Closing Date: Friday, 15 July 2011
The Carter Center is currently recruiting highly-qualified individuals to serve as long-term observers (LTOs) for the upcoming Liberian National elections, which are anticipated to take place in October or November 2011.
Deployment for selected candidates is expected to begin in early September 2011 and may continue to December 2011, but these dates may change.
To read more about the Carter Center’s Democracy Program and work observing elections, please visit: http://www.cartercenter.org/peace/democracy/index.html.
Details of position:
LTO teams serve as the backbone of the Center’s election observation missions and are expected to monitor, assess and report on key electoral developments within Liberia, including but not limited to: the electoral and political environment, security, human rights, civic and voter education, the media environment, voter registration, campaigning, polling, counting, and tabulation processes. This information will be used to generate public and private statements regarding preparations for the election in order to provide an impartial assessment of the processes and detailed recommendations for ways to improve its inclusiveness, credibility, and transparency.
LTOs will work in pairs and travel extensively within their area of responsibility. Conditions vary, but candidates should be prepared to live outside of the capital, Monrovia, and to travel to remote, rural locations. They must be able to work in difficult environments with minimal amenities. LTO safety is a serious priority for The Carter Center and candidates must be willing to carefully follow all communication and safety/security protocols.
Primary responsibilities:
• Monitor and assess the electoral and political environment on the ground in the period leading up to, including, and following the elections in Liberia.
• Prepare weekly written reports for the Center’s office in Monrovia, as well as additional analysis as requested by senior staff.
• Provide planning and logistical support for the planned deployment of Carter Center Short-Term Observer teams.
Qualifications:
Ideal candidates will possess some or all of the following qualifications:
• Experience in election monitoring or administration, and/or democratic governance;
• Knowledge of West African politics and culture, especially in Liberia;
• Expertise in some or all of the following areas: elections, human rights, conflict resolution and peace-building, political analysis;
• Experience with countries transitioning from war to sustainable peace;
• Cross-cultural understanding;
• Ability to live in difficult conditions, perform well under stress, work within a team, and maintain professionalism at all times.
• Fluency in English is required.
Financial compensation:
LTO positions are considered voluntary. Selected candidates will receive a daily per diem to cover meals and incidental expenses, as well as a small weekly stipend as remuneration. All LTO housing and travel costs are paid for by The Carter Center. The Center will provide for all communication, services, support, and equipment necessary to do the job of an observer.
Please send a brief cover letter, CV, and references to:
Ms. Elizabeth Plachta,
Assistant Project Coordinator, Democracy Program,
The Carter Center,
453 Freedom Parkway,
Atlanta, Georgia 30307,
E-mail: tccliberiaelections@gmail.com
Note: Because this is an international election observation mission, Liberian nationals are not eligible to serve as Carter Center LTOs. Due to the large volume of applicants, only those candidates selected for an interview or additional consideration will be notified by the Center.
