Local Consultant for Association of Kosovo Municipalities Development Strategy

Job Posting Organization:
The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is dedicated to fostering local governance and supporting local institutions through strategic interventions aimed at establishing a long-term policy framework. The organization has been operational in Kosovo since its establishment, focusing on promoting good governance principles and enhancing the capacity of local governments. The OSCE operates in various countries, emphasizing democratic governance, human rights, and the rule of law, with a mission to create a stable and secure environment for all citizens. The organization employs a diverse team of professionals committed to these goals, working collaboratively with local and international partners to achieve sustainable development outcomes.

Job Overview:
The position of Local Consultant for the Association of Kosovo Municipalities (AKM) Development Strategy involves providing expert support in the drafting of the AKM's Development Strategy for the years 2027 to 202

• The consultant will engage in a participatory, evidence-based, and results-oriented process to ensure that the strategy reflects the evolving priorities of local governance and addresses the challenges faced by municipalities. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of the legal framework and local governance developments in Kosovo, as well as the ability to coordinate efforts among various stakeholders. The consultant will be responsible for conducting analyses, facilitating stakeholder consultations, and drafting the final strategy document, which will serve as a guiding framework for local governance development over the next three years. The strategy aims to promote good governance, enhance municipal performance, and ensure the inclusion of under-represented groups in decision-making processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including:

• Conducting a preliminary desk review and providing a contextual analysis of local governance and municipal performance developments.
• Drafting a Concept Note and Work Plan that outlines the methodology, key milestones, and structure of the Development Strategy.
• Coordinating the stakeholder consultation process, engaging with civil society organizations, international organizations, and municipal leadership.
• Drafting a stakeholder consultation report to be integrated into the Consultation Summary Report.
• Drafting and finalizing the Development Strategy, incorporating an in-depth analysis of local governance structures and institutional challenges.
• Designing and facilitating a validation workshop to gather feedback on the draft strategy.
• Preparing a summary report on feedback received and making necessary adjustments to the strategy.
• Maintaining regular communication and coordination with the OSCE and AKM throughout the assignment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in public administration, political science, public policy, strategic management, or a related field. A minimum of five years of relevant experience in public administration, think tanks, or strategic planning is required, preferably with government and local government institutions. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of the local governance legal framework and institutional reforms in Kosovo, along with strong facilitation and drafting skills. Proven experience in supporting strategic planning or policy development processes, stakeholder coordination, and providing contextual inputs to government strategies is essential. Candidates must also exhibit strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills, as well as proven drafting abilities.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's Degree (Second-level university degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as public administration, political science, public policy, or strategic management. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of local governance and the strategic planning processes involved in developing the AKM's Development Strategy.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in public administration, think tanks, or strategic planning, with a focus on government and local government institutions. Candidates should have a demonstrated track record of working on local governance issues, including knowledge of legal frameworks and institutional reforms in Kosovo. Experience in facilitating participatory workshops and leading stakeholder consultations is also essential for this role.

Languages:
A strong command of English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of Albanian and/or Serbian is required, as these languages are essential for effective communication with local stakeholders and understanding the context of local governance in Kosovo.

Additional Notes:
The consultant will be hired for a duration of 20 working days, and the remuneration will be based on the consultant's qualifications, experience, and the tasks and deliverables outlined in the job description. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Applications must be submitted using the OSCE's online application form, and late submissions or those not in the required format will not be considered. The OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process.