Local Expert to Develop a Strategic Plan for the Press Council of Kosovo

Job Posting Organization:
The OSCE Mission in Kosovo (OSCE) was established to support the development of democratic institutions and processes in Kosovo. The mission is dedicated to promoting human rights, the rule of law, and the establishment of a multi-ethnic society. Since its inception, the OSCE has been actively involved in various sectors, including media development, governance reform, and community building. The organization operates with a commitment to fostering dialogue and cooperation among diverse communities in Kosovo, ensuring that all voices are heard and represented. The OSCE employs a diverse workforce and collaborates with various stakeholders, including local institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners, to achieve its mission. The OSCE's work is guided by principles of inclusivity, transparency, and accountability, aiming to strengthen the foundations of democracy in Kosovo and promote stability in the region.

Job Overview:
The position of Local Expert to Develop a Strategic Plan for the Press Council of Kosovo (PCK) involves a critical role in enhancing the institutional performance and responsiveness of the PCK through strategic planning and long-term visioning. The PCK, established in 2005 with OSCE support, serves as a self-regulatory body for print and online media, tasked with upholding ethical standards and addressing complaints. The expert will be responsible for developing a comprehensive three- to five-year strategic plan that outlines the PCK's institutional priorities, enhances its capacity for effective self-regulation in the digital media environment, and reinforces collaboration with stakeholders. This role requires a deep understanding of the Kosovo media landscape, including the challenges posed by misinformation and the need for modernization in self-regulatory practices. The strategic plan will align with EU standards and the evolving media landscape, ensuring that the PCK remains a resilient guardian of media freedom and journalism ethics in the digital age. The expert will conduct thorough research, stakeholder consultations, and legal analysis to inform the strategic planning process, ensuring that the plan is grounded in local realities and responsive to the needs of the media sector.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Local Expert will undertake several key tasks and responsibilities, including conducting a comprehensive desk review of existing PCK strategic documents, the 2022 OSCE External Evaluation, and relevant EU and international media governance frameworks. The expert will draft a workplan that outlines the methodology, key milestones, and proposed structure for the PCK Strategic Plan 2027–203

• This will involve incorporating comparative international best practices in media self-regulation and strategic institutional development, tailored to the Kosovo context. The expert will facilitate stakeholder consultations, engaging with up to 20 relevant actors through interviews and focus groups, capturing key findings and formulating evidence-based recommendations. Additionally, the expert will contribute to drafting the strategic plan, including sections on vision, mission, SWOT analysis, strategic objectives, financial sustainability measures, and implementation action plans. The expert will ensure that the draft reflects local needs and operational feasibility, incorporating feedback from consultations and validation workshops. Deliverables will include contributions to the desk review, workplan, consultation report, draft strategic plan, and a final summary report summarizing the consultancy's objectives and outcomes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in media law, journalism, communications, public policy, strategic management, or a related field. A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in media development, media policy, media regulation, or self-regulation is required, with a focus on governance reform or institutional strengthening in Kosovo or similar contexts in the Western Balkans. Candidates should demonstrate a thorough understanding of the Kosovo media landscape, including its regulatory environment and key media actors. Proven experience in supporting strategic planning or policy development processes, including stakeholder coordination and facilitation of consultations, is essential. The ability to provide substantive Kosovo-specific context analysis is crucial, ensuring that strategic plans are realistic and aligned with institutional needs. Familiarity with local media legislation and its alignment with European standards is also required. Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills, along with proven drafting abilities, are necessary for this role.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree, specifically a Master's Degree (Second-level university degree or equivalent) in fields such as media law, journalism, communications, public policy, strategic management, or a related discipline. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the theoretical knowledge and analytical skills necessary to navigate the complexities of media regulation and strategic planning in the context of Kosovo.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in areas such as media development, media policy, media regulation, or self-regulation. Experience in governance reform or institutional strengthening within Kosovo or comparable contexts in the Western Balkans is highly desirable. The candidate should have a proven track record of supporting strategic planning or policy development processes, demonstrating the ability to engage with stakeholders effectively and facilitate consultations that inform national strategies and institutional development plans.

Languages:
A strong command of English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of the Albanian and/or Serbian languages is required, as these languages are essential for engaging with local stakeholders and understanding the media landscape in Kosovo. Proficiency in these languages will enable the expert to conduct consultations, analyze documents, and provide contextual insights effectively.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this consultancy is classified as a Special Service Agreement (SSA) and is expected to last for a duration of five months. The position is classified as a consultant role, with no specific grade assigned. The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Remuneration will be based on the consultant's qualifications and experience, as well as the tasks and deliverables outlined for this position, in accordance with OSCE established rates. Applicants are required to complete the OSCE's online application form, and only fully completed applications will be considered. The deadline for applications is September 11, 2026.