Recruitment for the Referendum Observation Activity to Kazakhstan

Following an official invitation to observe the referendum scheduled for 15 March 2026, in accordance with its mandate, and pending the recommendation of the Needs Assessment Mission, ODIHR is preparing for a potential deployment of an Referendum Observation Activity (ROA) for this referendum. This recruitment notice is published in advance of the final decision regarding the deployment, scope, size and duration of an observation activity for the upcoming referendum. As such, ODIHR retains the right to cancel any of the vacancies below: 

• Head of Mission 
• Deputy Head of Mission/Election Analyst
• Political Analyst
• Legal Analyst
• Media Analyst 

Procedure

All assignments are temporarily contracted positions and their duration will depend on the recommendation of the Needs Asessment Mission regarding the scope and duration of the referendum observation activity. The duration of the assignment for some positions might be prolonged.

Candidates should be available from 1 March 2026 and be prepared to depart on short notice. Candidates must be citizens of OSCE participating States, excluding citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan. 

For more information about the responsibilities and requirements of each post, please read the terms of reference in the "Overview of Core Team Positions", under the links to the right. Please complete the following steps in order to apply:

1. Register in ODIHR Election Expert Database. If you have already registered, please move on to the next steps.
2. Complete or update all sections of Your Profile, including your personal information, professional experience, training, and education (complete your profile accurately, as ODIHR will select you on the basis of the information provided)
3. Using the Election Expert Database, apply for the positions indicated under Available Vacancies (please note that you may apply for a maximum of two core team positions)
4. Check the status of your applications once the recruitment is completed under Recruitment Result and receive an automatic notification via e-mail

The deadline for applications is 14:00 CET, 26 February 2026. 

Please note that it will not be possible to apply after the deadline. Applications that are not submitted through the ODIHR Election Expert Database will not be considered. 

ODIHR retains the discretion to re-advertise the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment, or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration. The OSCE is an equal opportunity organization and encourages applications from women candidates.

Remuneration will be in accordance with established OSCE election consultancy rates. Coverage of travel expenses and a standard per diem will be provided by ODIHR, in accordance with OSCE travel policies.