Call for a Regional Internship Program is open!

We are pleased to announce a great opportunity for 5 young people from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, North Macedonia and Serbia to attend a paid internship in civil society organizations from Western Balkans.

If you are a young person who wish to gain firsthand experience in civil society in Belgrade, Pristina, Tirana or Skopje in a period of two months, learn about European integration, contribute to youth participation and structured dialogue and connect with young people from the region, apply for internship at this link.

Deadline for submitting applications is 29 October 2024.
 You are an ideal candidate if you:
 are last year student or a graduate of age 20-30 from Albania, Bosnia and
Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia or Serbia
 are interested in the work of civil society organizations (CSOs)
 have a general understanding of the EU integration process in the Western Balkans and a strong interest in rule of law, human and minority rights and youth issues
 have previous experience in youth initiatives and civil sector (preferably)
 are adaptable to working in a multicultural environment
 are capable for working in a team but also independently
 possess good knowledge of English – oral and written
 have a solid Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
 Who is providing internship and when?

In Belgrade – Center for Democracy Foundation, starting at the beginning of November 2024

In Pristina – Kosovar Stability Initiative, starting at the beginning of December 2024

In Tirana – Academy of European Integration and Negotiations and Youth Act Center, starting at the beginning of December 2024

In Skopje – NGO Info Center, starting in the first half of November 2024

Please note that you cannot apply for a two-month internship with the CSO located in your economy. You CAN apply for internship in more than one city/CSO. Each of the listed organizations will provide internship to one intern from the region.

What do we as CSOs hosting the interns offer?
You will attend a two-month mentoring program and gain knowledge in several areas:
 Advocacy and communication
 Human rights, with focus on social and economic rights, youth participation, SDGs,
European integrations and other relevant reform processes
 Project management
 CSO task management
 Networking and establishing partnerships
 Event organization

We will introduce you to cultural and entertaining events and facilitate your becoming familiar with local people and culture.

We will assist you to expand your peer and colleague network.

What do we expect from you as an intern?
 To be committed to your tasks
 To contribute your time, energy and motivation to the best of your capabilities
 To participate in the entire period of paid internship program
How can you apply?
To apply for internship in Belgrade, Pristina, Skopje and Tirana, please use the link. To complete the application, please prepare your:
 CV (no longer than 2 pages)
 Motivation letter (no longer than 2 pages)

Additional information
Following the application phase, the shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview. If you are selected for an interview, please note that it will be held in English. Following the interview phase, the successful candidates will be contacted shortly to provide information/documents for completion of the preparation process. We as CSOs organizing the internship will provide the selected intern with accommodation, meals, one round trip to the city of CSO location, local transport and health insurance.
The selected candidates/interns will sign a contract with CSOs organizing the internship, who are solely responsible for fulfilling the rights and obligations of the intern.

Period for submitting applications: 15 October – 29 October 2024

For additional questions on internship, you may contact:
In Belgrade, Center for Democracy Foundation -> mina@centaronline.org
In Pristina, Kosovar Stability Initiative -> brikene_hoxha@iksweb.org
In Skopje, NGO Info center -> elena@nvoinfocentar.org.mk
In Tirana, Academy of European Integration and Negotiations -> mona.xhexhaj@aien.al and Youth Act Center -> director@youthact.al

We are looking forward to welcoming you to our communities and organizations where you will create new experiences, have intercultural exchange and contribute to reduction of prejudices among youth in the region. Join us!

Internship is being organized as part of the Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe – RYDE, funded by European Union.

11 October 202411 October 2024

Call For Participation: Policy Labs on Youth Participation, Employment, Health, Media & Culture

Join us in creating opportunities for collaboration, bringing together young people and policy makers to discuss and work on mainstreaming youth policies across all relevant areas!

RYDE (Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe) project team invites youth representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs), ministries/institutions, local decision-makers, youth councils, youth from political parties, youth representatives from media and other relevant stakeholders to join the upcoming policy labs. These sessions aim to establish and improve dialogue between decision-makers and youth representatives in order to jointly identify opportunities for improving youth policies in the Western Balkans in the following five areas:

Youth participation
Youth employment (with a focus on Youth Guarantees)
Sexual and reproductive health
Media literacy among youth
Culture and cultural heritage

POLICY LABS OVERVIEW

National Level: Each country (partnering organisation) will host 3 Policy Labs on national level (1 in-person and 2 online). These labs will gather youth representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs), ministries/institutions, local decision-makers, youth councils, youth from political parties, youth representatives from media and other relevant stakeholders to discuss and propose recommendations based on the detailed „Joint Comparative Analysis of Youth Policies in the Western Balkans“.

Regional Level will serve as the basis for policy identification. Regional Policy Labs (1 in-person and 2 online) will bring together representatives from across the region to further refine, discuss and share examples from each country which can be used in formulation of the recommendations.

WHY PARTICIPATE?

This is a unique opportunity to:

Contribute to policy recommendations that address important youth issues in your country and the region.
Collaborate with peers from ministries, relevant institutions, youth councils, NGOs, political parties, and other relevant stakeholders
Be part of a broader regional conversation, sharing and learning best practices from neighboring countries.

WHO CAN JOIN?

We are seeking participants with experience in the above listed five areas from:

Ministries (youth-related and topic-specific)
Youth councils and organizations
CSOs
Political parties
Independent institutions
Individuals/youth activists
Local decision-makers

WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU:

Before the event, make sure you thoroughly understand the topic. Prepare any recent developments, key challenges, and successful strategies related to the topic.
Engage actively in the discussions by listening attentively and responding thoughtfully. Asking clarifying questions or providing examples from your own experience can enrich the conversation.
Offer constructive feedback that is specific and actionable. Focus on how policy documents can be implemented or improved based on your insights or observations.
Help formulate clear, practical recommendations. Draw on best practices, evidence from your work, or successful outcomes you’ve observed or been part of.

The organisation hosting in charge of the topic will compose the team for each lab based on the expressed interest. The activities are expected to start in October/November.

Please select one of the topics from the table below when applying for the policy labs via the email provided. For national teams, apply within the topic designated for your country. Alternatively, you may choose to participate in regional policy labs by selecting from the other topics listed.

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested parties should submit their expression of interest with detailed information about activities in relevant area via email by October 15th, 2024.

Country	Key topic	Partner organisation	Contact
Albania	Youth participation	Youth Act Center Academy of European Integration and Negotiations	director@youthact.al *mona.xhexhaj@aien.al
Bosnia and Herzegovina	Employment (focus on Youth Guarantees)	Network of Progressive Initiatives	anida@mpi.ba
Kosovo	Sexual and reproductive health	Kosovar Stability Initiative	brikene_hoxha@iksweb.org brikene_berisha@iksweb.org
North Macedonia	Media literacy/digitalization	NGO Info Center Foundation	elena@nvoinfocentar.org.mk bbejkova@nvoinfocentar.org.mk
Serbia	Culture	Center for Democracy Foundation	mina@centaronline.org dajana@centaronline.org

Join us in shaping the future of youth policies, employment, health, media, and culture in the Western Balkans. Together, we can create impactful, evidence-based policy recommendations that reflect the needs and priorities of young people across the region.

For more information, please contact Network of Progressive Initiatives via email anida@mpi.ba

3 October 20243 October 2024

Production of an Informative Documentary on the Situation of Migrant Workers in Kosovo

Background and Rationale

In recent years, Kosovo has seen an increasing number of migrant workers, particularly from Southeast Asia, including the Philippines. These workers have become integral to sectors such as construction, agriculture, and domestic work. Despite their contributions, migrant workers often face a range of challenges, including poor working conditions, limited access to social protections, and insufficient legal safeguards. The legal framework governing labor migration in Kosovo, primarily regulated by the Law on Foreigners, provides some provisions for migrant workers but suffers from weak implementation and enforcement. Migrant workers in Kosovo, particularly Filipinos, often endure irregular contracts, wage violations, and unsafe working environments. In addition, many are unaware of their rights and have limited access to mechanisms that protect them from exploitation and discrimination. The documentary will serve as a tool to increase public awareness of these issues and will highlight the essential contributions of migrant workers to the Kosovar economy. The documentary is part of the broader “Empowerment and Protection Initiative for Migrant Workers in Kosovo,” a project supported by GIZ Kosovo, aimed at addressing these challenges through advocacy, awareness campaigns, and capacity building for migrant workers and the institutions that support them. The project’s ultimate goal is to improve the protection and working conditions of migrant workers in Kosovo while promoting policy reforms that ensure their rights are upheld.

Objectives of the Project

The “Empowerment and Protection Initiative for Migrant Workers in Kosovo” is designed with the following objectives: Raise Awareness: Enhance understanding among the general public, policymakers, and employers about the rights and contributions of migrant workers in Kosovo. Strengthen Legal Protections: Advocate for stronger enforcement of existing labor laws and the introduction of new policies that better protect migrant workers from exploitation and rights violations. Capacity Building: Empower migrant workers through training and awareness sessions to better understand and advocate for their rights. Promote Policy Reform: Collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to drive policy changes that improve working conditions and ensure legal protections for migrant workers. Data Collection and Advocacy: Gather accurate data on the status of migrant workers to inform future policies and advocate for better implementation of existing labor regulations.

Objective of the Documentary

The primary objective of the documentary is to provide an informative and compelling visual narrative that highlights the experiences, contributions, and challenges of migrant workers in Kosovo. The documentary will serve as an advocacy tool to:

a. Showcase the living and working conditions of migrant workers in Kosovo, focusing on Philipines migrant workers.

b.Illustrate the legal and institutional gaps in protecting migrant workers’ rights.

c. Present the contributions of Filipino workers to Kosovo’s economy and society.

d. Provide recommendations for improving the legal framework and support mechanisms for migrant workers.

e. Foster dialogue among key stakeholders, including the government, employers, and NGOs, to promote better working conditions for migrant workers.

Professional company/expert will be selected in a competitive process. The main mean of distribution will be through social media, but also in local media. The selected contractor is expected to perform the following tasks:

Outputs

a. A 10-15 minute documentary focusing on the experiences and challenges of migrant Philippine workers in Kosovo.

b. Full usage rights for all music and footage used.

c. Subtitles in English (or other languages, as required).

d. final delivery of all video files in high-resolution formats suitable for web and broadcast.

Submitting the Offer

All companies/ expert that would like to express their interest, send the proposal along with financial offer, at IKS offices and/also email address: brikene_hoxha@iksweb.org, no later than 16th of September 2024.

3 September 20244 September 2024

Terms of Reference: Training on Mitigation and Mediation

IKS is implementing the project “Toward Social Justice and Equity”, funded by International Swedish Agency for development – SIDA, through Community Development Fund – CDF. The Overall Objective of the Project is to contribute to greater social justice by improving implementation of labor rights and labor-related legislation through enabling active engagement of civil society and social partners. A greater social justice would contribute to better distribution of opportunities, wealth and privileges in the society. This would directly enhance the condition in the labor market for all workers and especially the more vulnerable groups: women and formally and informally employed in the private sector, as the least protected categories in the labor market at risk of being poor. To achieve this, we have set the specific objectives of the Project such as:

SO1: Increase civil society and citizen engagement in reporting labor-related violations and enforcement of labor rights and Occupational Safety and Health;

S02: Promote social justice and especially OSH law enforcement across the labor-market and in public domain;

S03: Strengthen the capacities of Social Partners to more effectively represent their constituencies;

S04: Contribute to Policy Debate by analyzing, debating and initiating pol icy change;

SO5: influence and support initiatives for establishment of trade unions in the private sector in non-traditional trade union sectors.

Scope of Work:

Mediation is an underutilized legal mechanism that the project seeks to promote in resolving labour-related conflicts. However, alternative dispute resolution is a relatively new concept in Kosovo, only in 2008 the first Law on Arbitration and the Law on Mediation were adopted, followed by the Law of 2018 which introduced compulsory mediation. Adhering to this type of out-of-court mechanism for disputes is still relatively neglected by the business community. Accepting arbitration and mediation remains challenging. Moreover, the general lack of awareness was remains a difficult challenge to address.

The contract on mediation and mitigation training aims to address key issues on violations of labor and OSH laws. Through this service contract, the objective is to utilize strategic conflict mitigation and mediation as an approach to improve the implementation of labour related legislation through responsible institution on solving violations of labour. Engagement of the judiciary system in improving the implementation of laws, represents a unique opportunity for advancing the implementation quality of labour related legislation.

By supporting litigation cases related to violations of labour legislation, the project seeks to make case law an instrument to implementation of legal provisions and raising the awareness of those discriminated against, to address the injustice done towards them through the legal system.

Submitting the offer

All companies/expert that would like to express their interest, send the proposal along with financial offer, at email address info@iksweb.org, no later than 18th of September 2024. The application should include CV of the expert as well as proven experience in the past.

Do you want to submit an offer? Click the button below for more information.

26 July 202426 July 2024

Preparation of a Baseline Study about gender-based discrimination in the workplace

Kosovar Stability Initiative (IKS), in partnership with Kosovar Gender Studies Center (KGSC), is implementing the project “Advancing Gender Equality and Diversity through Elimination of Gender-Based Discrimination at Workplace”, funded by the European Union, managed by the European Union Office in Kosovo. The main aim of the project is to identify some of the current struggles and challenges in organizing the labor market in Kosovo from the prism of human rights on gender-based discrimination. By identifying the main issues, the proposed action will also list the most appropriate public policies and strategies for the key actors for interventions in the labor market with the purpose of enhancing current norms and practices at work, with an emphasis on underprivileged social groups. The proposed action targets the more sensitive social groups in Kosovo, which stand at the bottom of the social and economic hierarchy, and gives a stance in including and respecting their rights, as a precondition of Kosovo to fulfill EU Accession processes. To achieve this, the specific objectives of the project are committed to:
O1: Improve gender perspective in EU accession documents.
O2: Increase the engagement of women’s organizations in the EU Integration process.
O3: Inform and engage society in Gender and EU Integration discourse

APPLICATION PROCESS

Companies/experts submitting proposals are invited to demonstrate their capability and credentials to offer these services. Interested companies should submit their proposal including the required documents such as:
– A proposal of the methodological approach;
– At least two references of similar work in the past;
– Financial offer,
Implemented by:
– Business ID (for companies/organizations only); and
– Personal CV (for individuals only) or CV of one of the experts involved in the research (for companies only).
All required documents should be submitted to the email brikena_berisha@iksweb.org, no later than the 14th of August at 17:00.

Below you will find the Terms of Reference.

ToR_BaselineStudy_2ndcall

11 July 202411 July 2024

Conduct survey with businesses in the gastronomy sector to monitor the implementation of labor related legislation in Kosovo

IKS is implementing the project “Toward Social Justice and Equity”, funded by International Swedish Agency for development – SIDA, through Community Development Fund – CDF. The Overall Objective of the Project is to contribute to greater social justice by improving implementation of labour rights and
labour-related legislation through enabling active engagement of civil society and social partners. A greater social justice would contribute to better distribution of opportunities, wealth and privileges in the society. This would directly enhance the condition in the labour market for all workers and especially the more vulnerable groups: women and formally and informally employed in the private sector, as the least protected categories in the labour market at risk of being poor. To achieve this, we have set the specific objectives of the Project such as:

SO1: Increase civil society and citizen engagement in reporting labour-related violations and enforcement of labour rights and Occupational Safety and Health; Increase civil society and citizen engagement in reporting labour-related violations and enforcement of labour rights and Occupational Safety and Health;
SO2: Increase information and awareness on labour rights in Western Balkans, especially in call centre sector, based on the recommendations of the baseline studies (SO1). Promote social justice and especially OSH law enforcement across the labour-market and in public domain;
SO3: Strengthen the capacities of Social Partners to more effectively represent their constituencies;
SO4: Contribute to Policy Debate by analysing, debating and initiating policy change;
SO5: influence and support initiatives for establishment of trade unions in the private sector in non-
traditional trade union sectors.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Companies/experts submitting proposals are invited to demonstrate their capability and credentials to
offer these services. Interested companies should submit their proposal including the required documents such as:
– A proposal of the methodological approach;
– At least two references of similar work in the past;
– Financial offer,
– Business ID (for companies/organizations only); and
– Personal CV (for individuals only) or CV of one of the experts involved in the research (for companies only).

