European Endowment for Democracy – EED is looking for a local consultant based in North Macedonia to enhance local support mechanism for its operations, specifically focusing on the Albanian community in the country, initially for a period of 12 months, with the possibility of extension. Apply by 14 March 2022.
Description
European Endowment for Democracy (EED) is a grant-making organisation established by the European Union and its Member States to foster and encourage democratisation and sustainable democracy. EEDfunctions as an independent private law foundation with its seat in Brussels.
While EED statutes do not foresee the setting up of any regional offices in the countries that fall within the scope of its geographical mandate, the Endowmenthas a network of consultants in key countries, to help provide its Secretariat with knowledge consultancy services as well as technical assistance and logistical support. This work includes research and analysis as well as outreach, monitoring and evaluation.
Profile
EED is looking for a local consultant based in North Macedonia to enhance local support mechanism for its operations, specifically focusing on the Albanian community in the country, initially for a period of 12 months, with the possibility of extension.
The consultant will be selected on the basis oftheir reputation and experience, their knowledge and understanding of political developments in the country, and the scope of their network (including CSOs, both established and recent, emerging social movements, alternative media outlets, etc.).
The consultant could belong to a CSO or other form of group but would not qualify to receive EED support during the period in which they will be carrying out services to the Secretariat. This limitation applies both to requests submitted at the individual level and on behalf of the organisation.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Knowledge consultancy: EED seeks to be complementary to other donors, especially to existing instruments of the EU and its Member States. In order to guarantee its added value, EED will request information regarding any existing initiatives that could potentially overlap with the activities it is considering funding. Within the possibilities given the situation on the ground, the consultant will be expected to maintain contact with the donor community and provide EED updates on donor activities inNorth Macedonia.
Further, EED will require local analysis of the evolving political and security situation and its impact on democracy support and democratisation efforts. The consultant will provide reports and updates that would provide such an analysis and focus on the consequences for EED support and activities EED is supporting in North Macedonia.
Background checks: EED will require reliable references of the persons or associations applying for support in order to make its funding decisions. The consultant, is in this regard, expected to carry out background checks when asked to, and make recommendations accordingly.
Support Grant proposals assessments and processing:EED will be accepting grant requests in local languages in addition to English. The consultant will be requested to contribute to the assessment of suchrequests, including content assessment, information verification, and reference checking among others. Likewise, the consultant may be requested to coach applicants following initial requests for support, to help them refine their proposals to be considered for EED support.
Activity Follow-up and Technical Assistance: EED country consultant will, in coordination with EED Secretariat, follow up on and support initiatives and activists thatEED is supporting in North Macedonia. This would include providing regular feedback and assessment of the work of EED supported initiatives (ensuring, among other things that funds are being spent adequately and activities carried out as agreed). As grants are disbursed and activities initiated, EEDmay also request the country consultant to provide the beneficiaries with technical assistance if needed and when appropriate.
Logistical support: Security conditions permitting, EED country consultant may be asked to provide logistical support for EED Secretariat direct engagement with grantees from North Macedonia. This could include setting up meetings and other logistical support.
Outreach: EED country consultant may be requested to identify and/or approach actors whose work could be considered relevant to EED mandate.
Financial and narrative reports: The consultant will be requested to assist in the assessment of financial and narrative reports submitted to EED by grant beneficiaries.
Communication and reporting
The consultant will work under the direct guidance of EEDProgrammeManager and the EED Programme Team. The consultant is expected to coordinate all of his/her work with the Programme Team and write regular activity reports.
Required Expertise
The consultant shall meet the following requirements:
- relevant academic background, preferably in the field of social sciences and humanities
- relevantprofessional experience, preferably in civil society; experience in grant-making process will be considered an advantage
- thorough knowledge of English and Albanian languages; knowledge of other languages spoken in North Macedonia is of advantage.
- excellent writing and communication skills
- ability to keep full confidentiality about all assigned tasks and related documentation as well as able to exercise confidentiality, discretion and tact when dealing with diverse groups of people;
- ability to develop strong working relationships internally and externally at all levels;
- high personal and professional culture;
- ability to work in a multicultural environment;
- references as to the suitability for the performance of duties.
Terms of Contract
An initial consultancy contract shall be concluded for a period of one year, with a possibility of extension.
The contract is not exclusive and will include commitment for up to 10 working days per month. May it be required, the Consultant can be engaged for additional working days, following prior written consent by EED Secretariat.
A period of three-months probation will apply. The consultancy fee shall be based on a competitive salary depending on level of experience.
How to apply?
Application Process
Expressions of interest in this position should be made through online application: https://apply.workable.com/j/8D85928513
Please submit your CV (Europass format preferred) including a motivation letter and contact information for two referees.
EED will not accept phone calls, emails or letters regarding the recruitment process. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview, which may take place virtually or in person. A written test may take place as part of the selection process.
The application deadline is 14th of March 2022, at 12 midnight, Brussels time.