Lead Expert (SSA)— Drafting of the National Strategy for the Development of Interculturalism and Social Cohesion 2027–2032 and its Action Plan (Republic of North Macedonia)

Background:

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) with 57 participating States is the world’s largest regional security organization. All 57 participating States enjoy equal status, and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically, but not legally binding basis.

The OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) promotes conflict prevention and integration of diverse societies. HCNM was established to identify and seek early resolution of ethnic tensions that might endanger peace, stability or friendly relations between OSCE participating States. Among the tools that the High Commissioner uses are recommendations to governments of OSCE participating States regarding the treatment of national minorities.

For more detailed information for structure and work of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, please see: https://hcnm.osce.org

The Office of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) has supported the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia on policy frameworks relating to interculturalism and the integration of diverse societies, including the current National Strategy for the Development of the "One Society for All" Concept and Interculturalism, which expires on 31 December 2026. By Government Conclusion adopted at its 129th Session on 18 November 2025, the Ministry of Inter-Community Relations (MoICR) has been formally tasked with preparing the successor National Strategy for the Development of Interculturalism and Social Cohesion 2027–2032 and its Action Plan.

 The drafting process is structured in two sequential phases. Phase 1 (April–September 2026), led by the MoICR, comprises two parallel streams: (i) an assessment of the implementation of the current Strategy, conducted by inter-institutional working groups convened by the MoICR; and (ii) a needs assessment of citizens' views on inter-community relations, carried out by a local implementing partner with the support of the OSCE Mission to Skopje. Phase 2 (September–December 2026) consists of the drafting of the new Strategy and Action Plan by a Lead Expert and five national thematic experts.
 

Objective of Assignment: 

The overall objective of the consultancy is to support the Ministry of Inter-Community Relations in producing a comprehensive, evidence-based, inclusive, and participatory National Strategy for the Development of Interculturalism and Social Cohesion 2027–2032 and an accompanying Action Plan, reflecting European and international standards and grounded in the realities of the Republic of North Macedonia.

More specifically, the Lead Expert will:

• Co-ordinate the drafting process across all thematic clusters and ensure coherence of the final Strategy and Action Plan;

• Integrate the findings of the Phase 1 implementation assessment and needs assessment into the analytical foundation and narrative of the Strategy;

• Support and guide the work of the five national thematic experts throughout the drafting process;

• Serve as the primary point of contact for the HCNM, the OSCE Mission to Skopje, the MoICR, and  other key counterparts throughout the consultancy.

Duration of Assignment:

The consultancy is expected to commence in September 2026 and to conclude by mid-December 2026, with potential for an extension through January–February 2027 in response to possible opinions and comments received during the government adoption process.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the overall supervision of the HCNM designated focal point, the Lead Expert will be expected to:

1. Familiarize themselves with thematic recommendations and guideline, the previous Strategy ("One Society for All" 2020-2026), the 2022-2023 consolidated evaluation report, and other relevant national and international policy documents;

2. Develop and drafting methodology and outline structure for the new Strategy and Action Plan, to be agreed with the MoICR and the HCNM at the outset of the consultancy;

3. Participate in the Phase 1 transition meeting and any preceding co-ordination meetings, in order to engage early with the work of the inter-institutional working groups and to integrate the analytical work of Phase 1 into the drafting approach;

4. Co-ordinate the work of the five national thematic experts: provide them with methodological guidance and a common drafting template, review their thematic contributions, and ensure coherence across clusters;

5. Liaise on a regular basis with the MoICR focal point, relevant line ministries, independent agencies, and the OSCE Mission to Skopje;

6. Integrate the findings of the needs assessment and the inter-institutional working group reports into the analytical foundation and narrative of the Strategy;

7. Produce successive drafts of the consolidated Strategy text and Action Plan, incorporating input from the MoICR, the HCNM, the OSCE Mission to Skopje, and stakeholders consulted in the process;

