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Maintain regular communication with the HCNM designated focal point throughout the consultancy, and ensure confidentiality of the mandate and of all working materials shared in the course of the assignment. * Advanced university degree in political science, sociology, law, public policy, international relations, minority rights, or related fields * Minimum of ten (10) years of professional experience in the field of integration of diverse societies, interculturalism, minority rights, or related public policy areas * Demonstrated experience with national strategies, action plans, or comparable government policy frameworks * Excellent analytic.
Last checked: 6 hours ago
Closing date: Monday, 20 July 2026
Country: Global
Duty station: HCN - OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, The Hague
Contract type: Special Service Agreement (SSA) / Consultant
Grade: NP3
Open to: Internationals
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Background:
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) with 57 participating States is the world’s 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.
For more detailed information for structure and work of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, please see: https://hcnm.osce.org
The Office of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) has supported the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia on policy frameworks relating to interculturalism and the integration of diverse societies, including the current National Strategy for the Development of the "One Society for All" Concept and Interculturalism, which expires on 31 December 2026. By Government Conclusion adopted at its 129th Session on 18 November 2025, the Ministry of Inter-Community Relations (MoICR) has been formally tasked with preparing the successor National Strategy for the Development of Interculturalism and Social Cohesion 2027–2032 and its Action Plan.
The drafting process is structured in two sequential phases. Phase 1 (April–September 2026), led by the MoICR, comprises two parallel streams: (i) an assessment of the implementation of the current Strategy, conducted by inter-institutional working groups convened by the MoICR; and (ii) a needs assessment of citizens' views on inter-community relations, carried out by a local implementing partner with the support of the OSCE Mission to Skopje. Phase 2 (September–December 2026) consists of the drafting of the new Strategy and Action Plan by a Lead Expert and five national thematic experts.
Objective of Assignment:
The overall objective of the consultancy is to support the Ministry of Inter-Community Relations in producing a comprehensive, evidence-based, inclusive, and participatory National Strategy for the Development of Interculturalism and Social Cohesion 2027–2032 and an accompanying Action Plan, reflecting European and international standards and grounded in the realities of the Republic of North Macedonia.
More specifically, the Lead Expert will:
Duration of Assignment:
The consultancy is expected to commence in September 2026 and to conclude by mid-December 2026, with potential for an extension through January–February 2027 in response to possible opinions and comments received during the government adoption process.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
Under the overall supervision of the HCNM designated focal point, the Lead Expert will be expected to:
Deliverables:
Necessary Qualifications:
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 rate, in the pre-screening section at the end of the application phase.
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.
Qualified applicants will be included in the HCNM roster. Inclusion in the roster does not constitute any obligation on the part of the OSCE to award contacts. Engagements under SSA will be made on an as-needed basis for specific HCNM activities.
If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.
The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-open the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment or to offer a consultancy assignment with a modified job description or for a different duration.
Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment 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 (Nationality and/or residency requirements may be applicable for locally hired consultancies).
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 https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.
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.
Additional Information
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