Election Observation and Follow-up Unit

The Directorate-General for External Policies (DG EXPO) is made up of four directorates: Committees, Regions (covering interparliamentary delegations), Resources and Democracy Support. Staff of DG EXPO form a European team of advisers supporting the European Parliament's President and political bodies in their work on the EU's external policies. Colleagues in DG EXPO provide advice on matters of substance and procedure, liaise with other EU institutions and manage resources. The focus is on legislation, parliamentary oversight of the European Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS), and support for parliamentary democracy. Most of the work is done in Brussels.

The Election Observation and Follow-up Unit (ELEC) assists the Democracy Support and Election Coordination Group (DEG) in identifying and selecting EP priority countries for election observation and to define relevant democracy support activities, including pre and post elections activities, as part of the Comprehensive Democracy Support Approach (CDSA). Election observation is one of the four main areas of activity the DEG, being the other three: parliamentary capacity development; human rights actions; and mediation, facilitation and dialogue.

The Unit is also the DEG’s point of contact with the European External Action Service (EEAS), other EU institutions, and international/regional organisations active in the area of democracy support and election observation.

The Unit ensures coordination and cooperation within the EP and streamlines inter-service cooperation with the secretariats of committees, standing delegations, political groups, other relevant DGs and the President's Cabinet.

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• Providing expertise and assistance to activities relating to democracy support and election observation for the Election Observation and Follow-up Unit, in particular for the CDSA priority countries;
• Monitoring and providing background materials and research on democracy support, elections, general political developments and other areas relevant to the work of the Election Observation and Follow-up Unit - in particular preparing press reviews/summaries and assisting with briefings in advance of election observation missions;
• Participating and providing feedback on seminars, meetings (including EP Committees and Standing Delegations) as well as conferences in the area of election observation and democracy support;
• Contributing to administrative and logistical work of the Unit including the organisation of meetings, roundtables, missions, (e.g. identifying experts, background documents and logistics for such events);
• Assisting with groups of participants on incoming study visits and conferences and other ad hoc tasks.

• A university graduate, preferably with a Master’s degree in law, political science or social sciences;
• Eager to learn about the European Parliament, the EU’s external policies and passionate about election observation and support to democracy;
• Fluent in English and French, knowledge of Spanish and/or Portuguese would be an asset; 
• Proactive, flexible and able to think outside the box;
• Equipped with excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an eye for detail; 
• Equipped with strong analytical and problem solving skills; 
• Able to work independently and also within a team and to follow the instructions of senior team members;
• A person with strong time-management and organisational skills;
• Proficient in MS Office;
• You have obtained/will obtain a university degree (level 6 of EQF or higher) at least three months before the starting date of the traineeship.

The European Parliament is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We welcome all candidates, regardless of their geographical, racial or ethnic origin, political or religious beliefs, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, civil status, or family situation.