Senior International Expert on Referendums

Background:
The OSCE Presence in Albania (PiA), through the ExB project “Support to Electoral Reform and Process in Albania”, supported by Sweden, Switzerland, the U.S. Mission to the OSCE and Poland, aims to contribute to an inclusive and participatory electoral process in line with OSCE commitments and OSCE/ODIHR recommendations.

Referendum processes are an important democratic mechanism, enabling citizens to participate directly in decision-making. In Albania, they played a key role during the political changes of the 1990s. However, the current legal framework on referendum has been criticized for inconsistencies, high thresholds and unclear provisions. Albania is currently reforming its referendum legislation, which represents a significant opportunity to modernize direct democracy in Albania and strengthen citizen participation.

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 provide recommendations to transform the current referendum framework in Albania into an effective mechanism of direct democracy. 
 

Objective of Assignment: 
The expert will provide an in-depth comparative study on international standards and comparative practices related to referendum processes and will develop practical recommendations with steps on how to improve the referendum framework in Albania.

Duration of Assignment:
This consultancy is envisaged to be developed during a period of 3 months, tentatively from August to October 2026.

Tasks and Responsibilities:
1.    Upon consultations with PiA, develop a methodology/work plan with timelines. The methodology should feature which international standards and countries will be included in the comparative study, explaining the reasons for their selection. 
2.    Conduct a structured comparative study focusing on international standards and referendum practices in the selected countries, covering the following topics:
-    Legal and institutional framework such as types (constitutional, national, local or other) and nature of referendum (binding, consultative or other), validity thresholds, restrictions (age, citizenship, timing of holding referendum processes etc), institutions responsible for organizing, overseeing, counting and validating referendum processes;
-    Campaigns regulations, focusing on engagement strategies, financing, media and political parties' role in referendum campaigns and monitoring of such regulations;
-    Voter turnout trends, participation incentives or barriers.
3.    Based on the international standards and best practices identified, provide recommendations to apply in an Albanian context.
4.    Prepare and deliver an online/in person presentation summarizing the key findings from the comparative study and recommendations.
 

Deliverables:
1. Methodology/ work plan with timelines for carrying out the assignment.

2. A first draft of the comparative study (pages and structure to be determined in consultation with PiA) focusing on both similarities and differences in how referendum processes are structured and managed across the countries selected.

3. Final draft of the comparative study along with concrete recommendations for adaptation to the Albanian context.

4. Short presentation summarizing the key findings from the comparative study and recommendations.
 

Necessary Qualifications:

•    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 proving 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
 

Remuneration Package:

Remuneration will be 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.

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.

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 https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

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