Back National Expert of Project Development

Background:
Following the Needs Assessment Report “Strengthening the Capacities of Public Security Authorities for Emergency Measures in Mountainous and Remote Areas” (June 2025), conducted by Austrian experts with the support of the OSCE Presence in Albania and the Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI), a series of systemic and operational challenges were identified in Albania’s emergency response system.
The report emphasized the need to improve inter-agency coordination, standard operating procedures, volunteer-based structures, and technical readiness, particularly for emergency response in remote and mountainous areas. Key focus areas include:
Strengthening the Alpine Police Service and its operational capacity for mountain rescue and search operations;
Enhancing the Fire and Rescue Service in prevention, response, and inter-agency cooperation;
Improving the Health Emergency System, ensuring coordination with police and fire services;
Introducing standardized staff work procedures, a culture of operational evaluation, and improved emergency call management systems.
In response, the OSCE Presence in Albania will engage an International Expert to develop a comprehensive, results-oriented project proposal addressing the identified needs. A National Expert will be hired to support this process by providing local knowledge, facilitating stakeholder consultations, and ensuring contextual accuracy and alignment with Albania’s institutional and legal frameworks.

Objective of Assignment:
To assist the International Expert in developing a full-fledged project proposal that operationalizes the findings and recommendations of the needs assessment, with a focus on enhancing Albania’s institutional capacities and coordination mechanisms for emergency response—particularly in the fields of alpine policing, fire service, and health emergencies.

Duration of Assignment:
This assignment is envisaged to be developed during a period of 2 months, tentatively starting from February 2026.

Tasks and Responsibilities:
1. Under the supervision of the OSCE Presence in Albania and in close coordination with the International Expert, the National Expert will undertake the following tasks:
2. A. Support to Technical and Analytical Work
3. Review and analyze relevant national legislation, strategic frameworks, and institutional mandates in the areas of civil protection, emergency response, and law enforcement;
4. Support the mapping of existing national structures, operational capacities, and training systems of the alpine police, fire service, and emergency medical units;
5. Identify relevant national and regional stakeholders (Ministry of Interior, State Police, Civil Protection Agency, Fire and Rescue Directorate, Ministry of Health, local authorities, Red Cross, NGOs);
6. Collect and consolidate background data, policy documents, and operational guidelines relevant to emergency response and inter-agency cooperation;

1.Facilitate meetings, interviews, and workshops between the International Expert and key Albanian stakeholders;
Provide simultaneous interpretation and translation support (English-Albanian-English) during consultations and for relevant written materials;
2.Ensure the International Expert’s recommendations are adapted to the Albanian institutional and operational context;
3.Liaise with OSCE project staff to ensure smooth coordination and logistical support during in-country missions.

Deliverables:
Deliverables

1. Inception Note summarizing the national expert’s work plan and approach (within one week of contract signature);
2. Stakeholder Mapping and Data Summary (covering institutional mandates, ongoing projects, and national priorities);
3. Inputs to the Draft Project Proposal, including locally adapted sections and verified data;
4. Final Contributions to the finalized project document, incorporating national context and feedback;
5. Participation Report summarizing consultations, meetings, and national-level coordination efforts.
Contribution to Project Design
- Contribute to the formulation of project objectives, results, activities, and indicators from a national perspective;
-Provide input to the drafting of the logical framework, implementation plan, and risk assessment;
-Review and validate sections of the draft project proposal to ensure consistency with Albanian legislation and feasibility in the local context;
-Support the finalization of the project document and assist in presentation and feedback sessions with national authorities and partners.

Necessary Qualifications:

• University degree in emergency management, public administration, security studies, or a related field;
• At least 7 years of professional experience in emergency response, disaster management, or public safety institutions in Albania;
• Proven understanding of Albania’s institutional and legal framework for civil protection and emergency response;
• Experience working with or supporting international organizations or donor-funded projects;
• Strong coordination, analytical, and communication skills;
• Excellent command of Albanian and English (written and spoken);
• Familiarity with alpine rescue, fire service operations, or emergency medical response is a strong asset.

Remuneration Package:

Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization.

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process. Additional Information