Introduction

The International Organization (IOM) announces a Call for Expressions of Interest from civil society organizations and NGOs to submit proposals for participation in the project "Support Institutions and Communities to Build an Open and Inclusive Society in Kosovo, funded by the British Embassy in in Kosovo and Swiss Embassy, aims to foster a more socially cohesive environment by enhancing minority participation in public life.

Background

The International Organization (IOM) announces a Call for Expressions of Interest from civil society organizations and NGOs to submit proposals under the project ""Support Institutions and Communities to Build an Open and Inclusive Society in Kosovo, funded by the British Embassy in in Kosovo and Swiss Embassy, The initiative focuses on improving the responsiveness, inclusivity, and resilience of public institutions, while creating opportunities for meaningful participation and improving access to education and employment. These efforts are crucial for building resilience against the risk of escalating conflicts.

In collaboration with authorities, IOM is working to protect the rights of minority communities by integrating these rights into legislative frameworks. The project seeks to strengthen the legal and policy environment for non-majority communities by reviewing and updating existing policies and by-laws, and by promoting public engagement in the policymaking process through an online consultation platform. By involving key stakeholders and legal experts, this initiative aims to ensure better inclusion and advancement of minority rights, contributing to a more equitable and inclusive society in Kosovo.

This initiative requires collaboration with a reputable and experienced NGO that can effectively coordinate with the IOM team to lead and facilitate the entire process. The selected NGO should possess a strong track record in similar projects, particularly in areas related to community engagement, minority rights, and policy advocacy. Their expertise will be crucial in ensuring that the process is managed efficiently and that all stakeholders are actively involved and aligned with the project’s objectives. The NGO will also play a key role in navigating potential challenges, fostering collaboration among diverse groups, and driving the project toward successful outcomes.

Objective

Enhance the legal framework and policy development for non-majority communities by reviewing and revising existing legislation, as well as to promote public participation in the policymaking process through an online consultation platform.

Proposed interventions

• Review Existing Laws: Conduct a comprehensive review of the current legal framework in Kosovo related to minority rights and involve legal experts to lead the process of reviewing legal documents.
• Identify Policies and By-Laws: Identify and revise policies and by-laws to address gaps and enhance the protection of non-majority rights.
• Establish a Working Group: Form a multi-stakeholder working group consisting of representatives from key governmental and community organizations.
• Online platform promotion: Promote the use of the public consultation platform through a multi-faceted awareness campaign.

Overarching Outcomes:

1. Comprehensive review and analysis of existing laws related to minority rights. The review of existing legislation and policies will result in a comprehensive understanding of the current legal framework's shortcomings and areas that require improvement.
2. Strengthened the capacity of public institutions to implement and uphold minority rights. Through policy revisions and legal expertise, public institutions will be better equipped to enforce laws that protect minority rights, ensuring compliance with international standards and improving the overall inclusivity of governance.
3. Enhanced public awareness and engagement in policymaking processes. The public media campaign will raise awareness of the online consultation platform, increasing citizen participation in the policymaking process, particularly among non-majority communities.
4. Increased coordination and collaboration among key stakeholders. A creation of a working group involving diverse stakeholders will foster collaboration and dialogue among key players in the field of community rights, enhancing the capacity for sustained policy development and advocacy.

Expected results

1. Comprehensive review and analysis of existing laws related to minority rights. The review of existing legislation and policies will result in a comprehensive understanding of the current legal framework's shortcomings and areas that require improvement.
2. Strengthened the capacity of public institutions to implement and uphold minority rights. Through policy revisions and legal expertise, public institutions will be better equipped to enforce laws that protect minority rights, ensuring compliance with international standards and improving the overall inclusivity of governance.
3. Enhanced public awareness and engagement in policymaking processes. The public media campaign will raise awareness of the online consultation platform, increasing citizen participation in the policymaking process, particularly among non-majority communities.
4. Increased coordination and collaboration among key stakeholders. A creation of a working group involving diverse stakeholders will foster collaboration and dialogue among key players in the field of community rights, enhancing the capacity for sustained policy development and advocacy.

Impact

Improving the responsiveness, inclusivity, and resilience of public institutions, while creating opportunities for meaningful participation and improving access to education and employment.

Partnerships and collaboration

 •           Partnerships: Partnerships with relevant institutions, and other organizations working on the same issues are possible.

In the case of a partnership, project proposals should include a clear description of the role of the partner organization/institution.

Proposed timeline:

 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025

Qualification and experience

• At least 5 years of experience in analyzing, reviewing, and drafting legal documents, particularly those related to minority rights and human rights.
• Proven experience in policy advocacy, development, and implementation, with a focus on minority issues.
• Experience in working with diverse stakeholders, including government bodies, international organizations, and civil society organizations, to build coalitions and advocate for policy changes.
• Experience in managing and coordinating complex, multi-stakeholder projects, including budgeting, planning, and monitoring, to ensure that project goals are met within specified timelines.
• Experience in working directly with minority communities to understand their needs, concerns, and aspirations. This might include organizing community consultations, focus groups, or participatory workshops.
• Strong ability to review and interpret legal documents, identify gaps, and propose amendments to enhance the protection of non-majority communities.
• Deep understanding of the cultural, social, and political dynamics of non-majority communities, with the ability to approach issues with empathy and respect.
• Ability to establish and maintain relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including government agencies, international organizations, and grassroots community organizations.

Submission of the project proposal

The application must be submitted by e-mail to the IOM.

Applications are submitted exclusively via the e-mail address: iompristinaapplications@iom.int,

The application is submitted via e-mail in PDF format (signed and scanned).

Place and deadline for submission of the project

 The Application must be submitted electronically, and documents signed via email at:  iompristinaapplications@iom.int, no later than 18^th of September 2024, before midnight. Late Application after the deadline will not be considered.