Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is the world’s largest regional security organization, comprising 57 participating States. Established to promote peace, stability, and friendly relations among its members, the OSCE operates on a consensus basis, meaning that all participating States have equal status in decision-making. The OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) was created to address and prevent ethnic tensions that could threaten peace and stability. The organization focuses on integrating diverse societies and promoting conflict prevention through recommendations to governments regarding the treatment of national minorities. The HCNM's work has increasingly involved addressing divergent historical narratives and memorialization, particularly in contexts where different communities have varying perspectives on historical events. The OSCE has a presence in multiple countries and engages in various initiatives to foster dialogue and understanding among diverse populations.

Job Overview:
The Consultant will play a crucial role in informing the HCNM's engagement on issues related to remembrance practices and historical narratives in Kosovo. The primary objective of this assignment is to conduct an internal study that identifies concrete examples of historical sites and remembrance practices in Kosovo, analyzing how these intersect with inter-community relations. The Consultant will be expected to provide findings and recommendations that will assist the HCNM in developing a practical framework for Kosovo authorities to engage in cultural remembrance initiatives. This position requires a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding historical narratives, cultural identity, and the impact of public representations on community relations. The Consultant will conduct field research, stakeholder consultations, and produce reports that will guide the HCNM's efforts in promoting inclusive and respectful cultural remembrance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks under the supervision of the Project Officer, including: Familiarizing themselves with HCNM thematic recommendations and guidelines; Conducting field research in Kosovo on five to ten specific examples of historical monuments, street names, memorial plaques, or other sites of remembrance; Analyzing the characterization of historical figures and events and their impact on inter-community relations; Holding consultations with relevant stakeholders in Kosovo, including municipal officials, civil society representatives, community leaders, and legal experts; Assessing the current legal and policy framework governing public remembrance in Kosovo; Examining existing consultation mechanisms for decisions related to public remembrance; Providing recommendations on key elements that could inform the HCNM's development of a practical framework for Kosovo municipalities; Producing an internal report with concrete recommendations; Understanding the confidentiality of the mandate and committing to non-disclosure of work content without prior approval; Delivering regular updates to the HCNM on progress throughout the consultancy period.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in political science, sociology, anthropology, history, cultural heritage studies, law, international relations, or related fields. A minimum of six years of professional experience in areas such as historical narratives, cultural remembrance, memorialization, inter-ethnic relations, and minority rights is required. Proven experience in conducting field research and stakeholder consultations in multi-ethnic contexts is essential. Knowledge of legal and policy frameworks related to cultural heritage and public space regulation is an asset, as is familiarity with the political and inter-ethnic context in Kosovo. Excellent analytical, drafting, and research skills are necessary, along with proficiency in Microsoft Word and email applications. Candidates should demonstrate gender awareness and sensitivity, and the ability to work with diverse cultural and political backgrounds while maintaining impartiality.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master's Degree (Second-level university degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as political science, sociology, anthropology, history, cultural heritage studies, law, or international relations. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of the issues at hand and for conducting the necessary research and analysis.

Experience:
The Consultant should have a minimum of six years of professional experience in relevant fields, particularly in historical narratives, cultural remembrance, memorialization, inter-ethnic relations, and minority rights issues. Experience in conducting field research and stakeholder consultations in multi-ethnic contexts is crucial for the successful execution of the assignment. Candidates should also have a strong understanding of the political and inter-ethnic dynamics in Kosovo, which will inform their analysis and recommendations.

Languages:
Knowledge of Albanian and/or Serbian is highly desirable for this position, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the quality of the research conducted. Proficiency in English is mandatory, as all reports and communications will be conducted in English. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly in the context of engaging with diverse communities in Kosovo.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy is a maximum of eight weeks, with the possibility of starting as soon as possible. The position is classified as a Special Service Agreement (SSA) / Consultant role at a professional job level. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The remuneration package will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications, expertise, and experience, and applicants are requested to indicate their proposed daily/monthly rate in their motivation letter. The OSCE retains the right to re-advertise or cancel the recruitment process and will only contact shortlisted candidates. Consultants are not OSCE officials and are not subject to OSCE Staff Regulations, but they must adhere to the OSCE Code of Conduct and confidentiality obligations.