Director, Rule of Law Program AT Carter Center

The Carter Center’s Rule of Law Program (formerly known as Global Access to Information) works in partnership with governments, civil society, and international and regional bodies to improve governance and transform lives through a meaningful right of access to information and justice.

Access to information is a fundamental human right and a multi-dimensional tool serving both governments and citizens. Enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the right of access to information improves governance and lives, making public administration more transparent and accountable and enabling citizens to understand policies, help determine public priorities, and use information to ensure the exercise of their other human rights, including the rights to education, employment, and a safe environment.

SUMMARY:

The Program Director leads the Rule of Law team and manages projects under the Rule of Law Program, with an emphasis on people-centered justice activities. Provides leadership, policy formation, strategic direction, supervision, and management for multi-faceted, cross programmatic project(s), including budget, financial, and administrative oversight of program portfolio, business development, and external engagement. Liaises, collaborates, and coordinates across the Carter Center, and with external partners as required, including donors, governments, and civil society. May conduct applied research, author and edit publications, represent the Center as a subject matter expert, and other project(s) responsibilities.

This position reports to the Vice President, Peace Programs.

Due to the travel locations, Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) will be required.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• The Director’s primary responsibilities for the rule of law initiative include strategic goal setting and planning; budget and grant management, mentoring staff for performance; program promotion and fundraising; design implementation, and evaluation of complex, cross-programmatic projects; institutional management functions; report production; and networking. The Director may provide leadership on short-term missions to countries of interest, and expert analysis on issues including, but not limited to, governance, accountability, rule of law, justice, institutional strengthening, and civil society engagement.
• Lead the Carter Center’s efforts to promote more just and equitable societies that guarantee and protect basic human rights, engender respect for the rule of law, and promote transparency and accountability. Development of short- and long-term project goals and objective by analyzing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and constraints.
• Plans, administers, and monitors relevant program budgets, including capital equipment, operations, and personnel by reviewing prior budgets expenses, regularly reviewing year to date expenses, investigating variances, and taking corrective action to control expenses at approved levels. Creates a collaborative environment for whole team annual budget and program review processes.
• Works with Development department staff to identify and secure opportunities for project funding, and support responsiveness to donor requests. Develops and writes proposals and reports, maintaining an appropriate liaison relationship with funders.
• Designs and implements complex, cross-programmatic project activities in support of initiatives and Center’s mission. Provides leadership on selected projects and short-term country missions, and expert analysis on issues including but not limited to governance, accountability, and rule of law.
• Represents The Carter Center and Rule of Law programs with internal and external clients, including visiting dignitaries, other organizations, donors and guests. Networks and promotes collaboration with other Carter Center Peace Programs and Operations, country offices, and represents the initiative on internal working committees, at conferences, task forces, formal or ceremonial events.
• Supervises staff in maintaining applicable project records and files, ensures proper orientation of new staff to SharePoint or other productivity tools in conjunction with human resources staff maintains appropriate documentation on performance and professional development of personnel.
• Writes and edits correspondence, briefings, publicity materials, specialized reports and drafts confidential correspondence. Initiates, organizes, and coordinates workshops, consultations and symposia. Writes and presents speeches as a representative of the Carter Center at meetings, conferences, and drafts speeches for Center leadership.
• Conducts applied research by gathering, analyzing, and evaluating information on various issues using documents, confidential materials, interviews and consultations with specialists, academics, and government and nongovernmental representatives. Supervises research of staff and interns as required.
• Manages multiple staff, consultants and interns through mentoring, coaching, and performance/results-based metrics. Responsive to diversity, equity, and inclusion considerations and overall staff morale. Responsible for overall project staffing and performance management.
• Responsible for program’s compliance with all organizational policies and procedures. Develops and recommends efficient procedures for the implementation of program activities.
• Promotes professional growth and development of self and program staff by identifying educational/training programs, professional organizations, activities, and resources to maintain knowledge of national trends and to promote leading edge expertise.
• Performs related responsibilities as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in law, political science, government, public administration, human rights, or related area, or a Juris Doctorate.
• Ten years of program related experience in democratic development, governance, human rights, justice, rule of law, anti-corruption, or related field.
• Five years of managerial and leadership experience at a non-profit or other international development organization, including multi- and/or cross-cultural staff supervision, building teams, business development, and project management.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Successful candidates will have demonstrable prior senior management experience at headquarters or as an in-country Team Lead or Chief of Party on a multilateral or bilateral development project or program in accountability, governance, justice, or rule of law highly desirable.
• Concrete experience successfully navigating bureaucratic/administrative processes while providing guidance to subordinates that ensures adherence and encourages the development of new policies and processes to maximize development results, efficiency, empathy, and innovation.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing, winning, and implementing programs on rule of law, accountability, and/or governance for multiple donors (including U.S. government, other bilateral donors, multilateral institutions, and/or private foundations).
• Experience working in or with a counterpart government in citizen-led accountability, justice, and law enforcement (from a people/user-centered perspective) referred.
• Strong understanding of emerging issues, including but not limited to locally led development, sexual and gender-based violence, and environmental law and climate change.
• Preferred 15 years of experience in the field of rule of law, democracy, governance, or related programming, including in volatile and/or fragile contexts.
• Demonstrated ability to articulate a clear vision and set of objectives for a team/program and to adapt to changing program priorities and staff needs.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer. Note: This position is Atlanta-based and onsite presence is required consistent with the Center’s flexible work arrangement policy.

This role will be granted the opportunity to work from home regularly but must be able to commute to The Carter Center on a flexible weekly schedule based upon business needs. Schedule is based on agreed upon guidelines. All non-exempt employees must reside within the State of Georgia. The Carter Center reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee