Background:

The Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports (MCYS) has requested support for the process of setting perimeters and buffer zones around protected cultural heritage sites, a legal requirement deriving from the Law on Cultural Heritage. In response to this request, the Mission will support the MCYS in this process through engagement of Geodesy and Geographic Information System (GIS) experts to conduct the required work. The setting of perimeters and buffer zones around protected cultural heritage sites serves to prevent unauthorized construction, urban expansion that could damage or alter the character of the heritage site, aiming to maintain the visual and environmental setting of the site, ensuring that modern developments do not undermine the cultural, historical, or aesthetic value. Despite progress made by the MCYS in defining perimeters and buffer zones around protected cultural heritage sites in most regions of Kosovo, the perimeters and buffer zones of many heritage sites have still not been set due to lack of specialized staff in cartography and land surveying, who are essential for accurately setting the perimeters and buffer zones of sites proposed for protection. According to the applicable legislation, activities are restricted within the buffer zone of a cultural heritage site. Since the perimeter and buffer zones have not yet been set for many heritage sites, this led to unauthorized constructions by companies and institutions. Furthermore, setting the perimeters around cultural heritage sites is a requirement for their inclusion in the List of Monuments under Permanent Protection.

Objective of Assignment:

The GIS experts will provide technical support in preparing maps clearly showcasing the delineated perimeter and buffer zone for selected cultural heritage sites.

Duration of Assignment:

The Consultant will be hired for 2 months.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Prepare the workplan in co-operation with the OSCE Activity Managers and Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports (MCYS);
• Gather available site boundaries and maps from cultural heritage institutions. Conduct on site spatial analysis to assist and propose appropriate site perimeters and buffer zones for the selected sites;
• Produce high resolution maps (hardcopy and digital) showing the site perimeters and buffer zones of the selected Cultural Heritage sites;
• Submit a draft report to the OSCE Activity Manager for feedback and review, followed by a final report.

Deliverables:

• By 5 November 2025, prepare the workplan outlining the Cultural heritage sites for which the maps showcasing clearly the perimeter and buffer zone for at least 15 cultural heritage sites to the satisfaction of the OSCE Activity Managers.

Performance indicator:

• Qualitative and timely submission of the workplan to the OSCE Activity Manager.
• By 20 November 2025, in co-operation with the MCYS cultural heritage experts to conduct the analysis on the spot with proposed delineations of the sites.

Performance indicator:

• Timely submission of draft proposals to the MCYS officials and the OSCE Activity Managers.
• By 8 December 2025, provide maps to the MCYS and the OSCE Activity Managers.

Performance indicator:

• Timely and qualitative submission of maps showcasing clearly the delineated perimeter and buffer zone of the selected sites.
• By 30 December 2025, submit the final report that meets expectations of the Activity Manager.

Performance indicator:

• Qualitative and timely submission of the draft report and the final report to the OSCE Activity Manager.
  

Necessary Qualifications:

• University degree in geography, urban planning or civil engineering;
• Minimum two years of experience in conducting spatial analysis, site mapping, and developing GIS-based reports to support planning decisions;
• Mapping and defining boundaries;
• Infrastructure or urban planning projects;
• Knowledge of the relevant GIS software (such as QGIS quantum GIS, PROJ) ;
• Experience in creating maps showcasing perimeters and buffer zones around cultural heritage sites is highly desirable;
• Experience with government or international organizations is desirable;
• Good knowledge of English (written and spoken) ;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Attention to detail and quality control.

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 e-mail 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.