Description
The European Endowment for Democracy (EED) is a grant-making organisation which has been established by the European Union Member States, and the European Union institutions to foster and encourage democratisation and deep and sustainable democracy. EED has been established 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, EED has 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 outreach, assessment of grant applications, coaching before, during and after grant implementation, monitoring and evaluation as well as provision of inputs related to various country reports. Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the countries within the EED geographic mandate.
Profile
EED is looking for a part-time local consultant based in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (or neighbouring area) to enhance the in-country support mechanism for its operations in the country and the Western Balkans region, initially for a period of 12 months, with the possibility of extension.
The consultant will be selected on the basis of their reputation and experience, their knowledge and understanding of democratic processes and socio-political developments in the country as well as the scope of their network with various pro-democracy actors, including activists and independent media.
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 or group the consultant belongs to.
DutiesBackground 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 requested, and make recommendations accordingly.Support Grant proposals assessments and processing: EED will be accepting grant requests in Bosnian and English. The consultant will be requested to contribute to the assessment of those requests, including content assessment and information verification 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.Knowledge consultancy: EED seeks to be complementary to other donors, especially to existing EU instruments. In order to guarantee its added value, it will thus request information regarding any existing initiatives that could potentially overlap with the activities it is considering funding. The consultant may be asked to maintain contact with the donor community and provide EED updates on donor activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.EED will further require analysis of the evolving political and security situation and its impact on democracy support and democratisation efforts. The consultant will elaborate reports and updates that would provide such an analysis and focus on the consequences for EED support and activities EED is supporting in the country.Monitoring and Technical Assistance: The EED local consultant will, in coordination with EED, follow up on and support actors that EED is supporting in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This would include providing regular feedback and assessment of the progress of EED supported initiatives. As grants are disbursed and activities initiated, EED may also request the EED local consultant to provide the beneficiaries with technical assistance within the scope of their expertise, if needed and appropriate.Logistical support: Security conditions permitting, the EED local consultant may be asked to provide logistical support for the visits organized by EED to Bosnia and Herzegovina. This could include setting up meetings or other logistical support.Outreach: The EED local consultant will be requested to identify actors whose work could be considered relevant to EED’s mandate. This would be done in close coordination with the Programme team.Financial and narrative reports: The consultant may 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 the EED Programme Manager and under the general supervision of the EED Director of Programmes.
Requirements
relevant professional experience, such as working with civil society and media;thorough knowledge of Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian/Montenegrin and English;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;high personal and professional standards;ability to work in a multicultural environment;references as to the suitability for the performance of duties.
Benefits
An initial consultancy contract shall be concluded for a period of one year, and with a possibility of extension.
The consultancy contract fee rate shall be based on a competitive local salary depending on level of experience where the consultant will receive a fee per day worked (flexible arrangement depending on workload).
Application Process
Should you be interested in this position and meet the criteria, please submit your CV, a motivation letter and contact information for two referees. Applications should be made by clicking on “Apply” on this page. After successfully submitting your application, you will receive an automatic email confirming receipt of your application. Please no phone calls/emails/letters.
The application deadline is August 13, 2023 at midnight Brussels time.
Unfortunately, we cannot respond to every application, therefore only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview. The information provided in the applications is subject to EU legislation on protection of personal data and confidentiality of information.
