When: Sunday, 20. June 2010
Where: Vilnius
Host: United Centre of Initiatives for Belarus (JuBIC), Swedish International Liberal Centre (Silc), European Humanities University (EHU) and Belarusian Human Rights House in Vilnius (HRH)
More info: www.eotp.info/news/72

European Humanities University (EHU) students currently enrolled in BA and MA courses and members or activists of NGO’s and/or civic initiatives or political parties are invited to submit applications for participation in a new round of the election observation project, consisting of a week-long intensive academic course in Vilnius designed by the prominent Norwegian political scientists with previous experiences in numerous international observation missions and an international observation mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina or Latvia 2/3 October 2010 as accredited short term international observers.

Dedicated and active participants will be invited on at least one more observation mission in 2011.

The Election Observation: Theory and Practice project is implemented jointly by the United Centre of Initiatives for Belarus (JuBIC), Swedish International Liberal Centre (Silc), European Humanities University (EHU) and Belarusian Human Rights House in Vilnius (HRH).

The course is offered as an optional course within the framework of the EHU academic program and will be included in students’ BA diploma. Upon completion of the course, the students will be awarded 2 academic credits by EHU and a certificate of completion from Silc and members from NGO and political parties will receive a special EHU certificate and a Silc certificate. 

Eligibility for EHU students:
Potential candidates shall:
• be EHU students currently enrolled in academic programs (BA or MA level) (compulsory);
• be from 18 to 35 years of age (compulsory)
• fill out the on-line application form (compulsory);
• exhibit strong civic position and interest, be active (compulsory);
• present official confirmation of good academic standing (preferred) – available in Room 103;
• provide a reference from an EHU lecturer (compulsory). Please, note: references have to be sent separately, directly to the e-mail eotp@eotp.info by the person recommending you;
• speak and understand English (preferred);
• be able to participate in the training and observation full-time (from 23 September – 5 October 2010) (compulsory).

Eligibility for activists of NGO’s and/or civic initiatives or political parties:
Potential candidates shall:
• fill out the on-line application form (compulsory);
• be from 18 to 35 years of age (compulsory);
• exhibit strong civic engagement, be active (compulsory);
• be members or activists of NGO’s and/or civic initiatives or political parties (compulsory);
• provide a reference from a respected NGO, initiative or civic project, political party. Please, note: references have to be sent separately, directly to the e-mail eotp@eotp.info by the person recommending you (compulsory);
• speak and understand English (preferred);
• be able to participate in the training and observation full-time (from 23 September – 5 October 2010) (compulsory).

Previous experience in election observation both domestic and international is welcome but not necessary.
Application deadline: 20 June 2010. Applications sent after 24:00, 20 June will not be considered.
An on-line application form is available at http://eotp.info/by/application_form
All candidates will be informed of the results of their applications by 15 July 2010.
Short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview (telephone or skype).

Selection criteria for NGO and representatives of political parties:

1.    Quality of motivation and results of interviews for selected applicants;
2.    High level of civic engagement;
3.    Recommendation by a recognized and respected NGO/HR defender/civic activist/politician/political party;
4.    Proficiency in English language.

Selection criteria for EHU students:

1.    Quality of motivation and results of interviews for selected applicants;
2.    Active participation in student life and international meetings at EHU;
3.    Active civic position;
4.    High academic standing;
5.    Proficiency in English language.

More information about the Election Observation project here.