Back National Expert on Youth Councellors

Background:

The OSCE Presence in Albania through its project “Supporting central and local institutions for inclusive democratic processes in Albania: Empowering Women, Youth and Civil Society (Phase 1) aims to strengthen the capacities and networking opportunities for young elected municipal council members. This initiative aims to create a Young Councillors Network that provides a space for young elected representatives (under 40) to connect, share experiences and engage in professional development opportunities.
This initiative aligns with the Albanian National Youth Strategy 2022–2029, focused to strengthen youth participation in decision-making and build inclusive democratic institutions at both central and local levels. Related to the EU integration efforts and ongoing decentralization reform, this program will support that young councillors are able to better performing their roles at local level. Aligning with the OSCE’s commitment , this intervention reinforces the importance of empowering young people as agents of positive change and democratic development.
Additionally, this network is a sustainable mechanism for further promoting youth issues in Albania. By creating close connections among young leaders, the network will support to promote institutional responsiveness, improve inter-municipal coordination, and embed youth voices more effectively into policymaking processes. This will support to lay the groundwork for a more participatory and representative local government.

In this framework, the Presence will recruit a national expert to conduct a feasibility and need assessment to identify the essential skills, tools and knowledge young municipal councillors require to effectively engage in local governance and propose a networking strategy for fostering greater connection among young councillors in Albania. The national expert will support in drafting and finalizing of this document and will inform the development of a specific capacity-building program

Objective of Assignment:
To support the implementation of this initiative, the Presence will recruit a national expert (to be hired in the framework of the above-mentioned project, under Activity 2.3) for the following two elements.
Firstly, to analyse the unique challenges that young councillors face in engaging at local governance and promoting youth-related issues. This analysis will inform the development of the capacity-building program which aims at addressing the identified challenges and enhancing the effectiveness of young councillors’ role.
Secondly, the expert will propose a comprehensive networking strategy to foster cooperation among them, supporting the development of the Youth Councillors Network, a new mechanism for peer learning, inter-municipal cooperation, and continuous engagement. This will support that young councillor are equipped to collaborate effectively and drive positive change at the local level

Duration of Assignment:
This consultancy is envisaged to be developed during a period of 2 months June-October 2025.

Tasks and Responsibilities:
Develop in consultation with OSCE PiA, the methodology for conducting the study – a detailed draft methodology document for conducting the need assessment and feasibility study for creating and promoting a Youth Councillors Network (Methodology Development captures gender-specific challenges),
Conduct desk research and stakeholder interviews – conduct detailed desk research and 10 interviews with young councillors and relevant stakeholders including the OSCE Presence to gain insights and perspectives on young councillors' needs and potential challenges in promoting a network among them -including aspects related to gender-based barriers (Research and Interviews)

Evaluate Existing Networking Models (map the different existing networking models in other OSCE participating States) to determine providing recommendations for the most suitable network model for Albania (Assess different networks)
Conduct a Survey with Young Councillors – develop and conduct an online survey with a sample of at least 30 young councillors ensuring a balanced gender representation to assess their challenges, needs, priority areas for support and issues in promoting youth-related issues within local governments (Survey, 5-days)
Incorporate a section on concrete strategy or plan aiming at strengthening connections among young councillors and promoting greater engagement with youth issues (2- days)
Detailed recommendations for a capacity-building program designed to address identified needs and improve young councillors' effectiveness in local governance including gender-sensitive components. (3 days)
Prepare final report:
After the final adjustments and feedback from the Presence, the expert will prepare 35-page comprehensive assessment report

Deliverables:
Share the methodology prepared for this study with OSCE PiA for review and the final approval (interim check-in with OSCE PiA will be scheduled to provide and receive feedback on the draft methodology);
Stakeholder Consultation Notes from meetings with young councillors and other stakeholders.
A progress meeting will be held to review findings and ensure alignment OSCE PiA objectives.

Share the recommendations on the most successful network model with OSCE PiA

Feedback session with OSCE PiA to discuss the findings and align next steps.
Share the detailed draft findings identifying for the capacity-building gaps and priority areas for young municipal councillors with OSCE PiA.

Submit a draft networking plan with actionable steps for promoting connections between young councillors and youth organizations with PiA for review.
Capacity Building Program Recommendations submitted to OSCE PiA for review and feedback.
A comprehensive final assessment report (30 pages) summarizing all findings, recommendations, and strategies for developing the Youth Councillors Network and the capacity-building program Incorporate feedback from OSCE PiA and finalize the report.

Necessary Qualifications:

University degree in a field relevant to the OSCE’s Human Dimension pillar, such as international relations, political science, law, development studies, economics, public administration or human geography;

Proven experience in working with local municipalities in Albania, or in similar contexts, particularly with elected representatives;

Have extensive knowledge of local government related legal and institutional framework in Albania, complemented with contacts and work experience with local civil society organizations on youth in different regions across Albania;

Experience in conducting desk reviews, focus groups, surveys and data analyses;

Experience in conducting feasibility studies, need assessment reports evaluation reports;

Outstanding writing and reporting skills, necessary for drafting and finalizing a comprehensive report that summarizes research findings, recommendations and proposed actions in a clear, concise and professional manner;

Native in Albanian. Fluent in written and oral communication skills in English.

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