National Expert for development of Procedure for management of electoral administration during elections (SSA)

Background: 

The internal management and operational procedures practiced by the the State Election Commission (SEC) have a significant impact on the perceived integrity of the electoral process in any country. Therefore SEC has recognized the need for improvement in the internal management policies and organization as one of its strategic priorities for the upcoming period.

The OSCE Mission to Skopje (the Mission) maintains strong co-operation with the SEC, providing pre-election assistance, advancing professional capacities of the SEC administration and supporting education of electoral bodies and voters. In 2022, the Mission supported the SEC in improving its internal management and communication by assisting in the revision of the outdated SEC's Rules of Procedure (RoP) and development of a new one. The Mission also supported SEC to conduct operational planning for the elections ahead of the 2021 Local Elections and 2020 Parliamentary Elections. Both planning exercises were performed once the elections were called, in a very short time with focus on efficient implementation of elections. 

Looking for a more sustainable and methodical approach, in 2023, the Mission will support SEC in identification and establishment of a system for management of electoral administration in the period since the elections are called until the final results are confirmed and announced. The process will include two phases:

1. Preparation of a brief situation analysis and needs assessment 
2. Development of a final product (procedure and operational plan for elections)

The process will be consultative with full participation of the SEC, led by a team composed of an international expert and a national expert, guided and supported by the OSCE Mission to Skopje team and OSCE/ODIHR Project Support to Electoral Reforms in Western Balkans. 

Objective of Assignment: 

OSCE Mission to Skopje is looking to hire a national expert to conduct an assessment of the necessary operations and its performers and develop a standard operational procedure for organisation and management of administration during the elections.

Duration of assignment:

The foreseen period of engagement will be from May to September 2023, for up to 30 consultancy days.

Tasks and responsibilities: 

Under the guidance and input from the OSCE Mission to Skopje responsible project team and SEC, the national expert will perform the following tasks: 

Phase 1 (in coordination with the international expert):

1. Analyse the relevant national legislation and regulation, existing relevant internal bylaws, policies, instructions relevant for the task which are currently in use in SEC;
2. Analyse the operational plans and timetables for administration of 2019 Presidential Elections and 2020 Parliamentary Elections and examine the internal practices the SEC is applying during the elections;
3. Assess the situation and needs of SEC for better management of operations during the elections and for temporary engagement of auxiliary bodies during the elections according to the methodology proposed by the experts;
4. Produce a brief Situation Analysis and Needs Assessment Report (max. 10 pages) in English language, which will serve as a basis for development of the standard operational procedure;

Phase 2 (independently):

1. Deliver a three-day workshop for SEC members and staff (based on the assessed needs) for participative development of the SOP. Provide the agena and lead the participative process of development of the SOP;
2. Draft SOP for management of the electoral administration during the elections, focusing on the operations and processes that different sectors in SEC and auxiliary bodies should perform during the elections, including the timeline needed for their completion. The SOP should encompass the processes in the:

a. Pre-election period taking in consideration processes such as budgeting, training and education, information of voters, voters’ registration, preparation of the election calendar/elections operational plan and similar;

b. Period of elections taking in consideration procurement, logistics, candidate registration, campaign, out-of-country voting, voting;
c. Election Day: results, election dispute resolution;
d. Post-election period: evaluation and reporting.

3.     Gender aspects should be integrated in the SOP, where possible.

a. Using the SOP as a basis, assist SEC to prepare election operational plans for the 2024 parliamentary elections; 
b. Submit the final version of the SOP in Macedonian language to the OSCE Mission to Skopje;
c. Provide brief (two pages maximum) consultant’s report in English, describing the process and recommending future steps;
d. During the whole process the national expert will closely cooperate with the OSCE Mission to Skopje project team.

Deliverables:

• Situation Analysis and Needs Assessment Report (max 10 pages) in English language;
• Three day workshop for SEC staff;
• Draft Standard Operational Procedure for management of the electoral administration during the elections; 
• Assistance to SEC for production of the Operational Plan for 2024 Parliamentary Elections;
• Final report.

Necessary Qualifications:

• Citizenship of or permanent residence in the Republic of North Macedonia;
• University Degree in social sciences; humanities/social sciences, law, political sciences or similar;   
• At least ten years of work experience in the area of strategic and operational planning, management of public administration and planning of administrative processes; 
• Experience in drafting strategies, policies, procedures, operational plans or similar;
• Knowledge, understanding of the electoral systems and electoral administration in North Macedonia proven by the previous engagements in the area of elections and electoral administration. Previous experience in cooperation with the election management bodies will be considered and asset;
• Knowledge and understanding of the research techniques and methodologies for needs assessment, including excellent analytical and drafting skills;
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work as a member of a team, with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity; 
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills in Macedonian and English language;
• PC literate with practical experience with Microsoft applications, particularly word-processing.

Remuneration package:

Remuneration will be based on allocated project budget and within the frame of the OSCE established rates, not exceeding EUR 4500 per the duration of the assignment.

How to Apply

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

Please note that applications received after the deadline, submitted in different formats than the OSCE Online Application Form or in other languages than the English language would not be considered.

The recruitment procedure may take up to two months and we will be in further contact with you only if you are selected for an interview. The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment, or offer the position with modified terms of reference or a different duration.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages the nomination of qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious, ethnic and social backgrounds.

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.