National Expert for mapping key digital tools for citizen participation in local governance

Background:
Within the framework of the project “Supporting Central and Local Institutions for Inclusive Democratic Processes in Albania: Empowering Women, Youth and Civil Society (Phase 2)”, this activity aims to strengthen the role of civil society organizations (CSOs), local communities, and citizens in decision-making processes at local and level.
This activity will map, assess, and recommend digital tools and platforms that local municipalities can use to strengthen citizen engagement, with a particular focus on youth participation.

The aim of the activity is to provide digital solutions that increase outreach, foster community participation, and make local decision-making more transparent and inclusive, thereby contributing to stronger local governance and more robust democratic practices.

While some Albanian municipalities already employ multiple digital platforms to engage citizens and young people, these tools are not systematically documented or assessed from an inclusion, accessibility, and usability perspective, nor are lessons learned consolidated for wider replication. Many Albanian municipalities, especially medium and smaller ones, face gaps in citizen engagement and limited technical capacity. This assessment seeks to bridge that gap by identifying practical, cost-effective solutions that can be adapted to varying levels of institutional readiness.

Objective of Assignment: 
The national expert will conduct an assessment, identifying tools currently used by well-resourced municipalities in Albania and abroad, and highlighting best practices from other municipalities that have successfully engaged citizens. 

Duration of Assignment:
This consultancy assignment is envisaged to be completed during a period of 4 months starting from May-June 2026.

Tasks and Responsibilities:
Desk Research and International Mapping (3 days)
Conduct desk research of existing digital tools and platforms used for citizen engagement, with a focus on youth participation. 
The research should:
• Map at least 15-20 digital tools;
•Assess each tool against criteria: functionality, cost, open-source availability, accessibility, language support, mobile-friendliness, and scalability;
• Review relevant academic literature, and publications, and project reports;
Identification of best practices (2 days):
Identify at least 6 - 8 best practice examples from municipalities internationally and in the Western Balkans. For each:
• Document the tool used, the participatory process, the target group (esp. youth), outcomes achieved, and lessons learned
• Assess what made them successful from inclusion, gender, and youth perspectives
• Include at least 2 examples from the Western Balkans/SEE region
Albanian Municipal Landscape Assessment (2 days):
Map the current use of digital tools by Albanian municipalities:
• Survey/desk review of digital tools currently used by well-resourced municipalities (e.g. Tirana, Elbasan, Korça, Vlora)
• Identify gaps and challenges faced by medium and smaller municipalities
• Review the existing legal and institutional framework for digital citizen participation in Albania
Interviews with Municipal Stakeholders (2 days)
Conduct semi-structured interviews (6 - 8) with selected municipal representatives, IT officers, youth councillors, youth organizations and CSOs to:
• Assess current capacities, infrastructure, and willingness to adopt digital tools
• Understand specific needs and barriers (technical, financial, institutional)
• Gather input on youth engagement priorities and preferred platforms
Localization and Recommendations (1 day)
Based on the above steps, develop tailored recommendations:
• Propose 3–5 recommended digital tools/platforms suitable for Albanian municipalities, categorized by municipality size and capacity
• For each tool: provide cost estimates, technical requirements, implementation steps, and expected timeline
• Include a feasibility assessment (difficulty level, costs, human resources needed)
Draft Report and Guidance Document (2 days)
Compile all findings into a comprehensive draft report with an annexed guidance document:
• Consolidate them into a coherent assessment report
• Develop an accessible, user-friendly guidance document for municipalities on how to select, deploy, and manage the proposed digital tools
• Include practical checklists, step-by-step guides, and FAQs
 

Deliverables:
• Annotated inventory of 15–20 digital tools with comparative matrix
• Literature review summary (2–3 pages)
Submitted to the OSCE PiA for review.
• 6-8 case studies (1–2 pages each) structured by: context, tool used, process, results, and transferability
• Summary matrix of key success factors
Albanian landscape analysis including:
• Overview of digital tools currently in use by Albanian municipalities
• Gap analysis by municipality size/type
• Summary of regulatory framework
Interview report including:
• Interview questionnaire (approved by OSCE prior to fieldwork)
• Summary of findings per municipality
• Synthesis of common needs, barriers and opportunities
Recommendations document including:
•Tiered recommendations (basic/intermediate/advanced) by municipality capacity
• Implementation roadmap per recommended tool
•Cost-benefit overview and feasibility matrix
Submitted to the OSCE Presence for review.
Draft assessment report (at least 30 pages) with:
Executive summary
• Full assessment findings
• Recommendations and implementation roadmap
• Annexed guidance document for municipalities (10–15 pages)
Submitted to OSCE PiA
 

Necessary Qualifications:

• A minimum Master’s degree in the fields of Social Sciences, Development Studies, Political Studies, Law, Economy, Public Administration, European Studies, International Cooperation, or Information and Communication Technology;
•Experience as a consultant/advisor/analyst for development organizations, organizations, CSO or state institutions for at least 5 years;

• Demonstrated experience with digital governance, civic technology, e-participation platforms, or digital tools for citizen engagement;

• Have extensive knowledge of civil society-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/ data analysis, as well as rapid assessments and/or evaluations with participatory research tools and methods;

• Excellent English drafting, reporting and communication skills
 

Remuneration Package:

Remuneration will be 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.