International Consultant - Local Self-Government Strategy Drafting _(SSA)

Background:

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is committed to supporting local institutions in advancing local governance through targeted strategic interventions aimed at consolidation of long-term policy framework.
This specific activity aims at supporting the Ministry of Local Government Administration (MLGA) to draft the new Strategy on Local Self-Government (LSGS) for the next five years, while promoting good governance principles, inter-municipal co-operation, including in areas affecting non-majority communities, as a way to improve governance performance and service delivery, thereby fostering collaboration between communities and enhancing social cohesion.
The new LSGS 2027 - 2031 will be developed and finalized based on the findings and recommendations of the current strategy that were completed this year and the initial strategic objectives drafted by the MLGA Working Group for Development of the Strategy (WG). The new strategy will reflect evolving priorities for the local governance, enhanced co-operation between the two levels of the government and strengthen institutional functions of MLGA and municipalities in line with the international standards. To support this process, the OSCE Mission in Kosovo will engage an international expert who will lead the process and who will work in co-operation and will be supported by a local expert. The two experts will co-ordinate their efforts and complement each other’s work, bringing together the local context and the international good practices as well as in-depth knowledge of institutional, government and, especially, local governance development and reforms.
The aim of this assignment is to provide expert support to the MLGA in developing the Local Self-Government Strategy 2027 - 2031 through a participatory, evidence-based, and results-oriented process. The Strategy will serve as an orientation framework for local governance development over the next five years, through consolidation of legal infrastructure, enhancing local democracy and transparency, advancing digitalization and service delivery. It will provide a clear, measurable, and actionable framework for improvement of local governance.
The strategy will emphasize inclusion of under-represented groups in local level decision-making processes and public life in general. It will incorporate cross-cutting priorities such as gender equality, youth empowerment, and non-majority community inclusion, aligning with the Government’s commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals and the European Charter on Local Self-Government.
All outputs provided, including the final draft of the Strategy 2027 - 2031, shall be the property of the MLGA and the OSCE Mission in Kosovo. The consultant shall treat all information obtained during the assignment as confidential and shall not use or share it without prior written consent.

Objective of Assignment:

Provide expert support to the MLGA in developing the Strategy on Local Self-Government 2027 - 2031 through a participatory, evidence-based, and results-oriented process.

Duration of Assignment:

The Consultant will be hired for 20 working days.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

1. Concept Note and Workplan
   The international expert will lead the process and will:
   Conduct a preliminary desk review of the current Strategy on Local Self-Government 2016 – 2026, implementation analysis and related local governance performance reports and documents.
   Draft and submit a Concept Note outlining the methodology, workplan, key milestones, and proposed structure of the LSGS 2027–2031.
2. Stakeholder Consultation Process and Summary Report
   Co-ordinate with the MLGA Head of WG to engage the main internal and external stakeholders.
   Conduct interviews and/or online consultations to collect input on strategic objectives, institutional priorities and challenges in the field of local governance.
   Produce a concise Consultation Summary Report (3–5 pages) highlighting key findings and strategic inputs.
3. Advanced Draft of the LSGS 2027–2031
   Prepare and submit the advanced draft of the LSGS 2027–2031, including, but not limited to:
   Vision
   Mission
   Core Values
   Strategic Objectives and Expected Results
   Priority Development Areas
   Implementation Action Plan
   Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning
   Ensure the document is harmonized with the legal framework and the Manual of the Government on drafting of strategic document.
   As part of the document, provide a comparison analysis and international documents and good practices on local self-government.
4. Validation Workshop
   Design and facilitate a participatory validation workshop with MLGA and other relevant stakeholders.
   Present the advanced draft of the LSGS and collect structured feedback.
   Prepare a brief summary report outlining the feedback received and key adjustments to be incorporated.
5. Final LSGS and Supporting Materials
   Revise and finalize the LSGS incorporating all feedback.
   Prepare and submit the final version of the LSGS 2027–2031
6. Communication and Co-ordination
   Maintain regular communication and co-ordination with the local expert throughout the entire process.
   Maintain regular communication and co-ordination with the OSCE Activity Manager and the MLGA Head of WG, and provide regular briefs and status reports, as requested.
7. Final Consultancy Report
   Submit a final report summarizing the assignment, including:
   Objectives of the consultancy
   Activities undertaken, and
   Deliverables produced.

Deliverables:

• Analysis from the desk research of the current Strategy on Local Self-Government 2016 – 2026, implementation analysis and related local governance performance reports and documents;
• Provided Concept Note and Workplan with a detailed structural outline of the strategy, and a stakeholder engagement timeline is submitted within 15 working days from the date of contract signature;
• Stakeholder Consultation Summary Report is finalized and submitted to OSCE and MLGA, within 35 working days from the date of contract signature;
• All additional comments to the Stakeholder Consultation Summary raised by the OSCE and the MLGA are addressed and final version of the Report is submitted within 40 working days from the date of contract signature;
• Final draft of the LSGS 2027–2031 submitted for feedback to OSCE and MLGA within 50 working days from the date of contract signature;
• Validation workshop is completed, feedback summary submitted to OSCE and MLGA, and all points raised at the validation workshops are incorporated in consultation with the MLGA and OSCE within 5 working days of the completion of the workshop;
• All additional comments to the LSGS raised by the OSCE and the MLGA are addressed and final version of the document is submitted within 5 working days;
• Final draft of the LSGS 2027–2031 and summary materials are submitted and accepted by MLGA WG within 75 working days from the date of contract signature;
• Regular communication and co-ordination maintained with OSCE, the local expert, and MLGA, with status briefs and updates provided throughout the consultancy as well as upon requested by the OSCE and MLGA;
• Final report summarizing the consultancy submitted, including objectives, activities undertaken, and deliverables produced within 80 working days of contract signature.

Necessary Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in public administration, political science, public policy, strategic management, international development, or a related field;
• Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience in strategic planning, public administration reform, decentralization processes, principles of local democracy, public financial management, and local governance;
• Demonstrated knowledge and expertise of Council of Europe principles of local democracy, functional review methodologies, and modern municipal financing;
• Demonstrated knowledge of high-level policy papers, national strategies, legislative and institutional reform, and action plans or other governance related documents;
• Proven ability to lead participatory workshops, conduct focus groups, and manage multi-stakeholder consultations involving politicians, civil servants, and civil society representatives;
• Strong analytical and communication skills;
• Full professional proficiency in written and spoken English;
• Advanced capacity to collaborate with and guide local consultants to bridge the gap between global theory and local execution.
  

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.

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