Election observer

Description

Election observers are skilled and trained spectators of  the elections in a functioning democracy in order to enhance the transparency and credibility of the observed elections.

Other titles

The following job titles also refer to election observer:

electoral observer
international observer
election scrutineer
international election observer
short term election observer
election monitor
long term election observer

Minimum qualifications

Bachelor’s degree is generally required to work as election observer. However, this requirement may differ in some countries.

ISCO skill level

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

  • the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
  • the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
  • the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Election observer is a Skill level 4 occupation.

Election observer career path

Similar occupations

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to election observer.

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Long term prospects

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of election observer. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of election observer with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

Essential knowledge and skills

Essential knowledge

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of election observer.

Political parties: The ideas and principles that political parties stand for and the politicians representing them.
Politics: The method, process and study of influencing people, gaining control over a community or society, and the distribution of power within a community and between societies.
Social justice: The development and principles of human rights and social justice and the way they should be applied on a case by case basis.

Essential skills and competences

These skills are necessary for the role of election observer.

Show impartiality: Perform duties for disputing parties or clients based on objective criteria and methods, disregarding prejudice or bias, to make or facilitate objective decisions and outcomes.
Report on voting process: Speak with election officials about the voting process. Report on the progression of the election day, on the problems at voting locations and the types of problems that were present.
Adapt to changing situations: Change approach to situations based on unexpected and sudden changes in people’s needs and mood or in trends; shift strategies, improvise and naturally adapt to those circumstances.
Promote human rights: Promote and respect human rights and diversity in light of the physical, psychological, spiritual and social needs of autonomous individuals, taking into account their opinions, beliefs and values, and the international and national codes of ethics, as well as the ethical implications of healthcare provision, ensuring their right to privacy and honouring for the confidentiality of healthcare information.
Use communication techniques: Apply techniques of communication which allow interlocutors to better understand each other and communicate accurately in the transmission of messages.
Keep updated on the political landscape: Read, search, and analyse the political situation of a region as a source of information applicable for different purposes such as information, decision-making, and management, and investments.
Observe confidentiality: Observe the set of rules establishing the nondisclosure of information except to another authorised person.
Demonstrate commitment to democracy: Show dedication to a system of government in which the people have the power directly or indirectly through elected representatives.
Handle stressful situations: Deal with and manage highly stressful situations in the workplace by following adequate procedures, communicating in a quiet and effective manner, and remaining level-headed when taking decisions.
Identify electoral violations: Determine electoral violations such as fraud, manipulation of voting results and the use of violence.

Optional knowledge and skills

Optional knowledge

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of election observer. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Election law: The regulations concerning the procedures during elections, such as voting regulations, campaign regulations, which procedures candidates must follow, how votes are counted, and other electoral procedures.
International human rights law: The aspect of international law which deals with the promotion and protection of human rights, the related treaties and agreements between nations, the binding legal effects, and the contributions made to the development and implemenation of human rights law.

Optional skills and competences

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of election observer. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Work in an international environment: Guide your career to an international level which often requires the ability to interact, relate and communicate with individuals from different cultures.
Speak different languages: Master foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.
Establish collaborative relations: Establish a connection between organisations or individuals which may benefit from communicating with one another in order to facilitate an enduring positive collaborative relationship between both parties.
Think analytically: Produce thoughts using logic and reasoning in order to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Promote human rights implementation: Promote the implementation of programs which stipulate agreements, binding or non-binding, concerning human rights in order to further improve efforts to decrease discrimination, violence, unjust imprisonment or other human rights violations. As well as to increase efforts to improve tolerance and peace, and better treatment of human rights cases.
Show intercultural awareness: Show sensibility towards cultural differences by taking actions which facilitate positive interaction between international organisations, between groups or individuals of different cultures, and to promote integration in a community.
Write work-related reports: Compose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligible way so they are comprehensible to a non-expert audience.
Tolerate stress: Maintain a temperate mental state and effective performance under pressure or adverse circumstances.

ISCO group and title

2619 – Legal professionals not elsewhere classified

 

 


 

 

References
  1. Election observer – ESCO
Last updated on August 8, 2022