International Expert on Youth

Background:

Following the Presence’s effort to increase youth engagement and empowerment, the project “Empowering for Citizen Engagement and Gender Equality in Albania- Phase II” is planning to pilot the implementation of citizens assembly in Albania. Specifically, the project aims to support the Municipality of Tirana in implementing its first Youth Climate Assembly , which is a citizen’s participation mechanism designed to amplify the voices of young people in the decision-making process. 

In this framework, to support this project, the Presence is recruiting one international expert to conduct a feasibility study on the implementation of the Youth Citizens’ Assembly model in Albania. 

This study aims to examine the legal and institutional context, as well as evaluate the viability, acceptance and effectiveness of this model in the Albanian context. The study aims to design a hybrid model for implementing the Youth Citizens’ Assembly tool at local level in Albania, with the possibility to upscale it to national level. The international expert should provide and formulate key recommendations on the possible model and methodology that can be implemented, taking into account deliberative democracy practices and experiences of different existent models implemented in Europe and the Western Balkans. The Presence plans to implement this initiative in close co-operation with the Municipality of Tirana at the end of this year. The final report, particularly its findings will be shared with the Tirana Municipality and the team will follow-up with them to start the implementation phase of the Youth Climate Assembly.

 

Objective of Assignment: 
The international expert (to be hired in the framework of the above-mentioned project) will prepare a Feasibility Study on the Implementation of Citizens’ Climate Assemblies in Albania, with the particular focus on youth target group and deliver training session with facilitators engaging in implementing this deliberative democracy model with the Municipality of Tirana.

 

Duration of Assignment:
This consultancy is envisaged to be completed during a period of 3 months, starting potentially from July 2024.

 

Tasks and Responsibilities:
– Develop in consultation with OSCE PiA, a methodology for conducting a feasibility study on the Implementation of Climate Citizens’ Assemblies (Methodology Development);
– Evaluate the different citizens’ assembly models implemented in the region or broader to determine – evaluate which one offers the quality of debate required to give Albanian policymakers confidence in the findings (Assembly Model Evaluation);
– Conduct desk research on relevant national legislation and regulations related to public participation and citizens engagement in decision-making, including citizens’ assembly and conduct interviews with relevant stakeholders including the OSCE Presence, staff of Municipality of Tirana , OSCE’s Youth Advisory Group,  youth representatives and relevant subject experts to gain insights and perspectives on the feasibility and potential challenges in implementing this model in Albania (Research and Interviews);
– Hold a review meeting with OSCE PiA upon drafting the preliminary model for the Climate Citizens’ Assembly and review the draft proposed upon the inputs shared (Review Meeting and Incorporate Inputs);
– Provide key recommendations on how to overcome specific challenges in the implementation and delivery of the Climate Citizens Assembly, drawing from previous experience in the region 
(Recommendations);
– Finalize the feasibility study report outlining findings, proposed methodology, recommendations and key insights on the implementation of the Citizens Assembly Model in Albania (in accordance with the above steps as described under this deliverables section) and share the findings with relevant stakeholders in Albania through holding a presentation session (Finalize the Feasibility Study Report);
Hold a training session with local facilitators and other relevant actors involved in the implementation of the Citizens Assembly (Training session);

Deliverables:

– Share the draft methodology prepared for the feasibility study with OSCE PiA for the final approval;
– Share recommendations on the most suitable assembly model for Albania with OSCE PiA;
– Prepare the Citizens Assembly model including outlining the specific methodology as well as develop a section within the feasibility report dedicated to the possible assembly composition, selection process, particularly with a focus on youth target group, facilitation, structures, evaluation and follow-up; 
– Incorporate the inputs from OSCE PiA and Municipality of Tirana in the model drafted for the implementation of the Climate Citizens’ Assembly;
– Share in a section within the feasibility report key recommendations on overcoming specific challenges in implementing the Climate Citizens Assembly supported by relevant case studies and examples from the region or abroad, particular focus on youth target group;

– Present the findings to relevant stakeholders, particularly Tirana Municipality, through a presentation and submit the final feasibility report to OSCE PiA;
– Conduct one training session with local facilitators and other relevant stakeholders involved in the implementation of the Youth Citizens Assembly model, aiming at enhancing their understanding and capacities of this model; 

 

Necessary Qualifications:

•    University degree in a field relevant to the OSCE’s Human Dimension pillar, such as international relations, political science, law, development studies, economics, public administration or human geography;
•    Relevant experience in designing, conducting and implementing Citizens Assemblies, preferable with a track record of successful implementing it;
•    Proven experience in participatory democracy, climate policy, and stakeholder engagement with previous experience in the region or similar contexts;
•    Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills;
•    Fluent in written and oral communication skills in English;
•    Outstanding writing and reporting skills, necessary for drafting and finalizing a comprehensive feasibility study report and presenting key findings to relevant stakeholders;

 

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.

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-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment or to offer an appointment 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 to become a part of the Organization. 

 

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. 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.

 

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