National Expert for Emergency Response

Job Posting Organization:
The OSCE Presence in Albania is an integral part of the Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), which was established to promote peace, stability, and democracy in the region. The OSCE has been active in Albania since 1997, focusing on various areas including security, human rights, and the rule of law. The organization aims to enhance the capacities of public security authorities and improve inter-agency coordination in emergency response systems. The OSCE operates in multiple countries across Europe, Central Asia, and North America, with a mission to foster cooperation among its member states.

Job Overview:
The National Expert for Emergency Response will play a crucial role in assisting the International Expert in developing a comprehensive project proposal aimed at enhancing Albania's emergency response capabilities. This position is designed to operationalize the findings from the Needs Assessment Report, which identified systemic challenges in Albania's emergency response system. The expert will focus on improving coordination among various agencies, enhancing operational capacities, and ensuring that the recommendations are tailored to the local context. The assignment is expected to last for two months, starting tentatively in February 2026, and will involve significant collaboration with national stakeholders and the OSCE project staff.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Expert will be responsible for a range of tasks under the supervision of the OSCE Presence in Albania. Key responsibilities include reviewing and analyzing national legislation and strategic frameworks related to civil protection and emergency response, mapping existing national structures and operational capacities, and identifying relevant stakeholders such as the Ministry of Interior and local authorities. The expert will also facilitate meetings and workshops, provide interpretation and translation support, and ensure that the International Expert's recommendations are adapted to the Albanian context. Additionally, the expert will contribute to the project design by formulating objectives, reviewing draft proposals, and validating sections to ensure consistency with local legislation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in emergency management, public administration, security studies, or a related field. A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in emergency response, disaster management, or public safety institutions in Albania is required. The ideal candidate should have a proven understanding of Albania's institutional and legal framework for civil protection and emergency response, along with experience working with international organizations or donor-funded projects. Strong coordination, analytical, and communication skills are essential, as well as an excellent command of both Albanian and English. Familiarity with alpine rescue, fire service operations, or emergency medical response is considered a strong asset.

Educational Background:
The position requires a university degree in a relevant field such as emergency management, public administration, or security studies. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of emergency response systems and the legal frameworks governing them in Albania.

Experience:
The National Expert should have at least 7 years of relevant professional experience in emergency response or disaster management. This experience should ideally include work within public safety institutions in Albania, providing the candidate with a deep understanding of the local context and operational challenges faced by emergency services.

Languages:
Fluency in both Albanian and English is mandatory for this position, as the expert will be required to provide translation and interpretation support during consultations. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an advantage, particularly if they are relevant to the stakeholders involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
The assignment is structured as a Special Service Agreement (SSA) or consultant contract, with a duration of approximately 2 months. The position is classified as a consultant role, and the remuneration will be based on the selected expert's qualifications and experience, in accordance with OSCE established rates. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and integrity among its officials.