Recruitment for the Election Observation Mission to North Macedonia

In anticipation of an official invitation to observe the local elections expected to be held in October 2025, based on the findings and conclusions of the Needs Assessment Mission deployed from 24 to 27 June, and in accordance with its mandate, ODIHR is preparing to deploy an Election Observation Mission for these elections. In this respect, ODIHR is currently looking for external consultants to fill the following positions:

• Head of Mission
• Deputy Head of Mission
• Election Analyst
• Legal Analyst
• Political Analyst
• Junior Political Analyst
• Media Analyst
• Election Accessibility Analyst
• Co-ordinator of Long-term Observers

Procedure

All assignments are temporarily contracted positions, and their duration will be approximately eight weeks. In the event of a second round of mayoral elections, these assignments may be extended for an additional two weeks.

Candidates should be available from 1 September, and prepared to depart on short notice. Candidates must be citizens of OSCE participating States, excluding citizens of North Macedonia.

For more information about the responsibilities and requirements of each post, please read the terms of reference in the Key Resources section at the bottom of this page. Please complete the following steps in order to apply:

1. Register in the ODIHR Election Expert Database. If you have already registered, please move on to the next steps.
2. Complete or update all sections of Your Profile, including your personal information, professional experience, training, and education. Complete your profile accurately, as ODIHR will select you on the basis of the information provided.  
3. Using the Election Expert Database, apply for the positions indicated under Available Vacancies. Please note that you may apply for a maximum of two core team positions.
4. Check the status of your applications under Recruitment Result once recruitment is completed and receive an automatic notification via e-mail.

The deadline for applications is 13 August, 18:00 CET.

Please note that it will not be possible to apply after the deadline. Applications that are not submitted through the ODIHR Election Expert Database will not be considered.

ODIHR retains the discretion to re-advertise the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment, or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration. The OSCE is an equal opportunity organization and encourages applications from women candidates.

Remuneration will be in accordance with established OSCE election consultancy rates. Coverage of travel expenses and a standard per diem will be provided by ODIHR, in accordance with OSCE travel policies.

Long-term and short-term observers

OSCE participating States will also be requested to second 20 long-term and 250 short-term observers. Should you wish to become a long-term or a short-term observer, please contact your respective national focal point for election observation. Seconded vacancies are not published on the ODIHR Election Expert Database, but you need to have a completed profile in the database to be nominated by your focal point.

In addition, a limited number of funded long-term observer positions may be available for direct recruitment by ODIHR, financed through the Diversification Fund. Access to these vacancies requires the creation of a profile in the ODIHR Election Expert Database. The posting of potential vacancies does not guarantee that a selection process will take place, as the final decision on whether to utilize funded long-term observers is only taken by ODIHR based on need and available resources shortly before deployment.