Local expert for Strategic Communication of the MoIA - SSA

Consultant

Overview

Enhance strategic communication capabilities in Ministry of Internal Affairs.

You have:

• University degree in Communication, Social Studies, Management or a related field
• Minimum of ten years of experience in strategic communication, media relations, or public sector communication
• Experience in drafting policies or bylaws for public institutions
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing communication strategies, including strategic communication policies, manuals, and action plans
• Experience conducting training sessions and capacity-building programs for senior government officials
• Familiarity with the work of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and public safety agencies is necessary
• Professional knowledge of the Albanian language and a good command of the English language are required; knowledge of the Serbian language will be considered an asset
• Computer literacy and experience in data visualization for communication

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

Background:

In recent years, the Mission has made significant progress in strengthening the communication capacities of public safety institutions and agencies, despite operating in challenging security contexts. Building on the achievements of 2024, the Mission has continued to prioritize strategic communication and capacity-building efforts within public safety institutions to enhance their ability to engage effectively with the public and the media. As part of this ongoing effort, this initiative builds upon previous successes to ensure sustainable improvements in communication practices within public safety institutions. A key focus of the project activity is to enhance strategic communication capacities within the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MoIA), enabling more transparent and effective communication both internally and externally. To achieve this, the Mission will support the MoIA in strengthening communication frameworks through the development of the Policy for Strategic Communication, the development of the Manual for Internal Communication, and targeted capacity-building activities. To ensure that these efforts address the specific needs of the MoIA, the Mission has engaged in consultations with beneficiaries, who have identified priority areas for learning and development. These consultations have highlighted the need for further advancement in both internal and external communication, with a focus on critical topics such as human rights, gender equality, and disability-inclusive communication. To address these needs, the Mission will hire a local expert to support the MoIA in enhancing its communication structures. The expert will be responsible for developing two key strategic documents and delivering a two-day training session for MoIA senior staff. The training will emphasize the importance of internal communication as the foundation for successful external engagement and strategic messaging. In collaboration with MoIA senior staff, communication experts, and representatives from various agencies, the expert will develop a Policy for Strategic Communication. This document will outline fundamental principles and objectives for both internal and external communication, establish communication protocols and procedures, and provide guidelines for crisis communication, public engagement, and media relations. By introducing a structured approach to communication, this policy will facilitate better coordination between the MoIA and its agencies. Additionally, the expert will conduct a comprehensive review of MoIA’s internal communication practices to identify existing challenges and gaps. Based on this assessment, and in close cooperation with the Mission and MoIA stakeholders, the expert will develop a Manual for Internal Communication. This manual will serve as a practical guide, defining roles and responsibilities at all levels, outlining internal communication processes and protocols, and providing recommendations for improving consistency and alignment across the institution. Through these efforts, the project aims to strengthen the strategic communication capacities of the MoIA, ensuring that public safety institutions can engage effectively and transparently with the public and media while fostering improved coordination within the ministry and its agencies.

Objective of Assignment:

To strengthen the strategic communication capacities of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MoIA) and ensure more transparent and effective communication with the public and media, the Mission will hire a local expert. This expert will play a crucial role in developing policy documents and improving internal communication practices. The expert will be responsible for developing a Policy for Strategic Communication, developing a Manual for Internal Communication, and delivering a two-day training session for MoIA senior staff. Through these activities, the expert will contribute to the long-term capacity-building of MoIA and public safety institutions, strengthening their ability to communicate effectively, both internally and with the public and media.

Duration of Assignment:

The Consultant will be hired for 81 working days.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

1. Develop an Inception Report outlining the methodology and work plan (2 weeks);
2. Conduct stakeholder consultations and data collection (3 weeks);
3. Draft the Policy for Strategic Communication (3 weeks);
4. Facilitate a validation workshop with MoIA on the draft Policy for Strategic Communication (3 days);
5. Finalize Policy for Strategic Communication (1 week);
6. Draft the Manual for Internal Communication (3 weeks);
7. Facilitate a validation workshop with MoIA on the draft Manual (3 days);
8. Finalize for Internal Communication (1 week);
9. Develop a three-day training programme for MoIA senior staff on internal communication. (3 days);
10. Conduct a pre- and post-training evaluation of participants' knowledge and share the test results with the Activity Manager;
11. Design and deliver a three-day training for MoIA senior staff on internal communication (1 week);
12. Prepare and submit a Final Report (2 weeks).

