Recruitment of Support Staff for the Election Observation Activity to the Republic of Bulgaria

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is the leading agency in Europe in the field of election observation. The Office co-ordinates and organizes the deployment of numerous observation missions, with thousands of observers, every year to assess the compliance of elections in OSCE participating States with OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections, and with national legislation. ODIHR’s unique methodology provides in-depth insights into all elements of an electoral process, allowing the Office to offer concrete recommendations to further improve electoral processes. Further details about ODIHR can be found at www.osce.org/odihr.

Following an official invitation to observe the early parliamentary elections scheduled for 19 April 2026, pending the recommendation of the Needs Assessment Mission (NAM) deployed from 16 to 19 February 2026, publication of the NAM report, and in accordance with its mandate, ODIHR is preparing to deploy an Election Observation Activity (EOA) for these elections. In this connection, ODIHR is looking to recruit local support staff for the below mentioned positions on full-time basis:

Administrative positions:

• Junior Operations Expert Assistants for election period – 4 positions, appr. 2 weeks,

Regional positions - support staff to Long Term Observers (locations are subject to change, confirmation at a later stage of recruitment):

• Long-term Observer Assistant in Sofia - 1 position,
• Long-term Observer Driver with vehicle in Sofia - 1 positions,
   
• Long-term Observer Assistant in Plovdiv- 1 position,
• Long-term Observer Driver with vehicle in Plovdiv - 1 position,
   
• Long-term Observer Assistant in Varna - 1 position,
• Long-term Observer Driver with vehicle in Varna - 1 position.
   
• Long-term Observer Assistant in Sliven - 1 position,
• Long-term Observer Driver with vehicle in Sliven - 1 position.
   
• Long-term Observer Assistant in VRATSA - 1 position,
• Long-term Observer Driver with a vehicle in VRATSA - 1 position.
   
• Long-term Observer Assistant in VELIKO TARNOVO - 1 position,
• Long-term Observer Driver with a vehicle in VELIKO TARNOVO - 1 position.
   
• Long-term Observer Assistant in BLAGOEVGRAD - 1 position,
• Long-term Observer Driver with a vehicle in BLAGOEVGRAD - 1 position.

For more information about the responsibilities and requirements of the post, please read the terms of reference, in the Key Resources at the bottom of the page: https://odihr.osce.org/odihr/recruitment-support-staff-election-observation-activity-bulgaria

Start date of employment for regional positions: 20 March 2026 

Approximate duration of employment: 2 - 8 weeks depending on the post. 

Location: Sofia, Bulgaria (except drivers and interpreters for Long-Term Observers)  

Remuneration is commensurate with the qualifications of the incumbent and requirements of the post, and is similar to those offered under the United Nations Common System for general services employees (in accordance with established OSCE rates). Social security will include participation in the OSCE life and accident disability insurance scheme.

Application procedure: Candidates must be citizens or residents with work permit allowing to work at the duty station(s) advertised. Those interested in applying should send the most recent curriculum vitae in English to ensure an equal and transparent treatment during the recruitment/appointment process to: hr-bulgaria@odihr.pl indicating the position for which you are applying (e.g. Senior Election Analyst Assistant).

Each candidate may apply for up to three positions in separate e-mails. Please do not attach photographs, motivation letters and certificates. Additional relevant information should be submitted only upon request. Driver’s CV should include vehicle brand, type and year of production. CV should be sent in Word or PDF format and named by applicant’s name. By submitting the curriculum vitae the applicants confirm correctness of information.

Applications received after the deadline or with no indication of the position for which the candidate is applying, will not be taken into consideration.

Application deadline: 

15 March 2026, 15:00 CET for regional positions.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment, to offer an appointment at a lower grade or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration. 

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. 

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds, including persons with disabilities, to apply.

Note: No application fees are required by ODIHR for its recruitment process at any stage (application processing, interview meeting, training or any other fees).