Ramallah, West Bank – September 2026
Democracy Program, The Carter Center
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 conduct a pre-election assessment ahead of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) elections, anticipated for Nov. 28, 2026. Deployment is anticipated in September, pending contracting and travel restrictions to the region. This position is scheduled for an initial six-week period, which may be extended. Although an in-person assessment is highly preferred, if security and logistical considerations prevent the assessment team from deploying, stakeholder engagement and research may be conducted virtually.
The Center is seeking a highly qualified individual to serve as a Team Lead and Electoral Analyst. The analyst will work with Carter Center staff to organize and oversee the assessment team and its conduct. Preferred applicants will have experience leading election observation needs assessment missions, and a strong understanding of electoral systems, administration and processes, particularly related to international obligations for political and electoral rights. Experience in election administration, providing technical assistance to an EMB, or core team experience on election observation missions is required. 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 a relevant field.
Responsibilities:
- Follow and assess political and electoral developments in Palestine related to the PLC elections;
- Direct and oversee the core team of experts tasked with conducting a pre-election assessment in advance of the November PLC elections.
- Research issues and advise the Center on electoral developments and positions with respect to internal Palestinian and Palestinian-Israeli affairs that may impact the conduct of the November polls in the West Bank and Gaza.
- Assess and advise Carter Center staff and consultants on the historical background, current developments, and electoral frameworks and processes that may impact the integrity and inclusiveness of the anticipated electoral process.
- Liaise with Palestinian Authority officials, the Central Elections Commission, the judiciary, civil society organizations and other key stakeholders on electoral administration affairs and challenges. Working in coordination with field office staff, facilitate relationships with local entities and hold stakeholder meetings.
- Lead the drafting process for a Carter Center report on the mission’s findings, including overall political dynamics and developments, electoral processes, and key challenges to the electoral process. Review core team report drafting and draft final report sections concerning the electoral environment for the elections, and the preparations and administration of the polls vis-à-vis Palestine’s electoral framework, coordinating with other technical experts as necessary to cover key aspects of the process.
- Offer recommendations for potential Carter Center engagement around the polls, including an assessment of stakeholder welcome, and if recommended, a potential workplan that details the timing, scope and scale of a possible observation mission.
Qualifications:
Applicants should:
- Have a breadth of experience in electoral analysis related to democracy, governance, and election observation.
- Have demonstrated experience leading teams of experts and producing comparable research projects or reports.
- Have prior experience working with electoral administration, either working on post-election implementation or with election observation missions.
- Have demonstrated experience working in Palestine and extensive knowledge of Palestinian politics and the electoral framework.
- Have prior experience drafting political analysis; demonstrate strong analytical, writing, and communication skills. Fluency in English is required; an ability to work in Arabic is preferred.
- Be able to travel to the West Bank and Cairo for approximately 2-3 weeks in September, WITH A pending funding and security developments.
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: pal_Nov26 – Intellistack
Deadline for submissions: August 31 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. Phone calls or in-person contacts are highly discouraged.
Note: This position is subject to funding and security developments in Palestine.