EU Electoral Observation Mission - STO 
São Tomé and Príncipe Presidential and Parliamentary Elections 

19 July 2026 (with potential runoff 9 Aug 2026) - Presidential 
27 September 2026 - Parliamentary

CANADEM is seeking to deploy one (1) Short-Term Observer (STO) to the EU's Election Observation Mission to the São Tomé and Príncipe Presidential and Parliamentary Elections (2026). 

STO tentative deployment dates:

Presidential
Arrival: July 12th, 2026
Return: July 26th, 2026

In the event of a runoff election:
Arrival: August 5th, 2026
Return: August 16th, 2026

And

Parliamentary
Arrival: September 20th, 2026
Return: October 4th, 2026

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


Note on expected availability: The ideal candidate will be available for both elections, including the potential runoff for the Presidential election. However, if you are only available for one election, you may still apply. When you apply, please send me a separate email (ben.james@canadem.ca) and let me know your availability (Presidential, Presidential with possible runoff, and/or Parliamentary).  



Mission language Portuguese and English. Observers must be fluent in Portuguese

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: 

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

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

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