Course description
This three-day course is targeted to applicants aiming to apply for short-term observer (STO) positions in OSCE/ODIHR and/or EU election observation missions in the near future. The course will use presentations, group discussions and experiential learning such as role-plays to develop the knowledge, skills and competencies of participants with regard to international election observation.
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 Applications heading below.
Course objectives
Upon completion of the course the participants will be able to:
- to explain the key regional and international standards for international election observation used on OSCE/ODIHR and EU missions
- to understand the structures and key activities of international election observation missions
- to be aware of how to work inside a polling station and what are good strategies for observing and reporting
- to discuss the challenges, including mission security, which observers may encounter and strategies for dealing with these
- to explain how Finland participates in international election observation missions, and how CMC Finland manages the recruitment and deployment of observers
Time and venue
The course will be held in the Hotel Korpilampi, Espoo between 24 – 26 September 2024.
Target group
Individuals with no or limited previous election observation experience are invited to apply. Due to secondment rules of election observation missions this course will be open only for Finnish citizens.
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
Recruitability to OSCE and/or EU election observation related posts will be a factor when choosing the course participants.
Costs
There is no course fee. Tuition, accommodation and full board are covered by CMC Finland. No per diem is provided, and travels to and from Helsinki should be arranged independently. Travel from Helsinki to the course venue is arranged by CMC Finland.
Application
Application period opens 13.6. and it is open until 19.7.2024 at 16:15 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 will be sent to the lists on 13.6.2024.
CMC Finland announces course selection in August.
More information
Should you have any questions regarding the course, please contact us via email in training@cmcfinland.fi with the headline ‘STO course’.
