Country: Poland
Closing date: 29 Feb 2016
Background:
Within the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, (ODIHR), the Election Department is tasked to conduct election observation. Every year, ODIHR co-ordinates and organizes the deployment of numerous election observation activities with hundreds of observers to assess the compliance of elections in OSCE participating States with OSCE commitments, other international obligations and standards for democratic elections as well as national legislation. Its well-developed and comprehensive methodology provides in-depth insight into all elements of an electoral process.
Since its inception, ODIHR’s election observation methodology has been largely reliant on a secondment mechanism through OSCE participating States to recruit long term observers (LTOs) and short-term observers (STOs). However, over the past few years, the number of seconded observers has been falling short of the required numbers.
An Election Observation Sustainability Fund has been created to cover the participation of additional observers, directly recruited by ODIHR. Recruitments under the new fund would also serve to supplement the secondment process. Observers to be deployed under the new fund would be selected by ODIHR from among the experts registered in the new election expert database.
To adequately manage the ODIHR Election Department recruitment processes, the existing expert database would be replaced by a new database, involving a technological update and numerous modifications. Such modifications would permit ODIHR to better track individuals in the database, identify those with required skill-sets and ensure more timely and effective recruitment and deployment. The new database would also integrate and replace the functions of the current ‘STO database’, an existing separate application through which focal points from OSCE participating States currently transmit information to ODIHR about seconded STOs.
Objective:
ODIHR is looking to work with a team of experts to develop and test a complete and user-friendly expert database application based on ODIHR’s needs by 31 March 2016.
Under the supervision of the Deputy Head of Election Department and guidance by the Lead Expert, the Software Developers will be responsible for developing the application as designed by the Lead Expert. They will create relevant knowledge-based solutions and assist the Lead Expert with research and reporting.
The web-based application, hosted by ODIHR, will be used to manage recruitment and staffing processes for ODIHR’s election missions, training, and other election-related activities. It would serve as the main mechanism for users and ODIHR Election Department staff to add, update, search, and store information about individuals involved in ODIHR election-related activities, as well as for transmission of recruitment and deployment information among ODIHR staff, registered users, and external focal points from all 57 OSCE participating States for recruitment for ODIHR election-related activities.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
The Software Developers shall report to Deputy Head of the Election Department and will fulfil the following tasks under the guidance by the Lead IT and Database Expert:
• Work closely with the Lead IT and Database Expert and update him/her throughout the process to ensure that requirements are fully met.
• Develop the application based on database requirements:
Create the structure and the scheme, including the user interface, functions, menus, and forms.
Create and implement a user-friendly Content Management System (CMS).- Develop a web layout for the application.
• Estimate performance parameters such as necessary band width and expected size of the application.
• Estimate costs related to each aspect of application development.
• Prepare at least one prototype every two weeks to be submitted by the Lead Expert to ODIHR as an update on progress made, until the final product is delivered; react to feedback received from ODIHR by the Lead Expert to ensure the fulfilment of requirements.
• Create all necessary knowledge-based solutions adapted to the different set of users. They shall focus on procedures to be followed by at all stages of recruitment and deployment process involving the use of the application.
• Prepare scenarios for a comprehensive testing exercise to be performed in Warsaw with selected ODIHR staff to test the application against requirements.
• Fix bugs and issues identified during the testing phase.
• Draft detailed technical documentation describing the solution in terms of CMS, technology used and database engine.
• Assist the Lead Expert to estimate options and costs for future maintenance of the application.
• Seek the expertise of the Legal and Data Protection Expert whenever necessary to ensure compliance of application with all relevant data protection regulations.
• Support the activity of the Lead Expert in any other aspect that is required.
• Remain available for consultation with the Lead Expert until all outputs are delivered to ODIHR.
Deliverables:
The software developers are responsible for delivering the following outputs to the Lead IT expert:
Within two weeks from start of assignment and once every two weeks:- Prototypes of the application, at least one every two weeks, until the final product is delivered;
Within two weeks from start of assignment:- Estimation of performance parameters such as necessary band width and expected size of the application.
By 31 March 2016:- Fully-functional application based on requirements.- Scenarios for a comprehensive exercise to test the application against requirements.- Knowledge-based solutions: user-friendly procedural manuals for all aspects of the application and for all types of users, including screenshots and explanations.- Detailed technical documentation describing the solution in terms of CMS, technology used and database engine.
Necessary Qualifications
• Minimum 6 years of professional experience, including at least 2 years in developing large-scale web-based solutions.
• Experience in implementing and maintaining complex IT projects involving teamwork and co-ordination among several people.
• Be familiar with database systems and with major web development programming languages, such as .NET, JavaScript, PHP, or other.
• Strong analytical skills
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Experience in maintenance of IT solutions.
• Good command of English language, both written and spoken;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with ability to work well within a diverse team.
• University degree in computer science or a related discipline.
• Experience with implementing custom recruitment applications is an asset.
• Previous work with election observation organizations is an asset, especially if related to projects involving development of IT solutions and databases.
Remuneration Package:
Remuneration will depend on the selected consultant’s qualifications and experience and be in accordance with OSCE established rates. Coverage of travel expenses and a standard per diem will be provided by the OSCE/ODIHR, in accordance with OSCE travel policies.
The expert will work from home, with possible occasional travel to Warsaw.
How to apply:
If you wish to apply for this position, please send your complete CV and cover letter in English on recruit@odihr.pl
Please demonstrate your experience with projects of similar size and nature through portfolio of existing and past clients.
Deadline: Open until filled. Early applications are welcomed, as deadline for the project to be delivered is 31 March 2016.
Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
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 to become a part of the Organization.
No application fees or information with respect to bank account details are required by OSCE for our recruitment process.