EU Electoral Observation Mission - STO
Zambia General Elections

13 August 2026

CANADEM is seeking to deploy three (3) Short-Term Observers (STOs) to the EU's Election Observation Mission to the Zambia General Elections (2026).

STO tentative deployment dates:

Arrival: August 5th, 2026
Return: August 18th, 2026

*Note: Consider these dates as tentative. The election day is subject to change.

Note on Ebola:

As you may know, there is a current outbreak of Ebola virus in DRC and some surrounding countries. There are currently no confirmed cases in Zambia, but we cannot predict what will be the situation in August during the election. The EU is aware of the situation and will take all necessary precautions, including cancelling the mission if it cannot ensure the safety of observers. It is also possible the election may be postponed if the Zambian authorities do not believe an election can be carried out safely. It is also possible you may be required to quarantine upon return to Canada or before your return.

Please only apply if you understand these potential risks. I will discuss this with any shortlisted candidates but please consider this before applying.

Note on deadline:

I must nominate the STO candidates by this Friday (June 5th) COB. Therefore, I will shortlist three candidates tomorrow (Thursday) and conduct interviews on Friday. Please apply as soon as possible, after fully considering the Ebola notice above.

Mission language is English.

Terms of Reference
Short Term Observer (STO)

Under the supervision of the Observer Coordinator and the relevant Long Term Observers (LTOs) of the Area of Responsibility (AoR) and in coordination with the Service Provider's experts, the Short Term Observers (STOs) shall carry out the following specific tasks:

1. Familiarise themselves with the methodology of EU EOMs, respective roles and duties of EU EOM members, as outlined in the EU Handbook for European Union Election Observation;

2. Sign and abide by the Code of conduct and its Ethical aspects for Election observers and by the instructions of the DCO, Core Team and Service Provider’s experts. Failure to follow those code of conduct and instructions may result in an anticipated termination of the observer's assignment, immediate repatriation to the place of residence and non- recommendation for future EU EOMs;

3. Ensure that any personal data received during an EU EOM is handled in line with Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2018 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by the Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies and on the free movement of such data as well as with the Privacy Statement on the Implementation of the European Union Election Observation Missions.

4. Attend training sessions, briefing and debriefing sessions, as required by the European Commission, the Core team and the Service Provider’s experts;

5. Familiarise themselves with the applicable international and regional standards for elections, and the relevant country specific election rules, regulations and procedures;

6. Report to the Long Term Observers, the Observer coordinator, the Security expert and the Logistics expert, as requested by Core team and Service provider's instructions;

7. Monitor immediate pre-electoral environment, the election campaign and administrative preparations in the AoR; Observe election day procedures, counting and tabulation operations; Monitor immediate post-electoral developments;

8. Ensure that reports are submitted to Core team as soon as feasible and within the deadline;

9. Participate in an evaluation meeting with the Long Term Observers and the Observer coordinator at the end of the mission;

10. Submit an End of Mission report, based on the template provided by the Core Team;

11. Perform any additional duties and comply with any additional requests deemed necessary to the good functioning of the EU EOM.

Successful STO candidates will receive:

Transportation costs covered;
Per diem based on location; and
Accommodation covered.

Some of the most important criteria based on which we will shortlist candidates are:

Previous observation experience (at least one previous mission for STOs);
English language fluency is mandatory;
Demonstrated commitment to democracy and human rights;
Excellent physical condition and good health;
Willingness to accept very difficult living conditions and abide by security risk mitigation measures;
High degree of flexibility in terms of mission timetable in case of changes and delays;
Previous experience as a civilian in a large-scale international mission or in a human rights monitoring mission is an asset;
Experience in the region is an asset.