All required documents should be submitted to the email brikena_berisha@iksweb.org, no later than
the 24th of July at 17:00.

For detailed information about the Terms of Reference, please review the document:

11 June 202411 June 2024

Call for Proposals for the Active Achievement Fund for Regional Informal Groups

We are officially launching the open Call for Proposals for the Active Achievement Fund for Regional Informal Groups within the framework of the project Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe funded by the European Union.

The main objective of this Call is to strengthen creative groups in the Western Balkans, particularly informal ones, by providing financial support for initiatives aiming to:

Increase youth activism in their communities and participation in structured dialogue with decision makers on public policies relevant to youth
Advocate for the adoption of European values and strengthening of democratic and responsible institutions
Promote regional cooperation and political, economic and social benefits of the EU integration for the Western Balkans countries

Total available budget of the Active Achievement Fund is 30.000 EUR. Regional informal groups can apply for financial support for project that must fall between the following minimum and maximum amount:

minimum amount: 2.000 EUR
maximum amount: 4.000 EUR

Only informal groups are eligible to apply for this Call for Proposals. These groups are not formally registered and have a low level of formality and weak technical and managerial skills. The Call is open to informal groups that spontaneously gathered to solve a problem in the local community, with priority to individuals that participated in RYDE activities such as Politeia School, Politeia Thematic Sessions, Youth Policy Labs and Internship program.

The regional groups shall be composed of at least 5 young people aged 16-30 who are citizens of at least 3 out of five Western Balkan countries in which the RYDE project is implementing (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*[1], North Macedonia and Serbia). At least one person from the informal group must be of legal age in order for the project implementation contract to be signed.

Support will be provided through direct payments conducted by RYDE partner organizations that will act as intermediary organizations for the particular project. With the project proposal, the applicants should select the project host country which will consequently determine which partner organization will act as intermediary organization. The partner organizations will execute payments for costs incurred as per the approved small project budget.

Host country	City	Intermediary organizations	Contact
Albania	Tirana	Youth Act Center	info@youthact.al
Bosnia and Herzegovina	Sarajevo	Network of Progressive Initiatives	info@mpi.ba
Kosovo*	Pristina	Kosovar Stability Initiative	shpresa_krasniqi@iksweb.org
North Macedonia	Skopje	NGO Info Center Foundation	contact@nvoinfocentar.org.mk
Serbia	Novi Sad	Regional Academy for Democratic Development	office@regionaladd.org

The duration of the projects is up to six months.

The selected informal groups are obliged to implement their projects within the period from 10^th July 2024 to 10^th January 2025.

The deadline for submitting applications is 2^nd of July, 2024 at 20:00 CET.

Applicants must apply in English and submit their applications electronically to the e-mail address: shpresa_krasniqi@iksweb.org.

You can find below the Guidelines for regional informal groups and the Annexes needed for the project application.

The Active Achievement Fund for Regional Informal Groups is a FSTP (financial support to third parties) i.e. sub-granting activity of the three-year regional project “Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe” (RYDE), funded by the European Union in the period 2023-2026 through EU Civil Society Facility and Media Programme in favour of the Western Balkans and Turkey for 2021-2023 (IPA III).The RYDE project is being implemented by the Center for Democracy Foundation from Serbia as a lead partner in cooperation with the partnering civil society organizations from the region: Academy of European Integrations and Negotiations (Albania), Youth Act Center (Albania), Kosovar Stability Initiative (Kosovo*), Network of Progressive Initiatives (Bosnia and Herzegovina), NGO Info Center Foundation (North Macedonia) and Regional Academy for Democratic Development (Serbia).

List Item #1 Guidelines for regional informal groups_Active Achievement Fund for Regional Informal Groups 2024
List Item #2 2023 Politeia School & Session Participants_Active Achievement Fund
List Item #3 Annex I_Application Form
List Item #4 Annex II_Budget Proposal
List Item #5 Annex III_Statement

22 May 202422 May 2024

Preparation of a Baseline Study about gender-based discrimination in the workplace

O1: Improve gender perspective in EU accession documents.

O2: Increase the engagement of women’s organizations in the EU Integration process.

