The Stefan Batory Foundation in an understanding with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces the recruitment of Short Term Observers for the parliamentary elections in Belarus (28 September 2008). People interested in participating in the mission are invited to complete the application form in English and send it together with their CV by 27 August (inclusive) to the address: obserwatorzy@batory.org.pl. Please mark the files sent as follows: surname_forename_questionnaire  and surname_forename_cv.

Candidate requirements:

• very good knowledge of English language as well as Russian or Belarusian languages (we reserve the right to test language fluency);
• minimum 21 years old;
• knowledge of the social and political situation in Belarus;
• documented social engagement;
• readiness to work hard in situations of stress and pressure;
• experience in observing elections (NOTE: we reserve approx. 25% of places for people without such experience)

An additional advantage will be knowledge of Belarusian language as well as experience obtained in Belarus.

Candidates for short term observers must be prepared to travel for the mission in the period 24 September-1 October 2008 (exact dates will be given at a later time) as well as participate in training, which will take place in Warsaw before the start of the mission.

The selection of observers from among the applications received will be made by a commission established from representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Stefan Batory Foundation. In the event of disputes, the Ministry will take the final decision. The list of persons qualified to take part in the mission will be published on the website of the Stefan Batory Foundation by 2 September. Those who have qualified will also be informed by email (we reserve the right to only contact selected persons).

The costs of flights, accommodation and staying in Belarus as well as all costs connected with observing the elections will be covered by MFA. Mission participants shall cover obligatory insurance costs and costs of travelling to Warsaw themselves.
 
Please direct questions to: obserwatorzy@batory.org.pl (preferred method of contact) or by telephone: 022 536 02 31 in the hours 10-16.

Piotr Paszkowski
MFA Press Spokesman

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To download:

• Application form - elections in Belarus