EODS organized in May 2013 a training to observer coordinator in EU EOMs. Its aim was to provide election practitioners with tools and knowledge to participate in EU EOM Core Teams.
During the course, participants were introduced to topics relevant to the work of a coordinator of observers in an EU election observation mission, with a special emphasis on roles and responsibilities, international obligations, commitments and good practice related to elections. As particular requirements for this position, participants learnt how to prepare an observer briefing and briefing package for LTOs and STOs. The training provided the information needed to understand the role of the observer coordination as the nexus between the observers, the Core Team and the Service Provider.
The position of observer coordinator requires strong managing skills, thus the training also focused on possible strategies to avoid and handle conflicts and to deal with situations, learning to prioritize and to set goals. Participants learnt to identify risks and challenges and personal ability to use self-management and stress management tools to enhance personal & mission effectiveness & coping with mission stress.
The training combined presentations, discussions and case studies. In addition to this, there were reporting exercises aiming at developing participants’ skills in line with EU EOM reporting requirements.
