Background:
Under its Extra-Budgetary project “Advancing Media and Information Literacy in Kosovo (2024)”, the OSCE Mission in Kosovo (hereinafter the OSCE), Media Section, seeks to engage an international consultant to support the development of a comprehensive Strategic Direction Paper for MIL to guide the consolidation of conducive MIL policy and regulatory administrative framework within the larger framework of education reforms in Kosovo.
MIL has emerged as a critical priority in Kosovo, given the increasing exposure of the population - particularly youth - to disinformation, misinformation and harmful online content. While initial steps have been taken to integrate MIL into the education system - including its introduction as a cross-curricular topic and, in some cases, as an elective subject - the current approach remains fragmented and lacks a coherent policy framework to guide implementation across education levels and sectors.
Recommendations stemming from OSCE-supported activities, including a study visit to Finland organized in 2024, a public assessment of MIL, and policy briefs developed by local experts, have consistently highlighted the need for a cross-sectoral and strategic approach to MIL to ensure a structured, sustainable and system-wide approach to media literacy in Kosovo.
In response, the OSCE, trough the hiring of the international expert, will support the Ministry of Education and Science in facilitating the development of a multi-dimensional and multi-stakeholder Strategic Direction Paper for MIL through a participatory and inclusive process. This will include desk research, consultations with key stakeholders (including educators, institutions and civil society), drafting of the paper, and its refinement through feedback and public consultation processes.
The engagement of an international consultant, working in close co-ordination with a local consultant, will ensure that the Strategic Direction Paper for MIL is informed by international standards and best practices, while being tailored to the local context. The process aims to result in a well-founded Strategic Direction Paper for MIL endorsed by key stakeholders, laying the foundation for institutional adoption and long-term policy development in Kosovo within the larger framework of education reforms in Kosovo.
Objective of Assignment:
To support the development of a comprehensive Strategic Direction Paper on Media and Information Literacy.
Duration of Assignment:
The Consultant will be hired for 40 working days.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
- Conduct desk research and comparative analysis on MIL policies, strategies and frameworks, including relevant examples and best practices from the region and EU countries. The research will identify key components, approaches and lessons learned applicable to the Kosovo context.
- In close coordination with MES, design the consultation process (dedicated to MIL or as part of the larger consultation process for the Kosovo Education Strategy 2035+) and, where relevant, participate in stakeholder consultations (including workshops/meetings with approximately 20 stakeholders over multiple in person and on-line sessions), ensuring that the Strategic Direction Paper for MIL is informed by the needs, the perspectives of relevant local stakeholders and actors.
- In close co-ordination with the local consultant, draft the Strategic Direction Paper for MIL by providing strategic and methodological guidance, including defining the overall structure, strategic objectives, priority areas, implementation mechanisms, and monitoring considerations, ensuring alignment with international standards and best practices as well as with identified local needs.
- Review feedback received from the OSCE Activity Manager and finalize the draft Strategic Direction Paper for MIL accordingly, ensuring coherence, clarity, and alignment with both international standards and local needs.
- Review feedback received from the MES (through the OSCE Activity Manger) and finalize the draft Strategic Direction Paper for MIL accordingly, ensuring coherence, clarity, and alignment with both international standards and local needs.
- Throughout the process, in close coordination with MES, support the organization of inclusive public consultation meetings (with a minimum number to be defined with the Activity manager) during the said processes in coordination with the local consultant, and the activity manager.
Deliverables:
- A desk research report and comparative analysis outlining key findings and recommendations submitted to the activity manager by 1 September 2026.
- Design of the consultation process and participation, where relevant, in stakeholder consultation sessions, as agreed with the OSCE activity manager and in close coordination with MES between 1 September and 30 September 2026. Aggregate the findings of the stakeholder consultations for their inclusion in the Strategic Direction Paper for MIL by 15 October 2026.
- Draft Strategic Direction Paper for MIL submitted to the OSCE activity manager for review by 30 September 2026. The quality of the draft shall meet the OSCE style guides and standards.
- Finalized draft Strategic Direction Paper for MIL submitted by 15 October 2026. The quality of the final document shall meet required the OSCE style guides and standards.
- Finalized draft Strategic Direction Paper for MIL submitted by 1 November 2026. The quality of the final document shall meet the OSCE style guides and standards, and reflect the comments received from MES.
- Contribution to the organization and implementation of inclusive public consultation meetings, including preparation of inputs and participation as required, during the official public consultation processes (exact time TBC, expected by the last quarter of 2026). Analyse the comments received during the official public consultation process and their inclusion in the Strategic Direction Paper for MIL.
Necessary Qualifications:
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in media studies, journalism, public policy, education, social sciences, or a related field;
- At least ten years of relevant professional experience in media development, MIL, education policy, or related fields;
- Proven experience in drafting or contributing to national or sectoral strategies, policy frameworks, or action plans, preferably in the field of education, media, or digital literacy;
- Demonstrated knowledge of international standards and best practices related to MIL, including experience in EU and/or OSCE participating States;
- Experience in conducting comparative policy analysis and translating international practices into context-specific recommendations;
- Experience in facilitating or contributing to multi-stakeholder consultation processes involving public institutions, academia, and civil society;
- Strong analytical, drafting, and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to produce high-quality policy documents;
- Experience working with international organizations and/or government institutions is an asset;
- Knowledge of the education and/or media landscape in South-Eastern Europe is an asset;
- Excellent command of English (written and spoken);
- Knowledge of Albanian and/or Serbian languages is an asset;
- Computer literacy.
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 email to: consultancy.omik@osce.org. 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: KOS000506
- 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: Jul 30, 2026
- Closing Date: Aug 16, 2026
- Education Level: Master's Degree (Second-level university degree or equivalent)
- Job Field: Media Affairs
- Target Start Date: As soon as possible