Deliverables:

• By 23 May, the Inception Report detailing the methodology, work plan, and key milestones is submitted to the Activity Manager for approval. Performance indicator: Inception Report submitted, reviewed, and approved by the Mission and MoIA
• By 12 Jun, a summary report of consultations with key MoIA stakeholders identifying communication needs and priorities. Performance indicator: Number of stakeholders consulted; completeness and relevance of findings in the consultation report.
• By 30 Jun, complete a draft of the Policy for Strategic Communication, incorporating key strategic communication principles and objectives. Performance indicator: Quality and comprehensiveness of the draft; alignment with MoIA’s strategic objectives.
• By 4 July, the workshop conducted with MoIA stakeholders, feedback documented, and recommendations for improvement collected. Performance indicator: Number of participants engaged; relevance of feedback received; documented workshop report.
• By 10 July, the final version of the document incorporating stakeholder feedback and approved by MoIA. Performance indicator: Approval of final document by MoIA; degree of incorporation of stakeholder recommendations
• By 31 July, completed draft of the Internal Communication Manual detailing communication processes, responsibilities, and best practices. Performance indicator: Clarity, practicality, and applicability of the manual; feedback from MoIA on usability.
• By 04 September, the workshop conducted with MoIA stakeholders, feedback documented, and recommendations for refinement collected. Performance indicator: Number of participants engaged; relevance of feedback received; documented workshop report.
• By 11, September, the final version of the document incorporating stakeholder feedback and approved by MoIA. Performance indicator: Approval of final document by MoIA; degree of incorporation of stakeholder recommendations
• From 15 September, the methodology and work plan to be submitted to the Activity Manager for approval. Performance Indicator: Workplan, Agenda, material to be distributed for the simulations of the training, and other relevant material.
• The pre- and post-training evaluation forms prepared and handed over to participants on 16 September respectively 18 September. Performance Indicator: pre- and post-training evaluation of participants conducted, and forms shared with the PM indicating the results of the evaluation.
• From 16-18 September, training successfully delivered, and participant feedback collected. Performance Indicator: Number of participants trained; participant satisfaction and knowledge improvement based on pre/post-training assessments.
• By 3 October, the final report, including the assessment of training outcomes, key recommendations, and evaluation of overall project impact handed over to PM and MoIA.
• Report submitted and approved; quality of insights, recommendations, and assessment of project outcomes.

Necessary Qualifications:

• University degree in Communication, Social Studies, Management or a related field;
• Minimum of ten years of experience in strategic communication, media relations, or public sector communication;
• Experience in drafting policies or bylaws for public institutions;
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing communication strategies, including strategic communication policies, manuals, and action plans;
• Experience conducting training sessions and capacity-building programs for senior government officials;
• Familiarity with the work of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and public safety agencies is necessary;
• Professional knowledge of the Albanian language and a good command of the English language are required; knowledge of the Serbian language will be considered an asset;
• Computer literacy and experience in data visualization for communication.

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: [email protected]. 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.

Additional Information

• Issued by: OSCE Mission in Kosovo
• Requisition ID: KOS000305
• Contract Type: Special Service Agreement (SSA) / Consultant
• Grade: No grade
• Job Type: Consultant
• Number of posts: one
• Location: KOS - OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Prishtine / Pristina
• Issue Date: Apr 29, 2025
• Closing Date: May 6, 2025
• Education Level: Bachelor's Degree (First-level university degree or equivalent)
• Target Start Date: 15/05/2025

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Potential interview questions

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: vacancies.osce.org