Welcome!

AEGEE Missions are coordinated by two volunteers in close cooperation with the Project Team.

You are interested in election observation, but looking for an additional challenge? Here is all you need to know!

What does a Mission Coordinator do?

The role of Mission Coordinators (MCs) is a very demanding one. It requires excellent skills in coordination and motivation of a large pool of people. MCs are expected to take care of several logistical and operational tasks, and to perform and coordinate good quality research on the observed elections. Attention to detail, responsiveness, dedication and ability to stick to deadlines are fundamental MC qualities. From their selection, MCs should be able to dedicate at least one hour per day to the EOM, but this time is likely to increase to several hours on the last phases of EOM preparation. In general, a detailed timeline is essential to organize tasks and monitor their accomplishment over time.

On the other hand, MC's role is very rewarding. AEGEE is a young environment trusting young people and their spirit of initiative. Thus, MCs have the possibility to organize and manage almost all aspects of an AEGEE EOM, gaining direct substantial experience in election observation, and developing a number of horizontal competencies, especially in coordination and reporting. The success of an AEGEE EOM, is the success of its coordinators!

In a nutshell, the responsibility of Mission Coordinators is to organise all aspects of the AEGEE EOM, thus enabling the observers to participate in the electoral process of the host country through a meaningful experience. We also believe that a well organised EOM have the potential to contribute to the electoral process of the  country where elections are observed.

To this end, the core product MCs' and observers' work is the EOM Final Report, including an independent assessment of the process and targeted recommendations to the electoral stakeholders of the host country.

Mission Coordinators will take care of EOM agenda (including meeting with electoral stakeholders in the host country), logistics (liaising with local partners, accommodation, internal transportation of observers) and coordinate observers' research tasks. On the basis of observers' research, MCs will draft EOM Final Report.

The specific tasks of a Mission Coordinator include:

  • planning the entire Mission in due time;
  • contacting the electoral authorities of the respective country to ensure official accreditation of the Mission;
  • finding local partner NGOs for support in questions of accommodation and translation/interpretation;
  • writing and publishing the call for observers;
  • selecting and preparing observers;
  • coordination of logistics (travel, accommodation, election day schedule, materials) before, during and after the Mission;
  • documentation and follow-up (press release, report, presentations).

On election-day, a Mission Coordinator is an election observer like all others, with additional tasks related to maintaining contact and provide guidance to all deployed observers.(See here to learn more about the tasks of election observers.)

Once selected, you will receive a manual for Mission Coordinators here. [under construction], and constant advice and support from the Project Team.

Who can be a Mission Coordinator?

Anyone who fulfils the criteria for becoming an observer can be a Mission Coordinator.

Additionally, you need to:

  • have at least some basic experience in project management and international team work;
  • have a certain background knowledge of the political and electoral system behind the elections;
  • have sufficient time in the three months preceding the Mission (1-2 hours a day, likely more in busy weeks);
  • be swift and reliable in online communication;
  • have great organisational skills, attention to detail, dedication and ability to stick to deadlines.

Experience as an election observer on a previous Mission is not per se required, but of course a great asset.

How become a Mission Coordinator?

Open positions for Mission Coordinators are published on our website and then announced on our Facebook page and our mailing list, to both of which you can subscribe in order to receive our calls directly.

Questions?

Contact us!