Applying for Election Observation Missions
ZIF is the German focal point for election observation. We recruit, train and annually deploy over 300 election observers.
ZIF deploys election observers in OSCE/ODIHR and EU election observation missions. We are looking for enthusiastic and open-minded people who would like to volunteer for a 7-14-day election observation mission.
Who We Are Looking For
Requirements
Profiles must match standard criteria, in line with the requirements of the OSCE/ODIHR and the EU. Most importantly, the following:
- University degree or relevant occupational training;
- Relevant professional qualification or experience; including during domestic elections;
- Excellent oral and written German language skills (C2 level);
- Excellent oral and written English language skills;
- Physical and mental fitness
In addition, candidates should have both interest and experience in crisis or conflict areas, have a driving licence and be available at short notice.
What Are Short-term Election Observers?
Short-term election observers (STOs)
Short-term election observers (STOs) are volunteers that follow developments on election day. They arrive about four days ahead of the election in the capital of the mission country, where they receive a comprehensive briefing by the Core Team (for more on the Core Team, see here). Then the STOs travel to their area of responsibility in multinational teams of two. On election day, STO teams visit up to twelve polling stations, collect data and observe the situation.
STO Activities
For more on STO activities, see here.
©OSCE/Maria Kuchma
The Core Team is at the heart of an election observation mission. Up to 14 experts arrive in mission several months ahead of the election, conduct analyses and organise the STO and LTO deployments. For more information, see here.
What Are Long-term Election Observers?
Long-term election observers (LTOs)
Long-term election observers (LTOs) work full-time for four weeks to three months in an election observation mission, with a ZIF employment contract. Also in multinational teams of two, they are the eyes and ears of the mission across the whole area of operation. LTOs analyse the political context and the election campaign ahead of election day. They meet with authorities, representatives of the media and civil society and report to the Core Team. They also coordinate the work of the STO teams in their respective areas and follow developments on the day itself.
Particular requirements for LTOs
- Member of the ZIF Expert Pool for election observation;
- At least three STO deployments in ODIHR or EU election observation missions;
- Participation in additional training for LTOs.
LTO Activities
For more on LTO activities, see here.
©OSZE/Thomas Rymer
The Pathway to Deployment
Steps towards Deployment in an Election Observation Mission
Unfortunately, it is not possible to apply for the ZIF Expert Pool at this time. We are in the process of revising the application process and have put these processes on hold until Spring 2022. Applications to deploy directly to election observation missions remain impossible.
Step 1: Becoming a Member of the ZIF Expert Pool
Before applying, please check the Requirements for election Observation.
In order to become a member of the ZIF Expert Pool all applicants must undergo the following process:
OSCE/ODIHR Online Training
This training is free and available here: Election Observation E-Learning Course .
©OSZE/Francesco Marchesano
Application
Our election observation roster was open in March 2023. Next roster opening to be determined for spring 2024.
Training
Completing the ZIF STO Training is the final step in the application process. The training takes place twice a year, includes ten German and ten international participants and is held in English.
©ZIF, STO-Kurs
Access to the ZIF Expert Pool
Following an overall positive assessment, you become a member of the ZIF Expert Pool for Election Observation, which gives you access to the members-only area and allows you to apply for deployment.
Step 2: Applying for an Election Observation Mission
Once an election observation mission has been announced, ZIF informs all election observers by email. The deadline for applying is usually 48 hours to one week.
For over 90% of our election observers the first mission is with OSCE/ODIHR in one of the organisation’s participating states. The EU observes elections upon request in other countries.
OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Missions
Applying
Members of the ZIF Expert Pool can apply anytime and as often as they like through the ZIF database.
To Apply Candidates Must Also
- Be registered in the ODIHR database and have relevant language skills and regional knowledge.
- We also strive to achieve a balance with regard to gender, age and experience.
EU Election Observation Missions
Applying
EU election observation missions operate in smaller teams and select observers on the basis of member state proposals. In the case of Germany, ZIF proposes members of the ZIF Expert Pool on behalf of the Federal Foreign Office.
To Apply Candidates Must Also
- Be registered in the EU database and have previous experience in at least three ODIHR missions, as well as language skills and regional knowledge.
- We also strive to achieve a balance with regard to gender, age and experience.
©ZIF/Rebecca Meier
Additional Training for Long-term Election Observation
After three EU or ODIHR missions, observers can apply for ZIF additional training as long-term election observers (LTOs). The course takes place once a year in English.
©OSCE/Shiv Sharma
Important Information about Applying
Please note the following
... contains pre-screened experts for peace operations, humanitarian operations and election observation missions, each with their own application procedure
- Apply for peace operations
- Apply for humanitarian operations
... just passed. Next roster opening to be determined for spring 2024.
... due to the ongoing revision of the application process for election observation, the short STO briefing has also been temporarily suspended. In Spring 2021, we will inform you about the possibility of applying on this page.
Contact
What We Offer
During deployment in ODIHR election observation missions, ZIF is the point of contact and contractual partner for German election observers. Conditions and benefits differ with the type of deployment.
In EU election observation missions, the EU is the point of contact and contractual partner. For more information, see here.
Short-term observers receive a contract as a volunteer in accordance with the Secondment Act.
Long-term observers work full-time on the basis of a temporary employment contract in accordance with the Secondment Act.