Deputy head of mission

The deputy head of a mission ensures the smooth running of the mission.

"The main task of the deputy head of mission is to make sure things work," explains Stefan Krause, a German citizen who has nearly a decade of elections experience with both the ODIHR and the European Union.

"On the one hand, you are something of a chief of staff, co-ordinating the mission's internal work, ensuring that tasks are completed on time, and seeing that logistical arrangements are made and reports are drafted within deadlines. On the other hand, you have to stay on top of the findings of all the analysts and really know the substance of the mission's work.

"The most challenging part of the job of deputy is to make sure things work when the pressure is on. The deputy needs to make sure that people understand their role, that they work together as a team, and that any problems that arise are resolved quickly and amicably."