Local Expert on drafting the Assembly of Kosovo’s Strategy for Institutional Information and Communication 2026-2028 _(SSA)

Background:

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is committed to supporting the Assembly of Kosovo in strengthening its transparency, outreach, and engagement with the public. As part of this effort, the Assembly is developing its Strategy for Institutional Information and Communication (SIIC) 2026–2028, which will serve as a strategic roadmap to guide the Assembly’s institutional development over the next three years. The SIIC aims to enhance the Assembly’s capacity to communicate effectively, engage with the residents, media, and civil society, and ensure public access to timely and accurate information.

To support the drafting of the SIIC, the OSCE Mission will engage a qualified local expert with extensive experience in strategic planning within legislative or governance contexts. 
The SIIC will adopt a participatory, evidence-based, and results-driven approach, with particular attention to the inclusion of marginalized groups and those living in remote areas, such as rural populations, non-majority communities, persons with disabilities, women, and youth. The strategy will establish a clear, measurable, and actionable framework to guide the Assembly’s efforts in improving its institutional ability to reach out to the wider public.
By enhancing the Assembly’s capacity to inform and engage the public, the SIIC will contribute to greater transparency, accountability, and public trust in the Assembly. It will reinforce the Assembly’s legislative, oversight, and representative functions while integrating cross-cutting priorities, including gender equality, youth empowerment, and inclusion of non-majority communities. In doing so, the strategy will align with the Assembly’s broader commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

Objective of Assignment: 

Providing expert support in developing the Assembly’s Strategy for Institutional Information and Communication 2026-2028 through a participatory, evidence-based, and results-oriented process.

Duration of Assignment:

The Consultant will be hired for 20 working days.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Inception Note and Workplan 

• Desk review of Assembly communication practices, Rules of Procedure, SIIC 2019–2021, and other strategic documents. 
• Inception Note outlining methodology, workplan, milestones, and proposed SIIC structure.
• Input submitted for review and approval to the OSCE/ Activity manager. 
   

Stakeholder Consultation Process and Summary Report

• Coordinate with the Assembly to identify and engage key internal and external stakeholders, including MPs, Assembly staff, media representatives, CSOs, and representatives of marginalised groups. 
• Conduct interviews, focus groups, and/or online consultations to collect input on communication priorities, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
• Produce a concise Consultation Summary Report (3–5 pages) highlighting key findings, thematic insights, and recommendations for the strategy.
• Summary report submitted for review and approval to the OSCE/ Activity manager. 
   

First Draft of the Strategy

Prepare and submit the first complete draft of the Strategy for Institutional Information and Communication 2026–2028, including, but not limited to:
          Vision, mission, and guiding principles for the Assembly communication
          Strategic objectives and expected results in transparency, outreach, and public engagement
          Priority areas for communication improvement and inclusivity measures
          Action Plan with timelines, responsibilities, and resources
          Indicators for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the strategy

• First draft submitted for review and approval to the OSCE/ Activity manager. 
   

Validation Roundtable

• Design and facilitate a participatory roundtable with key stakeholders to present the draft strategy, gather feedback, and ensure shared ownership.
• Prepare a brief summary report outlining the feedback received and key adjustments to be incorporated into the final version.

Final Strategy and Supporting Materials

• Revise and finalise the Strategy for Institutional Information and Communication 2026–2028, incorporating stakeholder feedback.
• Strategy document submitted for review and approval to the OSCE/ Activity manager. 
   

Communication and Coordination

• Maintain regular communication and coordination with the OSCE Mission in Kosovo (Democratization Department, Governance Section) and the Assembly of Kosovo throughout the entire process.
• Provide regular briefs and status updates as requested.
• Collaborate closely with the international and local expert responsible for developing the Assembly of Kosovo’s Strategic Development Plan (SDP) 2026–2030 to ensure coherence between the SIIC and the broader strategic objectives of the SDP

Final Consultancy Report

• Submit final report summarising assignment (objectives, activities, deliverables, lessons learned, recommendations).

Deliverables:

Inception Note drafted and approved by OSCE and Assembly focal point.
Methodology, stakeholder mapping, timeline, coordination mechanism, and proposed SIIC structure within 20 days from contract signature.
 

Detailed consultation plan, list of stakeholders, data collection tools (interview/focus group guides), schedule.
Stakeholder Consultation Summary Report finalised and validated by the OSCE and Assembly.
3-to-5-page summary of consultations including key findings, themes, and recommendations.
 

Report submitted within 40 days from contract signature.
 

First draft of the Strategy for Institutional Information and Communication 2026–2028 submitted for feedback to OSCE and Assembly. 
Full strategy draft including vision, objectives, action plan, Monitoring and Evaluation framework submitted within 60 days from contract signature.
 

Validation roundtable completed and summary report submitted to OSCE and Assembly.
Roundtable agenda, presentation slides, facilitation plan, feedback tools.
Summary of feedback from roundtable, list of agreed changes to the draft strategy submitted within 70  days from contract signature.
 

Final draft of the Strategy 2026–2028 submitted and accepted by stakeholders within 80  days from contract signature.
 

Final version of strategy document, revised based on feedback. Includes Action Plan and Monitoring and Evaluation indicators.
 

Regular communication and coordination with the OSCE and the Assembly of Kosovo is maintained throughout the assignment, and regular status briefs and updates are provided upon request.
 

Regular communication and information exchange, including participation in joint meetings when required, alignment of timelines, and harmonization of approaches while respecting the distinct nature of each process.
 

Final consultancy report submitted to OSCE and the Assembly within 90 days from contract signature, including summary of the assignment, activities, outputs, lessons learned, and recommendations.

Necessary Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in public relations, communication studies, political science, international development, or a related field;
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in developing and implementing institutional communication strategies, preferably with parliaments or legislative institutions;
• Demonstrated knowledge of good governance, institutional reform, parliamentary development, and public engagement practices;
• Excellent command of English and Albanian languages (written and spoken); knowledge of Serbian language will be considered as an asset;
• Experience in drafting policy papers, communication strategies, action plans, and similar strategic documents.
• Strong analytical and communication skills;
• Outstanding writing and reporting skills; 
• Experience in conducting interviews, focus group discussions, and surveys for primary data collection;
• Capacity to co-ordinate with a wide range of interlocutors, including MPs, legislative staff, media, civil society, and international partners, to ensure comprehensive data collection;
• Full professional fluency, including excellent drafting and analytical skills, in English language.
   

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.