“Election Observation: Theory and Practice” Project: Call for Applications

Belarus Watch, European Humanities University (EHU) and Belarusian Human Rights House in exile in Vilnius (HRH) announce a new call for applications to participate in “Election Observation: Theory and Practice“  (EOTP) project in 2011.

Selected participants will complete a week-long intensive study course in Vilnius designed by the prominent Norwegian political scientists with previous experience in numerous international observation missions. Upon the successful course completion participants will receive a certificate of Belarus Watch as well as a special EHU certificate. In addition to the course, they will participate in an international observation mission in one of European countries in 2011 as accredited short-term international observers.  Dedicated and active participants will be invited on at least one more observation mission of the project.

The course will be held in September or October. Since the course is followed by the mission, the exact dates of it you will know after the dates of elections in the country of a mission will be established. We will inform you as soon as possible.

Potential candidates shall:

• be from 18 to 35 years of age (compulsory);
• fill out the on-line application form (compulsory);
• provide a reference from a respected NGO, initiative or civic project, political party. Please, note: references have to be sent separately, directly to the e-mail eotp@eotp.info  by the person recommending you (compulsory);
• exhibit strong civic engagement, be active (compulsory);
• be members or activists of NGO’s and/or civic initiatives or political parties (compulsory);
• be able to participate in the training and observation full-time (compulsory);
• speak and understand English (preferred).

Previous experience in election observation both domestic and international is welcome but not necessary.

Application deadline: 26 June 2011. Applications sent after 23:59, 26 June will not be considered. On-line application form is available at http://eotp.info/application.  

All candidates will be informed of the results by 9 July 2011. Short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview (telephone or skype).

Selection criteria:

1.      Quality of motivation and results of interviews for selected applicants;
2.      High level of civic engagement and interest in election observation in Belarus;
3.      Recommendation by a recognized and respected NGO/HR defender/civic activist/politician/political party.