The Carter Center, Democracy Program
Consultant – Senior Election Advisor
Election Expert Mission
Lima, Peru
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.
The Carter Center is seeking a highly qualified independent contractor to serve as Senior Election Advisor for an international Election Expert Mission (EEM) to Peru for the presidential, parliamentary, and Andean Assembly elections to be held on April 12, 2026, with a possible presidential runoff on June 7, 2025. The Senior Election Advisor will provide analysis, among other duties. The duration and scope of the EEM is contingent on the availability of funds and electoral developments. The expert team will deploy for one month around election day for the first round and for three weeks around the presidential run off if needed.
Primary responsibilities:
In coordination with the Mission Director:
- Act as primary advisor for the mission on the electoral process, assessing the overall electoral environment and identifying new or ongoing challenges (legal, technical, operational and other) in the context of electoral processes.
- Gain an understanding of the technical procedures required for the electoral process, including finalizing voter lists, campaigning, voting, counting, tabulation, reporting of results and electoral dispute resolution.
- Meet with key actors on electoral and related political issues, including political party representatives, the election management bodies, government officials, citizen observers, human rights and civil society representatives, women’s groups, and representatives of the international community.
- Contribute to assessment of the campaign environment, including security developments and other factors affecting the ability of voters to participate in electoral processes, as well as any measures taken by other actors to ensure their participation.
- Contribute written assessments of election administration issues and the campaign environment on the basis of the national electoral framework and international obligations for democratic elections. Review draft mission statements and reports for accuracy, internal coherence, and completeness. Contribute draft recommendations for improvements of the election process.
Qualifications:
- Applicants should have at least seven years of senior level experience implementing election monitoring missions, democracy and governance programs, or conflict-prevention efforts, ideally in the region, or at a minimum in other countries in similar democratic context.
- Demonstrated experience and/or knowledge of the Carter Center’s observation methodology, including international and regional standards for democratic elections.
- Proven experience in a leadership role for election observation, election technical assistance, or similar activities.
- Advanced degree in relevant field is preferred.
- A demonstrated understanding of Peruvian political dynamics with emphasis on electoral issues and previous experience working in Peru and/or the region are preferred.
- Strong experience working on election observation missions.
- Demonstrated experience with and knowledge of election law; international obligations concerning human rights, political and electoral rights; and electoral and political violence issues.
- Excellent organizational, oral, and written communication skills.
- Fluency in Spanish and English, both written and spoken, is required.
- Leadership skills, cross-cultural understanding, and a background working in sensitive political situations are required.
To be considered for this position, provide your application details and upload a CV/resume and cover letter in support of your application at the following link:
Only applications received through this link will be considered.
If you have questions, please email: alejandro.espinosa@cartercenter.org
As this is an international election observation mission, Peruvian nationals are not eligible for this role. Only those candidates selected for additional consideration will be notified.