Senior International Expert on Referendums

About the Position

The OSCE Presence in Albania (PiA), through the ExB project “Support to Electoral Reform and Process in Albania”, aims to contribute to an inclusive and participatory electoral process in line with OSCE commitments and OSCE/ODIHR recommendations. To support national discussions on a referendum reform, the Project will engage a senior international expert to conduct an in-depth comparative study on referendum international standards and best practices. The expert will compare the current framework against international standards and best practices among OSCE participating States that have relevant experience in conducting referendum processes, with the aim of providing recommendations to transform the current referendum framework in Albania into an effective mechanism of direct democracy.

Responsibilities

• Develop a methodology/work plan with timelines.
• Conduct a structured comparative study focusing on international standards and referendum practices in selected countries.
• Provide recommendations based on international standards and best practices.
• Prepare and deliver a presentation summarizing the key findings and recommendations.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in Law, Political Science, International Relations, or related fields.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in international electoral assistance, particularly in the field of referendum processes, direct democracy, democratic governance, and relevant fields.
• Demonstrated expertise in drafting comparative legal or policy analysis and providing recommendations.
• Familiarity with the political and social landscape in South-East Europe.
• Excellent communication and drafting skills in English.
• Working knowledge of Albanian or prior experience in the Western Balkans region is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated gender awareness and ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities is considered an asset.
• Computer literate and able to adjust to online working.

We Offer

• Remuneration based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks, and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.

About the Company

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic, and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization. Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence, and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see OSCE Competency Model.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment, or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.