Through the project “Enhancing electoral legislation and administration in Albania (Phase III)”, the OSCE Presence supports Albanian institutions in strengthening electoral processes ahead of the 2027 local elections
The OSCE/ODIHR Final Report on the 2025 parliamentary elections raised concerns about the participation of persons with disabilities, with observers reporting accessibility problems in many voting centres
Around 26,000 voters with disabilities were registered in the last parliamentary elections; by law voters must vote in person, with no provisions for homebound or other special voting arrangements
The CEC instructed second-level commissions to install ramps, provide signage and barrier-free access, and trained commissioners on assisting voters with disabilities, but gaps remain
Responsibility is shared with municipalities, which handle the physical conditions of voting centres and information on voters with disabilities
ODIHR recommended that election authorities and municipalities take proactive measures to ensure accessibility when determining the location of voting centres

Engage an experienced local expert to conduct a comprehensive review of the physical, procedural and informational accessibility of voting centres and procedures
Assess compliance with national legislation and OSCE/ODIHR findings and propose concrete measures to enhance inclusiveness
Produce one detailed assessment report to guide policies, with findings shared at a stakeholder presentation with municipalities, civil society and disability organizations

Develop an assessment methodology and detailed workplan, including criteria and tools for physical, procedural and informational accessibility, agreed with the OSCE Presence
Conduct desk research mapping the national legal and institutional framework, including applicable legislation, institutional responsibilities and relevant OSCE/ODIHR findings
Hold consultations with the CEC, People’s Advocate, Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination, selected municipalities and CSOs/organizations of persons with disabilities, documenting key findings
Prepare a comprehensive final assessment report covering the desk review, field assessment, consultations, findings, good practices, conclusions and actionable recommendations, revised following OSCE Presence comments
Deliver a stakeholder presentation of findings and recommendations to public institutions, municipalities, civil society and disability organizations

University degree in law, human rights law, public administration, social sciences, social policy or a related field
At least 5 years of relevant experience in accessibility and inclusion of persons with disabilities, human rights, equality and non-discrimination, electoral processes, election administration, election monitoring, public administration or related fields
Experience working on election-related matters and with organizations of persons with disabilities
Experience conducting research, assessments, fieldwork and stakeholder consultations with public institutions and civil society
Experience analysing legislation, policies and administrative procedures and translating findings into concrete recommendations
Experience preparing analytical reports or studies for public institutions, international organizations or civil society
Strong analytical, organizational and report-writing skills, with ability to deliver within deadlines

Familiarity with the work of the Central Election Commission and the role of municipalities in accessible voting arrangements
Previous experience conducting accessibility audits of public facilities, including voting centres or other public buildings
Previous experience with an international organization or development partner

Local Expert election participation of the voters with disabilities