8. Lead the organization of and contribute substantively to the two structured stakeholder consultation events (indicatively early October and late November 2026), organized jointly with the MoICR and the national thematic experts;

9. Revise the draft Strategy and Action Plan in response to feedback received from the MoICR, the HCNM, stakeholder consultations, and review by the HCNM Senior Legal Adviser;

10. Draft and submit the final consolidated draft Strategy and Action Plan as the basis for subsequent submission by the MoICR to the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia for adoption, targeted for January 2027;

11. Maintain regular communication with the HCNM designated focal point throughout the consultancy, and ensure confidentiality of the mandate and of all working materials shared in the course of the assignment.

Deliverables:
 

• Inception report (3-5 pages) setting out the proposed drafting methodology, outline structure of the Strategy and Action Plan, division of work with the five national thematic experts, and an indicative work plan with key milestones, to be submitted within three (3) weeks of contract signature;

• First consolidated draft of the Strategy and Action plan, integrating the contributions of the five national thematic experts and the findings of the Phase 1 implementation assessment and needs assessment, in advance of the first stakeholder consultation;

• Revised draft of the Strategy and Action Plan, incorporating feedback from the first stakeholder consultation, the MoICR, and the HCNM, in advance of the second stakeholder consultation;

• Final consolidated draft of the Strategy and Action Plan in English, completed by early December 2026, as the basis for subsequent submission by the MoICR to the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia for adoption (targeted for January 2027);

• Leadership and substantive contribution to the two structured stakeholder consultation events (indicatively October and later November 2026), and participation in the Phase 1 transition meeting;

• Regular written progress updates to the HCNM designated focal point throughout the consultancy period, at a frequency to be agreed at the inception stage. 

Necessary Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in political science, sociology, law, public policy, international relations, minority rights, or related fields;

• A first-level university degree in combination with additional qualifying experience of equivalent scope may be accepted in lieu;

• Minimum of ten (10) years of professional experience in the field of integration of diverse societies, interculturalism, minority rights, or related public policy areas;

• Demonstrated experience with national strategies, action plans, or comparable government policy frameworks;

• Strong knowledge of relevant European and international standards related to integration as well as human and minority rights;

• Familiarity with HCNM thematic recommendations and guidelines, in particular the Ljubljana Guidelines on Integration of Diverse Societies, would be an asset;

• Proven experience in co-ordinating multi-disciplinary expert team and in managing inclusive consultation processes with government, civil society, and minority communities;

• Excellent analytical, drafting, and research skills, including experience in the elaboration and presentation of strategy and policy-oriented documents;

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Macedonian; knowledge of Albanian is desirable;

• Gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;

• Ability and willingness to work with people of different cultural, and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and e-mail applications..

Remuneration Package:

The suitability of candidates shall be determined taking into account their qualifications, expertise, experience, and the value for money of their services. Therefore, applicants are requested to indicate their proposed daily rate, in the pre-screening section at the end of the application phase.

OSCE reserves the right for final remuneration decision. The remuneration will be based on the applicable fee scale that applies to the delivery of consultancy services by individual contractors, and shall depend on the complexity of the tasks and deliverables and the degree of technical expertise required.

Qualified applicants will be included in the HCNM roster. Inclusion in the roster does not constitute any obligation on the part of the OSCE to award contacts. Engagements under SSA will be made on an as-needed basis for specific HCNM activities.

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-open the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment or to offer a consultancy assignment 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 (Nationality and/or residency requirements may be applicable for locally hired consultancies). 

Consultants are not OSCE officials and are not subject to the OSCE Staff Regulations and Staff Rules. However, through the contractual terms of their Special Service Agreement (SSA) with the OSCE, consultants are bound to observe the OSCE Code of Conduct as far as applicable to their role, as well as the Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Obligations for Consultants. Both documents are available on the OSCE website. 

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.

Consultants are solely responsible for the discharge of their financial/tax affairs and compliance with their respective national legislation, as may be applicable.

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