Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Programme Co-ordinator

Background

As mandated by the 2003 OSCE Roma and Sinti Action Plan (Chapter VII), ODIHR has been addressing the situation of Roma and related groups in crisis and post-crises situations in particular in the Western Balkans region, which has been affected by ethnic tensions and conflicts in 1990s. ODIHR pays particular attention to the situation of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians, including the situation and reintegration of displaced persons from this community. Many governments in the region have developed Roma integration strategies and action plans, however, their implementation at local level and anticipated impact on the situation on the Roma people in the areas of education, employment, housing and access to services is a long-term process. Western Balkan governments have frequently expressed their willingness to enhance efforts in the implementation of action plans to ensure that Roma are truly benefitting from them. The international community can play a key role in supporting governments, centrally and locally, in this endeavour. In 2011, ODIHR was awarded EU funding for a regional project in the Western Balkans to strengthen the capacity of central and local governments and mechanisms in dealing with Roma and related groups and enhance the integration of these communities into society. The specific objectives of the project are to: (i) enhance Roma participation in decision making of policies of their concern (ii) enhance access to civil registration and legal aid services for Roma groups, (iii) empower Roma to benefit from initiatives aiming to legalise or improve their housing situations, (iv) enhance Roma participation in public life and (v) foster cross border co-ordination and initiatives improving Roma participation. Currently, there is a lack of young Roma who are able to take leadership positions and promote the integration of Roma communities, both at the central government level and among civil society organizations. This problem undermines the quality of policy planning and implementation. In order to support the development of young Roma professionals, BPRI project developed a specific programme for 24 Young Roma Professionals throughout the Western Balkans region. For the purposes of this programme, BPRI seeks to recruit a Programme Co-ordinator.

Objective of the assignment: To co-ordinate and supervise training of Young Roma Professionals in order to build their capacities.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the BPRI Regional Co-ordinator, the Programme Co-ordinator will:

Organize and facilitate the recruitment process for Young Roma Professionals; Co-ordinate the work of 8 trainers (to be recruited by BPRI separately); Organize logistics for the programme launch;
Ensure the quality of training materials and events; Propose the training venue, draft the agenda, and maintain the list of participants. Organize 4 regional trainings; Ensure EU visibility in all training materials; Maintain the communication with the BPRI Regional Co-ordinator, BPRI National Project Officers, and relevant Ministries; In co-operation with the BPRI National Project Officers, respond to any questions and provide guidance to the Young Roma Professionals. Raise any problems with the BPRI Regional Co-ordinator; Prepare monthly reports regarding the training process and the progress of the Young Roma Professionals programme in general; Compile monthly reports based on inputs from trainers and Young Roma Professionals; Submit the final programme report. Location: The Programme Co-ordinator will be required to carry out his/her work from his own premises.

Necessary Qualifications

Completed University degree in social sciences, education or related field; Minimum of five years of professional experience in organizing training events, including for Roma. Experience in regional training and EU-funded projects will be an asset; Experience in preparation of training curricula and logistics; Knowledge and awareness of the situation of the Roma communities in the region of Western Balkans; Excellent oral communication and drafting skills in English language. Knowledge of Albanian, Bosnian/Croatian/Montenegrin/Serbian or Macedonian language will be considered as an asset; Ability to work with minimal supervision and under pressure. Deliverables:

By 10 December 2012, conclude the facilitation of recruitment processes; In March and June 2013, organise two sets of training events; Submit the monitoring report no later than seven working days upon the finalisation of the trainings; Submit the final programme report by 5 November 2013.

Remuneration Package

The Programme Co-ordinator will carry out his/her assignment during 90 part-time days between November 2012 and September 2013. The remuneration rate per day will be EUR 150 (for a total of up to EUR 13,500 for the entire assignment). The consultant will be reimbursed upon presenting an invoice in the standard OSCE template specifying the number of days worked. BPRI will cover all travel and accommodation costs of the consultant.

How to apply: 

CV and cover letter in English should be submitted by 21 November 2012 to the following address: recruit@odihr.pl. The selection of successful candidates will be based on the application and interview. Dates and place of interviews will be communicated only to short listed applicants. The results will be posted on the website: www.bpri-odihr.org. Incomplete applications will not be considered.