Course Description
The course aims to equip participants with all the knowledge and skills needed for successful deployment as a Short-term Election Observer (STO). The course follows the standards of the international organisations EU and OSCE/ODIHR. The course language is English.
CMC Finland is looking for candidates for Short-Term Election Observation (STO) training organized in 7 – 10 July 2025 in Berlin, Germany by ZIF. The potential candidates need to be Finnish citizens eligible to be recruited to election observation missions after the course.
IMPORTANT! The course for Short Term Election Observers is open only to people who belong to CMC Finland’s OSCE and/or EU election observation mailing lists. To see the instructions on how to access the mailing list(s), please read the instructions under the Application heading below.
Course Content
- Legal basis and frame of reference for election observation missions
- Institutional differences between EU and ODIHR election observation missions
- Short-term election observation at-a glance
- Code of conduct during election observation
- Working with national staff
- Types of reports, reporting technology and the “big picture”
- Election day simulation: opening, voting, counting
- EOM security management
- Individual preparedness and security on a short-term election observation mission
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of the course, participants will be ready for deployment as an STO. This means that they will:
- Have in-depth knowledge about all processes, tasks and challenges related to an STO deployment in ODIHR or EU election observation missions;
- Know how to conduct themselves during a mission and how to best prepare for deployment;
- Be able to fulfil all necessary tasks, in particular the observation on election day, and to react appropriately to challenges.
Target Audience
CMC Finland is looking for a candidate who does not have previous election observation experience from OSCE or/and EU election observation missions.
Recruitability to OSCE and/or EU election observation related posts will be a factor when choosing the course participants. The basic requirements for applicants are based on the OSCE/ODIHR and EU requirements for STO observers:
- a minimum of three years relevant work experience (for example experience in public administration, non-governmental organizations, or international organizations)
- demonstrated interest in democratic institutions and human rights
- excellent command of English language (C1/C2 level)
- ability to work long hours and in difficult situations
- team work skills
Time and Venue
The course will be held in Berlin, Germany between 7 – 10 July 2025.
Costs
CMC Finland covers the course fee, incl. full-board accommodation, and travels for the participant(s). No per diem is provided by CMC Finland.
Application
Application period opens on 27 May and it is open until 1 June 2025 at 23:59 Finnish time (UTC +3:00). The course registration form is only sent to people on the CMC Finland’s OSCE and EU election observation mailing lists. To access these mailing lists, the applicant must complete the actions required to apply for election observation. Please see the measures required for the OSCE election observation here and the measures required for the EU election observation here. Registration for the course is sent to the lists on 27 May 2025.
More Information
Should you have any questions regarding the course, please contact us via email in training@cmcfinland.fi with the headline ‘STO course’.
