Consultant – Electoral and Legal Analyst

The Carter Center, Democracy Program
Consultant – Electoral and Legal Analyst
Sudan 

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 Center is seeking highly-qualified candidates to serve as Electoral and Legal Analyst in Sudan. The Electoral and Legal Analyst is primarily responsible for engaging with key referenda and governmental stakeholders and analyzing the framework governing Sudan’s referenda on Southern self-determination and the status of Abyei. This analysis will be in accordance with international standards for democratic elections, taking into consideration the country’s legal framework. This independent contract position requires short-term commitments of two months at a time, with an expectation of several return visits to Sudan. Applicants should have a minimum of 5-7 years of legal analysis experience on democracy and governance issues preferably on election observation missions. The position requires travel to Sudan beginning in September 2010. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Arabic language skills and/or prior work experience in Sudan is highly preferred. Leadership skills, cross-cultural understanding, and a background dealing with sensitive political situations are encouraged. Strong writing/communication skills and competence with technology required. 

Primary Responsibilities:

General Referenda Issues:

1. Contribute to the Carter Center assessment of whether the referenda processes were conducted in accordance with Sudan’s legal framework and international standards for democratic elections. 

2. Meet with referenda administration officials, judicial and other relevant bodies. In coordination with the Field Office Director (FOD), meet with political party representatives, NGO and civil society leaders, and domestic observer organizations.

3. Assess the referenda administration, in particular:

i) Capability of referenda commissions and supporting bodies to interpret and apply national legislation in a consistent manner;
ii) Role of the referenda commissions and supporting bodies in dispute resolution; 
iii) Conduct and effectiveness of complaints and appeals processes.

4. Prepare reports on legal and referenda related issues as requested by the Field Office Director and Project Manager. Contribute to the preparation of public statements and other mission reporting, including suggestions for methodological improvements;

Briefings and Liaison:

5. Brief mission members on important legal and referenda issues, and provide training to observers on Sudan’s legal framework and international standards for democratic elections. 

6. Support the activity of international observers by responding to all inquiries and following up on observations with relevant authorities;

Voter Registration Process:

7. Be fully familiar with and assess the legal framework and technical procedures, including voter registration, for the Southern Sudan and Abyei referenda. 

8. Analyze the results of the voter registration process vis-à-vis national census results, other population data, international legal standards, and observer/staff findings. 

9. Review complaints submitted and adjudication process regarding voter registration and offer recommendations on ways to improve procedures for the complaints process. 


Please send cover letter, CV, contract requirements, and list of references:

Mr. Paul Linnell
The Carter Center
453 Freedom Parkway
Atlanta, Georgia 30307
E-mail: plinnel@emory.edu 

Deadline for submissions: August 25, 2010 

Note: Because this is an international election observation project, Sudanese nationals are not eligible to serve as Electoral/Legal Analyst. Due to the large volume of applicants, only those candidates selected for additional consideration will be notified by the Center. 

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