Vacancies on Elections Roster for Candidates with experience of Elections and who are fluent in one or more of the following languages -  French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian

Election observation by independent observers, has become an important means of supporting countries during the transition to democracy. The presence of observers, both foreign and domestic, can enhance the integrity of the electoral process through its impartiality. Election observation is considered as an effective and invaluable service that promotes and strengthens democratic governance.
As a member of the United Nations, European Union and Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Ireland plays its part by providing observers to serve under the auspices of recognised and accepted monitoring bodies.

The Irish Aid Elections Desk maintains a roster of specialised people who participate as observers in overseas elections. Positions are either as Short Term Observers (STOs) for a period of 7-10 days or Long Term Observers (LTOs) for a period of 6-8 weeks. To date there are over 250 people on the roster.

While Irish Aid is taking a very proactive approach to election observation activities, the number of placements on Election Missions is very limited. Therefore it may be some time before volunteers can be nominated for a mission.

Irish Aid is currently seeking expressions of interest from people who wish to be considered for inclusion on the elections roster.  Candidates must have practical knowledge and experience of either the administration of elections or have actively participated in elections process;  fluency (written and spoken) in one or more of the following languages - French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian; have lived or worked in a developing country.

Candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Fluency in one or more of the following languages - French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian;

• Live in Ireland;
• Be an Irish citizen;
• Practical experience in either international election observation or the running of     elections in Ireland such as Returning Officer, Election Agent, Polling Supervisor or involvement in the counting of votes,  etc.
• Have lived or worked in a developing country;
• Readiness and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment;
• Demonstrated ability to endure hardship conditions;
• Be in good health and must provide a fitness to travel note from their doctor;
• Be computer proficient and able to complete on-line procedures;

If you wish to apply for a place on the elections roster please send your CV to the Irish Aid Elections Desk.
Brid Costello Ph: 01 854 6932 brid.costello@dfa.ie
Abdi Hassan Ph: 01 854 6930 abdi.hassan@dfa.ie

Applications should be received by 5pm on Friday 20 February 2009.