O3: Inform and engage society in Gender and EU Integration discourse

For more information about the proposal, including details, objectives, deliverables, and timeline, please review the document below.

List Item #1 ToR_BaselineStudy

23 April 202422 May 2024

Thirrje për propozim: Avancimi i barazisë dhe diversitetit gjinor përmes eliminimit të diskriminimit me bazë gjinore në vendin e punës

The call for proposals for small grants is open.
Organizatat e pranueshme për të aplikuar janë organizatat e shoqërisë civile të regjistruara në Kosovë që synojnë informimin dhe avokimin për barazinë gjinore dhe parandalimin e diskriminimit në vendin e punës.
The informative session for this call will be held online on April 29, 2024.
This activity is implemented within the project 'Advancement of gender equality and diversity through the elimination of gender-based discrimination in the workplace', financed by the European Union, implemented by Kosovar Stability Initiative and Kosovar Center for Gender Studies.
The call will be open until May 20 at 5:00 p.m. For more information and application documents, click on:

List Item #1 Grant_Guidelines-Call for Proposals
List Item #2 ApplicationForm_Grant
List Item #3 Budget Form
List Item #4 FAQs – Pyetjet me te shpeshta

12 April 202412 April 2024

Terms of Reference – Production of investigative documentary and media presence on working conditions and minimum wage in the country

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Title of the action: Production of investigative documentary and media presence on working conditions and minimum wage in the country.

BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE

SO1: Increase civil society and citizen engagement in reporting labor-related violations and enforcement of labor rights and Occupational Safety and Health;

S02: Promote social justice and especially OSH law enforcement across the labor-market and in public domain;

$03: Strengthen the capacities of Social Partners to more effectively represent their constituencies;

S04: Contribute to Policy Debate by analyzing, debating and initiating pol icy change;

SO5: influence and support initiatives for establishment of trade unions in the private sector in non-traditional trade union sectors.

1. Scope of Work:

The contract on production of investigative documentary and media presence aims to address key issues related to living conditions and poverty, particularly focusing on the perspectives and concerns of the minimum waw. Through this service contract, the objective is to develop investigative and informative documentary that shed light on the various facets of living conditions and establish a strong media presence, including social media platforms, to amplify the project’s impact.

2. Video Production:

– Develop a concept and storyboard for the documentary.

– Conduct interviews with relevant identified stakeholders, including realistic characters, or representatives, experts, and industry professionals if that applies.

– Film and produce high-quality videos that effectively communicate with target audience on living conditions.

– Ensure the videos comply with ethical guidelines and respect the diversity of perspectives.

3. Media Presence:

– Create and implement a comprehensive media strategy to ensure broad dissemination of project-related content.

– Manage presence in media and social media accounts on platforms such as Facebook, lnstagram, and others.

4. Outputs:

– A documentary reflecting the living conditions and minimum wage in Kosovo.

– The documentary should have investigative content and be developed in the field in realistic conditions with chosen characters.

5. Capacities Required

The following are the key minimum capabilities required for the proper execution of the above scope of work:

Has the necessary qualified human and technical resources capable of completing the assignment within the given time limit with high professionalism.
Capacities to develop high quality video materials and visual campaign.
Proven experience in working with the Civil Society Sector and Donors.
Creativity in carrying out and developing the required activities.
Provide transportation for filming team and equipment tv within Kosovo based on the needs of the project.

6. Timing and Location

The service agreement will start from the 19^th of April 2024 until 30^th of April 2024.

7. Eligibility

Extensive and proven experience in production and editing of high-quality videos.
Excellent technical capacities.
Experience working with non-governmental organizations and international agencies.
Able to work under time pressure.

8. Payment

The amount maximum amount foreseen for this service will be agreed upon. Payments will be made in one instalment.

9. Evaluation grid

The Contracting authority selects the offer with the best value for money using an 80/20 weighing between technical quality and price. Evaluation will be based on the following grid:

Evaluation process Points
General professional experience 40%
Specific professional experience 40%

10. Submitting the offer

All companies/ expert that would like to express their interest, send the proposal along with financial offer, at email address brikena_berisha@iksweb.org, no later than 17^th of April 2024.

Download the full document here: TOR – Video Production