodologies;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
- Knowledge and experience with the Microsoft Suite of tools.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, as part of a diverse and inter-disciplinary team.
- Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing project demands.
- Experience with data analysis and data visualization software.
To apply, please fill out the form at the link below and attach a CV and Cover Letter. https://filerequestpro.com/up/uselectionsrecruiting
This position is contracted through The Carter Center. Applicants are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Only applications submitted to the link above will be considered.
Only those candidates selected for an interview or additional consideration will be notified by the Center. No separate emails, phone calls, or in-person contacts, please.