Position Title: Election Monitoring Expert
P Level: P3/P4
Location: Travel around West Bank
Duration: 8 weeks
Language: English and Arabic required

Background
Local elections are scheduled to take place April 25^th, 2026. Local elections in Palestine are a critical component of democratic governance, providing citizens with the opportunity to select representatives responsible for municipal services and local development. These elections take place within a complex political and administrative context, shaped by geographic fragmentation, varying levels of institutional capacity, and broader political dynamics. Ensuring transparency, credibility, and public confidence in the electoral process is therefore essential. Election observation plays a key role in this effort by assessing adherence to legal frameworks and international standards, monitoring polling and counting procedures, and documenting any irregularities. Observers contribute to strengthening electoral integrity while supporting accountability and trust in local governance institutions. The Central Elections Commission (CEC), under the framework of the Local Authorities Elections Law, accredits international and local monitors to witness all stages of the process (registration, campaigning, polling, counting) and to report on compliance with domestic law and international standards. Observers must adhere to the CEC’s Code of Conduct, remain neutral, and be prepared for security constraints on movement.

Scope of Work

Develop deep contextual understanding of the electoral and political situation in Palestine, as well as relevant local elections legislation and regulations;
Support and coordinate election monitoring activities;
Liaise with the CEC, as well as local domestic and international observers deployed in Palestine;
Consistent with the CEC’s Code of Conduct, monitor immediate pre-electoral environment, the election campaign and administrative preparations in Palestine; Observe election day procedures, counting and tabulation operations; Monitor immediate post-electoral developments including complaint procedures;
Report to the Program Manager of the political team within the Representative Office of Canada to the Palestinian Authority;
Observers must adhere to the CEC guidelines and Code of Conduct, both linked on this page.

Deliverables

Accreditation: Complete accreditation application online, with supporting documentation.
Reporting: Submit an End-of-Mission report; draft interim updates or reports as needed/requested.
Advice: Contribute to a mission After Action Report.

Working Conditions

Location: Hybrid work model (mix of virtual and in-person work) possible. Travel within the West Bank will depend on movement restrictions.
Duration: Deployment for eight weeks, beginning April 2026.

Required Qualifications

Previous electoral observation experience and/or other relevant experience including electoral training, technical assistance or experience in the region in relevant fields.
Previous experience in the country and/or region or in a similar context will be considered an asset.
Previous experience of work as a civilian in a large-scale international mission or in a human rights monitoring mission is an asset.
Demonstrated commitment to democracy and human rights.
Excellent communication skills, including a demonstrated ability to both write and present high-quality written documents/presentations in English and Arabic is required.
Computer and IT (Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Access, Adobe Acrobat, Outlook, Android, internet browser and web mail software) literacy. Familiarity with use of satellite phones, GPS, BGAN, use of Signal, Teams and SharePoint.

CANADEM and its partners have a no-tolerance policy for inaction to prevent, respond to and follow up on alleged cases of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH). For this reason, we adhere to all policies, procedures and training of the United Nations on The Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH). CANADEM mandates all deployees successfully complete the PSEA online course. This e-learning course is composed of a set of lessons designed to raise awareness about SEAH, become familiar with a range of measures to combat SEAH, understand the impact on victims and the consequences for UN Personnel who commit Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment.