National Thematic 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.
 

Thematic Clusters 

Five national thematic experts will be engaged, one per cluster. The 2027-2032 Strategy will be structured around the following thematic policy areas (clusters) expected to be confirmed by the MoICR at the outset of Phase 2. Each national thematic expert will be paired with one cluster and will work closely  with the corresponding inter-institutional working group throughout the consultancy:

• Institutions

• Education

• Media

• Social Cohesion

• Intercultural Policies

Applicants should indicate their preferred cluster(s) and relevant expertise in their application.

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.

More specifically, each national thematic expert will:

• Draft the narrative for their thematic cluster of the Strategy and the corresponding Action Plan chapter, in co-ordination with their respective inter-institutional working group and under the overall guidance of the Lead Expert;

• Ensure that the thematic content is grounded in the findings of the Phase 1 implementation assessment and needs assessment, reflects European and International standards, and is consistent with the realities of the Republic of North Macedonia;

• Work closely with the Lead Expert and the other thematic experts and contribute substantively to the overall drafting process, ensuring coherence across thematic sections.

Duration of Assignment:

The consultancy is expected to commence in September 2026 and to conclude by mid-December 2026.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the overall supervision of the HCNM designated focal point, and in close methodological co-ordination with the Lead Expert, each national thematic expert will be expected to: 

1. Familiarize themselves with thematic recommendations and guidelines, the previous Strategy ("One Society for All" 2020-2026), the 2022-2023 consolidated evaluation report, the Phase 1 inter-institutional working group report for their cluster, and the needs assessment findings;

2. Engage with the inter-institutional working group of their thematic cluster, attending working group meetings as required and drawing on the analytical work of the group throughout the drafting process;

3. Participate in the Phase 1 transition meeting (end of September 2026) at which the outputs of the inter-institutional working groups and the needs assessment are presented; 

4. Draft the narrative for the thematic section of the Strategy and the corresponding chapter of the Action Plan for their cluster, in line with the common drafting methodology and template agreed with the Lead Expert;

5. Work closely with the Lead Expert and the other thematic experts to contribute substantively to the overall drafting process and to ensure coherence and consistency of approach across thematic sections;

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

7. Co-organise, jointly with the the MoICR and under the leadership of the Lead Expert, and contribute substantively to the two structured stakeholder consultation events (indicatively early October and late November 2026), including by presenting and discussing the draft content of their cluster section;

8. Revise their thematic section and Action Plan chapter in response to feedback from the Lead Expert, the MoICR, the HCNM, the OSCE Mission to Skopje, and stakeholders consulted in the process; 

9. Maintain regular communication with the Lead Expert and 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:
 

• First draft of the thematic section of the Strategy and  the corresponding Action Plan chapter for the cluster, integrating  the findings of the Phase 1 implementation assessment and the needs assessment, in advance of the first stakeholder consultation (indicatively early October 2026);

• Revised draft of the thematic section and  Action Plan chapter, incorporating feedback from the first stakeholder consultation, the MoICR, the Lead Expert, the HCNM, and the OSCE Mission to Skopje (where relevant), in advance of the second stakeholder consultation (indicatively late November 2026);

• Final  thematic section and Action Plan chapter in English, ready for integration by the Lead Expert into the consolidated draft Strategy by early-December 2026; 

• Regular participation and substantive contribution at the Phase 1 transition meeting, at working group meetings of the relevant thematic cluster, and at the two structured stakeholder consultation events; 

• Regular written progress updates to the HCNM designated focal point and the Lead Expert throughout the consultancy period, at a frequency to be agreed at the outset. 

All deliverables will be produced in English. The product is subject to confidentiality in line with the mandate of the HCNM.

Necessary Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in a field relevant to the thematic cluster for which the candidate applies (e.g. law, political science, education, public administration, media studies, sociology, or related fields);

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

• Minimum of seven (7) years of professional experience in the thematic area for which the candidate applies, with a demonstrated track record of work in the Republic of North Macedonia or in directly comparable contexts;

• Strong knowledge of the political, legal, and inter-community context of the Republic of North Macedonia, including the Ohrid Framework Agreement and subsequent legal and policy developments;

• Familiarity with the previous Strategy ("One Society for All" 2020-2026) and with national institutions and stakeholders active in the relevant thematic cluster; 

• 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 contributing to the design or drafting of national strategies, action plans, or comparable government policy documents;

• Excellent analytical, drafting, and research skills, including experience in producing 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.