ICT Experts in Electoral Processes - Local and International - SSA

Consultant

Overview

Provide technical support for ICT in electoral processes.

You have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience in software development, IT governance, or e-government systems.
• Proven experience in Java, .NET, Python, PHP, or other relevant languages/frameworks.
• Proficiency in Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, including basic maintenance.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices (DDoS mitigation, encryption, secure protocols).
• Strong reporting, organizational, and communication skills.

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

Background:

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo contributes to the development of public institutions by providing technical advice, operational support, and capacity-building in line with international standards. In the area of digitalization, the Mission promotes the use of ICT solutions that strengthen transparency, efficiency, and inclusiveness in governance and electoral processes. By supporting institutions at different levels, the Mission helps advance digital tools and practices that enhance accountability, accessibility, and public confidence in democratic systems. To address evolving governance and electoral challenges, the Mission engages ICT experts across key areas of intervention. These fields focus on advancing e-governance, strengthening electoral systems, ensuring cybersecurity and performance, supporting institutions, and promoting inclusion and safety in digital processes. For the present call, the Mission will be focusing on strengthening electoral ICT systems, while optimising performance of ICT used by Election Management Bodies (EMBs), and in particular the Central Election Commission, during electoral processes. In the electoral context, the Mission supports and strengthens the integration of ICT solutions in electoral processes, with particular attention to digital platforms that facilitate election administration, results management, and voter information. Experts contribute to improving the efficiency and credibility of electoral operations by ensuring that technology is effectively applied at all stages of the process. In addition, the Mission works with EMBs to safeguard the integrity and reliability of digital systems used during electoral processes. This includes protecting sensitive voter and results data, preventing and responding to cyber threats, and ensuring uninterrupted functionality of electoral platforms throughout the electoral cycle. By reinforcing the security, resilience, and transparency of these systems, and by enhancing EMBs’ technical capacity to manage them, the Mission helps build institutional preparedness and fosters greater public confidence in the conduct and outcome of elections.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical support to the EMBs, to ensure the stability, efficiency, and continuous operation of digital systems, including software platforms for governance and electoral processes.
• Monitor systems for vulnerabilities, implement preventive measures, safeguard sensitive data, and ensure resilience against cyber threats.
• Assist public institutions in adopting and managing ICT solutions, improving access to information, transparency, and institutional accountability.
• Provide technical advice, training, and documentation to strengthen institutional capacities, ensure proper reporting, and foster sustainable ICT practices.
• Promote safe, accessible, and user-friendly ICT systems that meet the needs of diverse users, including women, youth, non-majority communities, and other marginalized groups, with AI applied where relevant to enhance accessibility, detect risks, and support inclusive digital platforms

Core Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of software development, system maintenance, databases, and ICT platforms.
• Ability to identify vulnerabilities, apply preventive measures, and ensure system resilience.
• Capacity to troubleshoot issues, optimize performance, and propose effective solutions.
• Capacity to convey technical information to non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and in teams, adapt to institutional contexts, and support knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Ability to ensure ICT systems are accessible, safe, and inclusive, and to leverage AI tools to enhance accessibility, detect risks, and support diverse user needs.

Core values

• Commitment: Actively contributes to achieving organizational goals.
• Diversity: Respects others and values their diverse perspectives and contributions.
• Integrity: Acts in a manner consistent with the Organization’s core values and organizational principles.
• Accountability: Takes responsibility for own action and delegated work.
• Flexibility: Responds positively and effectively to changing circumstances.

Upon initiation of OSCE activity/task, the successful roster candidates will be considered against the specific requirements outlined in detailed terms of reference for a specific consultancy.

Necessary Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience in software development, IT governance, or e-government systems. Technical Skills
• Software Development: Proven experience in Java, .NET, Python, PHP, or other relevant languages/frameworks. Web Technologies:
• Server-side (e.g., ASP.NET) and client-side scripting (e.g., JavaScript, jQuery).
• Knowledge of e-government strategies, related legislation, and experience with specific e-government platforms.
• Database Management: Proficiency in Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, including basic maintenance.
• Version Control & DevOps: Familiarity with Git, debugging tools, and issue tracking systems (e.g., Jira).
• Testing & Maintenance: Experience in bug fixing, code optimization, unit testing. Security & Compliance:
• Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices (DDoS mitigation, encryption, secure protocols).
• Understanding of IT governance frameworks (ITIL, COBIT, ISO/IEC standards)
• Networking & Cloud: Experience with on-premise, hybrid, or cloud hosting (AWS, Azure, etc.). Soft Skills
• Strong reporting, organizational, and communication skills (able to present ideas clearly).
• Demonstrates ability to work independently and collaboratively with institutional partners.
• Up-to-date knowledge of emerging ICT trends and technologies.

Applicants’ successful placement on the Consultancy Roster is subject to their meeting the minimum qualification and skill level for the position, and does not express or imply any guarantee of engagement with the OSCE Mission in Kosovo.

Remuneration Package:

Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.

In order to apply for this position, you must complete the OSCE's online application form, found under OSCE Careers - Jobs. Applicants are encouraged to use the online recruitment and only fully completed OSCE applications will be accepted. However, if you have technical difficulties with the system, you may use the offline application form found at Offline application form | OSCE Employment and forward the completed form quoting the vacancy number by e-mail to: [email protected]. In line with your qualifications, please indicate a preference for one or more fields of expertise listed above (while using the online application, the field of expertise preference can be indicated in the cover letter part). Kindly note that applications received after the deadline, submitted in different formats than the OSCE Application Form, or other languages than the English language would not be considered. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious, ethnic, and social backgrounds to apply.

Additional Information

• Issued by: OSCE Mission in Kosovo
• Requisition ID: KOS000365
• Contract Type: Special Service Agreement (SSA) / Consultant
• Grade: No grade
• Job Type: Consultant
• Number of posts: one
• Location: KOS - OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Prishtine / Pristina
• Issue Date: Aug 29, 2025
• Closing Date: Sep 7, 2025
• Education Level: Bachelor's Degree (First-level university degree or equivalent)
• Target Start Date: As soon as possible

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 9 months ago - Updated 8 months ago - Source: vacancies.osce.org