Senior International Expert on Elections
Alert
Vacancy
Background
The OSCE Presence in Albania is assisting the Albanian authorities to further enhance the electoral legal framework and strengthen the election administration capacities. The Presence aims to enable the host authorities to meet the outstanding OSCE/ODIHR recommendations from the election observation reports on Albania and to adhere to international standards for democratic elections. Despite continuous improvements in the election legislation and its implementation over the years, there still remain ambiguities that need to be addressed and there is need for a more meaningful implementation of the legislation, in order for the Albanian elections to fully meet the OSCE commitments and other international standards for democratic elections.
The Assembly of Albania established unanimously on 13 October 2017 an Ad Hoc Committee on Electoral Reform (AHC) tasked with drafting amendments to the legislation that address the OSCE/ODIHR recommendations from the last three elections (2013 and 2017 parliamentary and 2015 local elections), and the proposals made by political parties. Misuse of state resources is one of the main topics under consideration in the on going electoral reform. Upon consultations with the Central Election Commission (CEC) and in the frame of the current electoral reform developments, it was identified that one of the key needs that the CEC currently has is to fully implement the current legal framework and to explore best international practices on how to tackle the issue of misuse of state resources. A workshop on this specific topic is seen by the CEC as an efficient way to address this need.
Therefore, the Presence will support the CEC in organizing a half-day technical workshop on the issues related to misuse of state resources during elections. The Presence will financially and logistically support the participation in the workshop of one senior international election expert with experience in the respective field. The relevant OSCE/ODIHR recommendations on the topic will be a crucial part of the workshop discussions. In addition, the discussion will include international standards and best practices on the topic. The workshop will take place during the first half of December 2018, and will gather around 25 participants including representatives from the CEC, Institute of Authorised Chartered Experts (IEKA), High State Audit, election experts, political parties and civil society representatives. The Presence’s Electoral Reform Unit requires the services of an experienced international elections expert to offer technical assistance and provide expertise to the CEC on ways to deal with the issue of misuse of state resources. As part of his/her assignment, the expert will provide an analysis of the current situation in the country with regards to the issue of misuse of state resources during election periods and the CEC’s oversight role on the activities of electoral subjects. The expert will also provide as a comparative view of legal frameworks of and best practices from other countries on the topic, with a particular view on the respective OSCE/ODIHR recommendations on the topic on the last elections in Albania. Based on the above, the expert is expected to suggest/recommend concrete legislative and administrative measures that need to be adapted in order to tackle in an as efficient as possible way the issue at discussion.
Tasks and responsibilities
˗ Acquire detailed knowledge of the electoral system and electoral legislation of the country;
˗ Become familiar with OSCE/ODIHR election observation final reports on Albania and recommendations contained in those reports, in particular the reports on the last three elections: the 2013 and 2017 parliamentary elections and the 2015 local elections;
˗ Carry out preparatory work/desk research on the current electoral legislation and issues concerning its implementation with regards to the misuse of state resources in elections, on any proposals for changes to the election-related legislation in particular from political parties, CEC, public institutions and civil society, as well as international standards and best practices on the topic from the OSCE area;
˗ Pay one visit to Tirana (one working day) to participate in the CEC workshop on misuse of state resources issue, to provide in-depth knowledge and expertise on how to tackle the issue and based on best international practices how to improve legal and sub-legal acts that regulate this topic;
˗ Report to the Presence on the discussions and findings from the CEC workshop.
Expected Output/Deliverable:
1) Submit to the OSCE point of contact an analysis of the current situation concerning misuse of state resources in Albania – including the legal landscape and issues concerning its implementation – at least three days before the date of workshop;
2) Deliver a presentation as keynote speaker at the workshop with the Albanian CEC and other participants, where he/she will provide expertise and share best practices in the field of use of state resources with the Albanian interlocutors (tentative date of workshop is 12 December; final date to be confirmed at least ten days before the activity takes place);
3) Submit a final report on the assignment to the OSCE point of contact within ten days from the date of workshop;
4) The documents under points 1 and 3 above should be delivered in written form, in English and in Word/Excel format (as applicable).
Necessary Qualifications:
˗ University degree in international relations, law, political science, social science or related field;
˗ At least 15 years of relevant working experience in elections, with a particular view on issues concerning use of state resources, electoral fraud, party finances and oversight role of electoral Management Bodies;
˗ In-depth knowledge of the Albanian election-related legal framework and electoral reform processes;
˗ Familiar with the OSCE/ODIHR recommendations on Albanian elections;
˗ Good knowledge of election legal frameworks and best practices in the area of misuse of state resources from other countries of the region and across the OSCE area;
˗ Excellent communication and drafting skills in English (written and oral);
˗ Demonstrated ability to work with a team composed of individuals of different cultural and political backgrounds, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
˗ Professional experience in electoral reforms with OSCE institutions or field missions is an asset.
Remuneration
The payment for this consultancy will be 900 Euros payable in one instalment within 15 days from the approval by the OSCE point of contact of the final report on the assignment.
The expert will pay one visit in Tirana consisting of one working day during the assignment period to deliver a presentation at the workshop. The costs of travel will be covered by the OSCE in accordance with its Rules and Regulations.
How to apply
All applications are due by 22 November 2018. If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's on line application link found under link https://jobs.osce.org/.The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment, to offer a contract with modified Terms of Reference or for a different duration. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the organization. Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.