Overview

This two day course prepares participants for short-term election observation missions, providing an insight into the nature of the work and developing the key skills needed. It will encourage observers' ability to work as part of a team and deal with the challenges of a mission environment. The second day of the course involves an assessed simulation. Participants will be observed by experienced election observers who will assess their skills against the requirements to be an STO. Successful completion of the course can potentially provide a route into this area of work with ERIS, one of the UK’s selecting organisations for election observers.

This course is designed for first timers who would like to apply for a first Election Observation Mission as a Short Term Observer. Short Term observation provides an ideal entry point to further develop field experience and an understanding of the realities of the field. Please note that only UK nationals are eligible for selection by ERIS. Whilst the course is also open to non-UK nationals, recognition by national focal points of this training varies.

• The Role of Short Term Observers
• Code of Conduct and Challenges to STO work
• Working with a Driver and Interpreter
• Skills development for STO work: Reporting, Team work, Meetings, Observation
• Field simulation

Frequency
Unfortunately International Alert and ERIS will not be running the Introduction to Election Observation Course in 2010. Having run the course successfully for a number of years, we have for the moment, a sufficient range of suitably qualified people trained for Election Observation missions.

Methodologies
Lectures, Case studies, Simulations, Group work, Audio-visuals, Guest speakers

Trainers
Aurelien Tobie plus guest speakers