Democracy Program
Consultant – Legal & Electoral Expert
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 security dynamics and 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 Legal/Electoral Analyst. The analyst will work with Carter Center staff in the Center’s office in Ramallah. The analyst should have a depth of experience working on election observation missions, election administration, or providing technical assistance to an EMB, and legal 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
The Legal/Electoral Analyst will be responsible for engaging with key electoral stakeholders to assess Palestine’s electoral code and regulations, and their implementation. The analyst will:
- Act as an advisor on electoral administration and its implementation to the mission, including liaising with the Central Elections Commission (CEC) and other electoral stakeholders;
- Become familiar with the electoral, legal, and regulatory framework of the Palestinian Authority, including the new electoral framework and draft Constitution. Assess technical procedures required for voter and candidate registration, campaigning, balloting, counting, tabulation and transmission of results, dispute resolution and other relevant issues against national legislation, administrative procedures and regulations, and international obligations for democratic elections.
- Assess the overall legal framework and environment surrounding Palestine’s elections of local authorities (municipalities and village councils) in April. Identify key challenges, including technical, administrative, logistical and other concerns, in the context of the municipal electoral process; analyze and report on the implications of new Palestinian legal frameworks including recent changes to the electoral law and the draft interim constitution.
- Meet with representatives of political parties, the judiciary, NGO and civil society, national observer groups and other key stakeholders, in coordination with members of the election observation mission, to share views on the electoral process and environment;
- Prepare briefing papers and memos as requested on key aspects of election administration; and
- Assist in drafting Carter Center mission press releases, public statements, and project reports, with a lead role in assessing the legal framework and election administration.
Qualifications
- Substantive experience working on legal/electoral analysis, either as part of election observation missions, support to an electoral management body, or as a practitioner in a relevant field;
- Previous participation in international election observation missions and a strong knowledge of election observation methodologies;
- Demonstrated legal experience and knowledge of election law and international obligations concerning human rights, including political and electoral rights;
- A high degree of proficiency in English and Arabic, both written and spoken, is strongly preferred;
- Professional experience in the West Bank/Gaza or the MENA region is desirable; and
- Leadership skills, cross-cultural understanding, and a background working in sensitive political situations and as part of a team are required.
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
Application deadline: March 23, 2026, 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 Legal Analyst.