Senior Local Expert for Assessment of Referendum Processes

Job Posting Organization:
The OSCE Presence in Albania (PiA) is an integral part of the Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), which was established to promote peace, stability, and democracy in the region. The OSCE PiA focuses on various areas including electoral reform, human rights, and the rule of law. The organization operates in multiple countries across Europe and Central Asia, working with local governments and civil society to implement its mission. The PiA is supported by various international partners, including Sweden, Switzerland, the U.S. Mission to the OSCE, and Poland, which underscores its commitment to fostering democratic processes and governance in Albania. The OSCE PiA employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to enhancing democratic engagement and ensuring that electoral processes are inclusive and participatory.

Job Overview:
The position of Senior Local Expert for the Assessment of Referendum Processes in Albania is crucial for the OSCE's mission to strengthen democratic engagement in the country. The expert will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive assessment of the referendum process, identifying legal, procedural, and practical challenges that hinder effective citizen participation in decision-making. This role involves gathering input from various stakeholders, including elected officials, civil society, media, and community members, to ensure a well-rounded understanding of the current referendum landscape. The expert will facilitate structured local consultation meetings across Albania, aiming to collect evidence-based feedback that will inform potential legislative reforms. The ultimate goal is to enhance the transparency, inclusiveness, and effectiveness of the referendum process, aligning it with international standards and best practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop a detailed methodology and work plan in consultation with the OSCE PiA, outlining milestones and timelines for the assessment.
• Conduct a thorough assessment of the legal framework governing referendums in Albania, identifying institutional, procedural, and administrative challenges.
• Evaluate the inclusiveness of the referendum process, focusing on barriers to participation for youth, women, and marginalized communities.
• Organize and facilitate a minimum of 12 structured local consultation meetings across Albania, ensuring representation from diverse geographic, demographic, and gender backgrounds.
• Moderate discussions during these meetings to foster open dialogue and gather structured input.
• Develop technical recommendations for legal and procedural reforms aimed at improving the referendum process.
• Present findings and recommendations in both online and on-site formats, ensuring clarity and accessibility for all stakeholders involved.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in Law, Political Science, or a related field. A minimum of 10 years of experience in electoral assistance and administration is required, with a strong emphasis on referendum processes. Proven expertise in comparative electoral law and electoral integrity is essential, along with knowledge of international practices in this area. Familiarity with Albania's political and social landscape is crucial for effectively navigating the local context. Excellent communication and drafting skills in English are mandatory, while a working knowledge of Albanian or prior experience in the Western Balkans region is considered advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate gender awareness and the ability to integrate a gender perspective into their work, as well as being computer literate and adaptable to online working environments.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in Law, Political Science, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to understand the complexities of electoral processes and legal frameworks governing referendums.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in electoral assistance and administration, particularly with a focus on referendums. This level of experience is essential to ensure that the expert can effectively assess the current processes and recommend meaningful reforms based on best practices and international standards.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as all communication and documentation will be conducted in this language. A working knowledge of Albanian is considered an advantage, as it will facilitate engagement with local stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region may also be beneficial.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last approximately 3 months, with a contract type of Special Service Agreement (SSA). The position is classified as a consultant role, with no specific grade assigned. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and integrity among its officials, ensuring that all actions reflect the values of the OSCE. Remuneration will be based on the consultant's qualifications and experience, in accordance with established OSCE rates. Candidates should be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process.