Democracy Program
Consultant – Participatory Rights 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 Participatory Rights 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.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Act as the mission’s primary technical expert on human rights, with a particular focus on fundamental freedoms and participatory rights in elections, and the conduct of the election vis-a-vis regional and international treaties, and domestic laws;
- Assess the exercise of participatory rights and protection of human rights during the municipal/village council elections, as stipulated by regional and international treaties, and Palestinian law;
- Follow key developments in participatory rights and respect for human rights throughout the electoral cycle in Palestine;
- Analyze aspects of Palestine’s national legislation concerning women and youth as it pertains to the municipal/village council elections. Assess whether provisions regarding their participation are implemented in accordance with the legal framework as well as international standards for democratic elections.
- Meet with human rights organizations, NGOs, political party representatives, civil society leaders, representatives from national observer groups and other key stakeholders to share views and assess the Palestinian human rights environment;
- Contribute to Carter Center press releases, public statements, and project reports as necessary, including weekly reports, and draft a final report section concerning participatory rights during the electoral period; and
- Brief mission members and Carter Center staff on key human rights issues before, during and after the legislative elections, drafting briefing papers and other mission-related documents as requested.
Qualifications:
- At least seven years of experience in human rights analysis, specifically, the right to participate in public affairs, the freedoms of expression, opinion, association and assembly, and other rights related to equitable participation in political, electoral, and public life;
- Proficiency in English is required; proficiency in Arabic and regional dialects is desirable, but not required;
- Experience authoring articles on legal and human rights analysis, research, and similar, especially in the context of Palestinian elections is an asset;
- Professional experience, especially in election observation missions or a research team, in Palestine or the MENA region is desirable; and
- Leadership skills, cross-cultural understanding, and a background working in sensitive political situations 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
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 mission, Palestinian nationals are not eligible to serve in this position.