Call for Applications: External Expert

External Expert for the Development of a digital election observation toolbox for citizen election observers

Location:

Remote

Application Deadline:

15 March 2026

EPDE is implementing a capacity-building initiative to strengthen citizen election observers’ capacities in digital election observation methodologies.

The task envisages the establishment of a tech-toolbox for citizen election observers that allows easy access to practical solutions, instruments, technologies, and information on monitoring and countering challenges to election integrity posed by the digital age. These findings should be made accessible to citizen election observers throughout the election process, from pre-election/campaigning, on election day, until post-election analysis.

The toolbox should be gradually developed in close coordination with the EPDE secretariat and EPDE member organisations and adjusted to the needs and expertise of citizen election observers.

EPDE seeks to engage an expert who will design and set up the tech-toolbox.

Deadline: 15 March 2026

Job description:

Objectives of the Assignment

The overall objective is to:

● Strengthen knowledge of citizen election observers on monitoring and analysis of digital interference into electoral processes – namely (mis)use of AI, FIMI, and DIMI on social media and illicit online campaign financing

● Provide methodological tools for effective digital election observation according to the current needs and developments; collect specific methods and techniques on how to observe and report digital interference in elections

● Propose practical solutions (concept) for how to make tools and methods accessible for citizen election observers (online platform, webinars, database)

Scope of Work

1. Conduct an evaluation among citizen election observers and other experts and research on available and already applied instruments in the field of OSINT analysis, monitoring the role of generative AI in elections, research of FIMI & DIMI in elections, research of illicit campaign financing, and other relevant fields

2. Give a structured overview of the findings, identify gaps and missing knowledge

3. Compile existing and missing methodologies and tools, including related companies, networks, and experts (internal and external)

4. Draft practical digital solutions for making findings accessible for citizen election observers to learn and apply the technologies

5. Facilitate and conduct online engagements with citizen election observers to learn how to use the tech-toolbox.

Deliverables

● Overview of EPDE applied and missing tech-tools and methodologies

● Comprehensive Tech-toolbox with instruments

● Draft Platform design or other solution

● Introductory online training for citizen election observers

Duration

● March – April 2026: research and evaluation

● May – June 2026: development of the toolbox

● July – August 2026: introduction to citizen election observers

Application Process : Interested applicants are invited to submit

A brief motivation letter
A CV or company profile/portfolio outlining relevant experience.
Tax ID number in the European Union

via our online recruiting system.

Timeline

The call will remain open until 15 March 2026.
Submissions will be reviewed internally, and shortlisted offers will be invited for a short interview within 5 working days after the deadline.

Contact

Europäischer Austausch gGmbH

Erkelenzdamm 50 10999 Berlin

Telefon: +49 30 6548 3305

E-Mail: info@european-exchange

Requirements:

What we offer

We look forward to receiving your application!

Download the job opening here

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How to apply:

Incoming applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Please send your statement of interest in ONE pdf file to: info@epde.org

The European Exchange (Europäische Austausch gGmbH) was founded in Berlin in 2005 and since then has been committed to the democratic development of Europe and its neighborhood. We are committed to pluralism, open societies, and respect for human and civil rights everywhere on our continent. Strong institutions, free elections, and the control of state action by citizens are basic prerequisites for this. The work of the European Exchange is supported by German federal ministries and the European Union. The European Exchange promotes equal opportunities for applicants regardless of their race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or any disabilities. Further information and news can be found at www.european-exchange.org

Application Deadline:

15 March 2026