Local Consultant for CSO Capacity Building_(SSA)

Background:

In line with its broader OSCE commitments to democratic governance and inclusive participation, the OSCE Mission in Kosovo has continuously supported the development of a resilient and inclusive civil society. The Mission’s engagement has focused on strengthening the professional capacities of civil society organizations (CSOs), enhancing their role in public participation and accountability, and supporting the establishment and functioning of mechanisms for co-operation between CSOs and public institutions at central and local levels.

Building on its long-standing engagement, the Mission conducted in April 2026 a comprehensive needs assessment of the civil society sector, identifying key structural challenges, including limited sustainability, weak strategic planning, insufficient specialization, and barriers to inclusive participation, particularly enhanced for youth, non-majority communities, and persons with disabilities. Based on these findings, the Mission designed and implemented targeted capacity-building interventions combining trainings and mentorship, resulting in measurable improvements in CSOs’ project development and advocacy capacities. At the same time, lessons learned from implementation highlighted the need to further refine the approach to better respond to the realities and constraints of small and mid-sized CSOs.
To ensure that support remains relevant and evidence-based, the Mission aims to revisit its capacity-building approach, placing greater emphasis on fostering structured dialogue and collaboration between CSOs and public institutions, strengthening participatory mechanisms, and enhancing inclusive engagement at the local level. This process is informed both by the needs assessment, as well as by the findings and recommendations stemming from the 2025 Civil Society Forum (CSF), which identified persistent challenges in CSO–government cooperation. These include weak implementation of participatory frameworks, limited institutionalization of co-operation mechanisms, and declining trust.

The findings further underscore the need to strengthen structured, transparent, and inclusive mechanisms for cooperation between CSOs and public institutions, including the operationalization of the Strategy for Cooperation with Civil Society (2026–2031), improved public consultation processes, and more equitable and sustainable funding frameworks. Particular attention is required to ensure meaningful participation of youth, persons with disabilities, and non-majority communities.

In 2026, the Mission will focus on implementing a refined capacity-building programme for CSOs, complemented by tailored mentorship and support to structured dialogue and cooperation mechanisms between civil society and public institutions. Through these efforts, the Mission aims to enhance CSOs’ professional capacities, foster cross-sector collaboration, and strengthen their role in participatory governance and public accountability, with a particular focus on inclusivity and sustainable engagement.
 

Objective of Assignment: 

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo seeks to engage a local consultant with solid experience in the civil society sector to: (i) design and implement a tailored capacity-building programme for up to 30 representatives of locally based CSOs; (ii) provide tailored mentorship upon request; and (iii) contribute to the CSO Caravan and the 2026 Civil Society Forum

Duration of Assignment:

The Consultant will be hired for 20 working days.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

1. Conduct two two-day capacity-building trainings;
2. Contribute to the design and implementation of the CSF 2026;
3. Conduct at least 10 targeted mentoring sessions;
4. Draft and submit the final activity report to the OSCE Activity Manager;

Deliverables:

• By 30 September 2026, two two-day capacity building trainings are delivered to up to 30 CSOs' representatives. Pre and ex-post evaluation of beneficiaries developed and conducted.
• By 30 November 2026, contribute to the design and implementation of the CSF 2026, including concept development, agenda-setting, coordination and facilitation of sessions, as well as reporting on key outcomes.
• By 15 December 2026, 10 targeted individual mentoring sessions with representative/s of CSOs are conducted, with brief mentoring summaries, key action points, and participant feedback documented for each session to ensure clarity and measurability.
• Final Report to be submitted by 20 December 2026.

Necessary Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Law or other relevant fields;  
• At least five years of professional experience in the civil society sector, with focus on capacity-building;
• Fluent in Albanian and English language, knowledge of Serbian language is an asset; 
• Demonstrated ability to produce high quality reports, with clearly actionable recommendations;
• Strong analytical and research skills, and demonstrated experience in conducting ex-ante and ex-post evaluations of beneficiaries;
• Ability to work in complex, multi-stake-holder project environments;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and ability to integrate gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Team work skills, capacity to respond positively to critical feedback, and a consensus-oriented approach to work.

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.

In order to apply for this position, you must complete the OSCE's online application form, found under OSCE Careers- Jobs. Applicants are encouraged to use the online recruitment and only fully completed OSCE applications will be accepted. However, if you have technical difficulties with the system, you may use the offline application form found at Offline application form | OSCE Employment and forward the completed form quoting the vacancy number by email to: consultancy.omik@osce.org. In line with your qualifications please indicate a preference for one or more fields of expertise listed above (while using the online application the field of expertise preference can be indicated in the cover letter part). Kindly note that applications received after the deadline, submitted in different formats than the OSCE Application Form or other languages than the English language would not be considered. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious, ethnic, and social backgrounds to apply.