Deputy Director

The Carter Center International Election Observation Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Consultant-Deputy Director

Recruitment Notice

The Center is preparing to deploy a long-term observation mission to monitor the presidential elections anticipated in November 2011 in DRC, and is currently recruiting highly-qualified individuals for a Deputy Director position.

To read more about the Carter Center’s work in DRC, please visit: http://www.cartercenter.org/countries/democratic_republic_of_congo.html

Details of Position:

The Deputy Director will help manage and implement electoral observation activities, including the deployment of long-term observers in July and a short-term delegation surrounding the immediate election period. In addition, the Deputy Director will contribute to field office operational management, capacity building, logistics, financial administration, and report writing.

This independent contract position is initially assigned for 6 months, with possibility of further extension. The position requires relocation to DRC in June 2011.

Primary Responsibilities:

-- Under the direction of the Field Office Director, represent The Carter Center in DRC;

-- Work closely with the Field Office Director and other senior staff to design and manage the Center’s planned observation activities, including deployment plan and observation methodology;

-- Supervise local staff, observers and other consultants in conjunction with program management. With oversight from the Field Office Director, manage daily operations, including office set-up, equipment rental and acquisition, recruitment, hiring, and capacity building of local staff members. Arrange external meetings and manage workload of local staff.

-- Working closely with LTO Coordinator and national staff, oversee coordination of logistics for staff travel and observer deployment within DRC;

-- In coordination with LTO Coordinator, oversee advance work for deployment sites and contacts with local political parties, election officials, and others in regional observation areas;

-- Draft Carter Center press releases and public statements, and project reports as necessary in consultation with Atlanta staff.

-- Under the direction of the Field Office Director, allocate field office project funds in accordance with budget limitations and donor contract regulations. Supervise field office financial reporting to ensure appropriate management and monitoring of field office operational funds.

-- Other program design and implementation duties, as needed.

Financial Compensation:
Salary is commensurate with experience. Costs associated with international travel as well as accommodation, transport and communications in DRC are undertaken by the Carter Center.

Qualifications:
Required:
• Applicants should have a minimum of 5 years of experience implementing election monitoring missions, democracy and governance or human rights programming requiring the deployment and management of field staff
• Knowledge of French and English (knowledge of or other languages indigenous to DRC welcome).
• Strong writing/communication skills and competence with technology.
• A positive attitude and the ability to work effectively in leading a diverse team

Ideal candidates will possess some or all of the following qualifications:
• Prior professional experience in Africa.
• Ability to live in difficult conditions, perform under stress, and maintain professionalism.
• Leadership and program management skills, cross-cultural understanding, and a background dealing with sensitive political situations.


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

Jennifer Russi
Assistant Project Coordinator-Democratic Republic of Congo
The Carter Center
453 Freedom Parkway
Atlanta, Georgia 30307
jrussi@emory.edu
404.614.3776

Note: Because this is an international election observation project, Congolese nationals are NOT eligible to serve in this position. Additionally, due to the large volume of applicants, only those candidates selected for an interview or additional consideration will be notified by the Center.

The Carter Center conducts international election observation in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation and Code of Conduct for International Election Observers.