Legal Researcher

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR ELECTORAL SYSTEMS (IFES) in WBG: 

Together we build democracies that deliver for all. Our independent expertise strengthens electoral institutions/systems and builds local capacity to deliver sustainable solutions. As the global leader in democracy promotion, we advance good governance and democratic rights by providing technical assistance; empowering the underrepresented to participate in the political process; and applying field-based research to improve the electoral cycle. We believe that trusted electoral institutions deliver credible elections, effective governing institutions are accountable to the people they serve, all people safely participate in civic and political life on an equal basis and technology, information and data positively serve elections and democracy. Since 1987, IFES has worked in over 145 countries – from developing to mature democracies.  

IFES is currently implementing the project “Democratic Leadership Activity”. This project aims at increasing the capacity of diverse civic stakeholders to meaningfully engage in political reforms and processes. The project will implement a series of activities targeting youth, women and other groups and strengthen their skills and knowledge to constructively engage in politics- it will develop tailored trainings, dialogue and technical research activities together with partners to build space for discussions on technical issues of rights and democracy. 

 We are looking for a dynamic and creative research-oriented colleague to support legal and technical research for the implementation of program activities, together with a team of 5 additional program consultants. 

PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE: 

 The Legal Researcher will support IFES programming in West Bank/Gaza, with a focus on programmatic interventions supporting legal electoral reform, youth activism, women’s empowerment as well as civic space and informal dispute resolution.  

 The Legal Researcher will support background research on the Basic Law, Presidential Decrees, Rules of Procedure in the Palestinian Legislative Council, Election Laws etc.  

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

 Under the direction and supervision of the Country Director, the Legal Researcher: 

• Conducts research and analytical reports that will form the implementation of activities, which may include a range of thematic pillars, such as legal reform, youth participation in politics, women’s equal right to participate in politics, digital civic space, and broader civic leadership support.  

• Leads efforts to conduct research on legal framework, jurisprudence and social norms in West Bank and Gaza.  

• Leads coordination of international legal experts’ visits and global in-house colleagues that come to West Bank to support program implementation.  

• Facilitates the sharing of research insights, lessons learned, and best practices between IFES sub-grantees and other partner institutions, through regular pause and reflect sessions.   

• Coordinates regularly with local civil society partners working on legal reforms advocacy on elections, governance and civic space online and offline.  

• Collaborates research with other junior program associates and program staff. 

• Other duties as assigned.  

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POSITION REQUIREMENTS:  

Education:  Bachelor’s degree required in relevant field; Master’s degree in public law or political science, preferred.  

Experience: This is an entry level position and no experience is required. Internships or extra-curricular experience such as legal clinics will be considered an asset. Knowledge of the Palestinian legal and regional political context, civil society, state media narratives and culture required. 

Location: The IFES team is not required to work from the IFES office daily, but at minimum must be able to attend regular meetings in IFES’ office in Ramallah 

 Related Skills or Knowledge: Experienced with Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint required. Detail-oriented and organized. Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines. Strong communicator, both verbally and in writing. Collaborative, team-oriented individual.  

LANGUAGE SKILLS:  Fluency in English and Arabic 

Travel within the West Bank, to the Region and the US may be required.  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:  

Standard office work environment, with occasional travel to other cities in the region. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.  

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:  Qualified and interested candidates should submit a CV, cover letter detailing qualifications for the position (no more than a page in length), and, as feasible, name/contact details of references.  

[email protected]