International Consultant - Local Self-Government Strategy Drafting

Job Posting Organization:
The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is dedicated to supporting local institutions in enhancing local governance through strategic interventions aimed at establishing a long-term policy framework. The organization focuses on promoting good governance principles and fostering collaboration between communities, particularly in areas affecting non-majority communities. The OSCE has been operational in Kosovo since its establishment, working towards the consolidation of democratic governance and the rule of law. It employs a diverse team of professionals and operates in various sectors, including democratization, human rights, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant is pivotal in aiding the Ministry of Local Government Administration (MLGA) in drafting the new Strategy on Local Self-Government (LSGS) for the period of 2027 to 203

• The consultant will lead a participatory, evidence-based, and results-oriented process to develop this strategy, which aims to enhance local governance, improve service delivery, and promote social cohesion. The consultant will work closely with a local expert to ensure that the strategy reflects both local contexts and international best practices. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of local governance development and the ability to integrate various stakeholder inputs into a cohesive strategic framework.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key tasks, including conducting a preliminary desk review of the current LSGS (2016-2026), drafting a Concept Note and Workplan, coordinating stakeholder consultations, preparing an advanced draft of the new strategy, facilitating a validation workshop, and submitting a final report summarizing the consultancy. Specific duties include:

• Conducting a thorough analysis of existing governance performance reports and documents.
• Drafting and submitting a Concept Note that outlines the methodology and key milestones for the strategy development.
• Engaging with stakeholders through interviews and consultations to gather input on strategic objectives.
• Preparing an advanced draft of the LSGS that includes vision, mission, core values, strategic objectives, and an implementation action plan.
• Ensuring the draft aligns with legal frameworks and incorporates international best practices.
• Designing and facilitating a validation workshop to present the draft strategy and collect feedback.
• Revising the strategy based on feedback and submitting the final version.
• Maintaining regular communication with the local expert and OSCE Activity Manager throughout the process.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in public administration, political science, public policy, strategic management, international development, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in strategic planning, public administration reform, and local governance is required. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of Council of Europe principles of local democracy and possess strong analytical and communication skills. Proven ability to lead participatory workshops and manage multi-stakeholder consultations is essential. Full professional proficiency in English is mandatory, and candidates should have the capacity to collaborate effectively with local consultants.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master's Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as public administration, political science, or international development. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of local governance and the strategic planning processes involved in drafting the Local Self-Government Strategy.

Experience:
The consultant should have at least 10 years of professional experience in areas related to strategic planning, public administration reform, and local governance. This experience should include working with governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as engaging in multi-stakeholder consultations and participatory processes. Familiarity with local governance frameworks and international standards is also necessary.

Languages:
Full professional proficiency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the local context may be considered an asset, but English is the primary language of communication for this consultancy.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 20 working days, and the consultant will be compensated based on their qualifications and experience, in accordance with OSCE-established rates. The OSCE encourages applications from diverse candidates and emphasizes its commitment to inclusion within its workforce. The application process requires candidates to complete the OSCE's online application form, and late submissions or those in different formats will not be considered. The OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process.