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.
Through this call for applications, we are seeking qualified candidates to serve as Operations Manager on an election observation mission assessing the 2022 Tunisian constitutional referendum and parliamentary elections. This consultancy position is scheduled from Oct. 1, 2022 through February 2022 and requires relocation to Tunis, Tunisia; applicants must confirm their availability for deployment for the entire duration of the project. The selected person will report to the Tunis-based Country Representative/Mission Director and Atlanta-based Associate Director of the Carter Center’s Democracy Program.
The Operations Manager should have demonstrated experience working on election observation missions or large-scale, field-based development projects. A minimum of five years of experience in democracy and/or elections is required. Advanced degree in political science, law or another relevant field is preferred. Candidates who speak French or Arabic on a professional level and have demonstrated experience working in Tunisia and/or the region are encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities:
The Operations Manager will assume a lead role in managing the operational and logistical aspects of the Carter Center’s 2022 election observation mission to Tunisia. These include deployment planning, observer transport, accommodation, and communication logistics, overseeing security operations, and implementation of the Center’s observation methodology.
The Operations Manager will:
- Assist in coordinating logistics and staff for office operations and delegation;
- Provide input on deployment plans, communication strategies and other logistical issues;
- Coordinate with Observer Coordinator to develop and implement a reporting and communication system as well as a training program for all observers and staff;
- Oversee Observer Coordinator in compiling and preparing briefing and deployment packs for long-term observers (LTOs) and short-term observers (STOs);
- Contribute to daily, weekly, and monthly reporting on security, logistics, and operations of the mission.
- Assist in drafting and editing the final report, in consultation with the Center’s Atlanta staff and the Mission Director.
Administration:
- Negotiate contracts for hotels and leases
- Liaise with local authorities for visas, accreditation, and arrivals; maintain document records and contacts for observers and staff
- Be responsible for operational closure of mission and preparation of final logistics/procurement report for file, including recommendations for future missions.
Logistics:
- Arrange for deployment transportation and accommodation for observers, EOM leadership, field staff and Atlanta staff, including vehicles and drivers, as needed
- Participate in observers’ briefings and debriefings and core team meetings to disseminate relevant information on deployment and logistics, as appropriate.
Security:
- In coordination with the Country Representative and Security Manager, provide support to advance long-term observer deployment sites, visiting sites as necessary to assess and provide security and logistics advice to observers in conjunction with the National Security Manager.
- Contribute as a member of the mission’s security management team and oversee arrangements for any evacuation of any people or assets with international and local government agencies as well as private companies. Negotiate and/or review security contracts with local providers for security guards as necessary and advise the Mission Director on procurement of health- and security-related services.
- If evacuation is required, supervise the National Security Manager in the evacuation process in accordance with pre-established plans and arrangements, making decisions in coordination with the Mission Director
Qualifications:
Ideal candidates will possess some or all of the following qualifications:
- A minimum of five to seven years of demonstrated experience working on election observation missions or large-scale field-based democracy and governance projects;
- Demonstrated experience providing operations, logistics and security support for large-scale field-based programming in challenging country contexts;
- Experience managing and overseeing staff;
- A bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration, political science, development or related field;
- Knowledge of Tunisian politics and culture, regional expertise preferred;
- Cross-cultural understanding and proven ability to work successfully in a multi-cultural environment;
- Strong writing, communication and organizational skills required;
- Ability to live in difficult conditions, perform well under stress, work within a team, and maintain professionalism at all times;
- Fluency in English required; Knowledge of French or Arabic highly preferred.
To be considered for this position, provide your application details and upload a CV/resume and cover letter in support of your application in the following website: https://airtable.com/shro77dO3AkeCAtHr.
Only applications received through this link will be considered.
As this is an international election observation mission, Tunisian nationals are not eligible for this role. 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 please.Deadline for submissions: Sept. 7, 2022. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position filled as soon as possible.