ConsultantExpert (SSA)

Background:
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) with 57 participating States is the worlds largest regional security organization. All 57 participating States enjoy equal status and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically but not legally binding basis.

The OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) promotes conflict prevention and integration of diverse societies.

HCNM was established to identify and seek early resolution of ethnic tensions that might endanger peace stability or friendly relations between OSCE participating States. Among the tools that the High Commissioner uses are recommendations to governments of OSCE participating States regarding the treatment of national minorities.

In this work the issue of divergent historical narratives and memorialization has become increasingly prominent in the HCNMs agenda particularly where different communities hold varying perspectives on historical events and their public representation. To address these issues the HCNM has been developing policy considerations and recommendations to assist participating States.

In Kosovo* remembrance practices and historical narratives in public spaces touch upon inter-community relations in complex ways. Historical monuments street names and memorial plaques often reflect mono-ethnic perspectives which can create challenges for building shared public spaces in multi-ethnic contexts. At the same time remembrance activities in public spaces including commemorations and national holidays represent important expressions of cultural identity and intangible cultural heritage that merit recognition and respect.

To inform the HCNMs engagement on these issues in Kosovo and to provide a foundation for developing practical recommendations to authorities particularly at the municipal level the HCNM seeks to commission an internal study that identifies concrete examples where remembrance practices both tangible and intangible intersect with inter-community relations. The study will explore pathways for enabling multiple historical perspectives to coexist in public spaces and for strengthening consultation processes in decisions related to cultural remembrance.

*All references to Kosovo whether to the territory institutions or population in this text should be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorites (HCNM) please see:

Objective of Assignment:

Identify concrete examples of historical sites and remembrance practices in Kosovo that could serve as the basis for future HCNM engagement;

Analyze the nuances of glorification versus victimization in the representation of historical figures and events in public spaces;

Provide findings and recommendations that will inform the HCNMs development of a practical framework that Kosovo authorities can draw upon when engaging in cultural remembrance initiatives

Duration of Assignment:

Maximum eight (8) weeks.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Project Officer the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

Familiarize themselves with HCNM thematic recommendations and guidelines;

Conduct field research in Kosovo on five to ten specific examples of historical monuments street names memorial plaques or other sites of remembrance where the perspectives of different communities could be further explored as a way to reduce the likelihood of tensions in the long-term;

Analyze how historical figures and events are characterized and the impact of such representations on inter-community relations;

Hold consultations with relevant stakeholders in Kosovo including municipal officials civil society representatives community leaders legal experts and other actors involved in cultural policy and remembrance practices;

Assess the current legal and policy framework (or lack thereof) governing the establishment of monuments memorials street names and other forms of public remembrance in Kosovo particularly at the municipal level;

Examine existing consultation mechanisms (both formal and informal) for decisions related to public remembrance and identify gaps and best practices from comparative contexts in post-conflict societies and other relevant regions;

Provide recommendations on key elements that could inform the HCNMs development of a practical framework for Kosovo municipalities engaging in cultural remembrance initiatives including guidance on: navigating issues of glorification and victimization; ensuring inclusive consultation processes; facilitating the coexistence of multiple historical perspectives;

Produce an internal report for the HCNM with concrete recommendations;

Understand the confidentiality of the mandate and commit not to disclose the content of the work without prior approval of the HCNM.

Deliverables:

Inception report (2-3 pages) outlining the research methodology preliminary desk research findings and proposed structure of the study to be submitted within two (2) weeks of contract signature;

Internal report (10-15 pages) presenting:

Five to ten specific examples of historical sites/monuments/street names/memorial plaques in Kosovo where conversations about the perspectives of different communities could be further explored;

Assessment of the current legal and policy framework governing public remembrance in Kosovo particularly at the municipal level including identification of regulatory gaps;

Analysis of international and civil society organizations involvement in these issues in Kosovo to inform HCNM to avoid replication of efforts and ensure coordination with stakeholders;

Recommendations on key elements that could inform the HCNMs development of a practical framework for Kosovo municipalities engaging in cultural remembrance initiatives including: guiding principles for municipal decision-making; criteria for assessing proposed monuments and memorials; procedures for inclusive consultation processes; guidance on navigating issues of glorification and victimization; approaches for facilitating the coexistence of multiple historical perspectives in public spaces;

The final report to be submitted by the end of the consultancy period (maximum eight weeks from contract signature);

Presentation of findings and recommendations at an internal workshop organized by the HCNM in Kosovo with participation of HCNM staff and selected stakeholders. The Consultant will prepare a presentation and lead discussions on the studys findings and recommendations. This workshop will take place following submission of the final report and will serve as a forum for discussing implementation of the recommendations;

Regular updates to the HCNM on progress made throughout the consultancy period.

The product is subject to confidentiality in line with the mandate of the HCNM.

Necessary Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in political science sociology anthropology history cultural heritage studies law international relations or related fields;

• Minimum of six (6) years of professional experience in the field of historical narratives cultural remembrance memorialization inter-ethnic relations and/or minority rights issues;

• Proven experience in conducting field research and stakeholder consultations in multi-ethnic contexts;

• Knowledge of legal and policy frameworks related to cultural heritage memorialization and public space regulation is an asset;

• Knowledge of the political and inter-ethnic context in Kosovo;

• Excellent analytical drafting and research skills including experience in research analysis and elaboration and presentation of studies and policy-oriented documents;

• Knowledge of Albanian and/or Serbian is highly desirable;

• Gender awareness and sensitivity and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;

• Ability to work accurately independently and confidentially;

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and e-mail applications;

• Ability and willingness to work with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds different gender and diverse political views while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;

• Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications.

Remuneration Package:

The suitability of candidates shall be determined taking into account their qualifications expertise experience and the value for money of their services.

Therefore applicants are requested to indicate their proposed daily/monthly rate (or) total lump-sum fee for the foreseen services in their motivation letter.

However OSCE reserves the right for final remuneration decision. The remuneration will be based on the applicable fee scale that applies to the delivery of consultancy services by individual contractors and shall depend on the complexity of the tasks and deliverables and the degree of technical expertise required.

If you wish to apply for this position please use the OSCEs online application link found under 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 shortlisted candidates 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.

Consultants are not OSCE officials and are not subject to the OSCE Staff Regulations and Staff Rules. However through the contractual terms of their Special Service Agreement (SSA) with the OSCE consultants are bound to observe the OSCE Code of Conduct as far as applicable to their role as well as the Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Obligations for Consultants. Both documents are available on the OSCE website.

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

Consultants are solely responsible for the discharge of their financial/tax affairs and compliance with their respective national legislation as may be applicable.

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