How to be an STO

Who appoints the LTOs and STOs on an EOM? If you don’t know what the initials stand for, read yesterday’s post.

OSCE/ODIHR delegate the appointment of observers to member states. In the UK this responsibility falls to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). They use two NGOs to select observers and handle the administration of joining an EOM. I am registered with BEWC and the other NGO is SOLACE. On the Moldovan EOM six observers have been selected by SOLACE and six by BEWC.

If you are interested in joining an EOM as an STO there are a few tasks to carry out. You should register on the OSCE/ODIHR data base and, preferably, include your passport number, etc. Then you also need to to complete a seven module online training programme. This is essential to understand what you will be part of and the day to day practicalities of joining a mission. I did the course three years ago and then had to do it all over again last week to remind myself. At the end there is a certificate which you will need when you apply for a specific mission.

I only know how applications to BEWC are made. Their website lists future missions – typically three or four a year. Some three months before an election LTOs are invited to apply and a few weeks later STOs. The only way of knowing that an application may be made is to check the website daily and sometimes the window opens and closes in a matter of days. When you read “STOs have been selected” and you have heard nothing you know you haven’t been chosen. No acknowledgement of an application is issued so applying can be rather disheartening. It is worth saying that BEWC and SOLACE both have a long list of experienced observers so it is not easy to get chosen for the first time – it has taken me three years. Unusually, three of the BEWC six STOs are first-timers on the Moldovan EOM. I am the only male STO in the group, although the SOLACE six are three men and three women. There is no stated upper age limit for applicants but I infer that because of insurance issues there may be a reluctance to appoint observers over 75.

When selected I was taken good care of by BEWC. They provide guidance, insurance, air tickets, a contract, money for expenses, visas, etc. STOs are not paid but expenses are met and must be accounted for. After years of practice BEWC operate a well-oiled machine.

To be continued,