Social cohesion is a complex, multi-dimensional and multi-layered concept and quite often its underlying conceptual basis is contested. While cohesion may evolve in primarily historical-cultural terms (norms of trust and belonging have evolved over time through symbolic politics and patterns of long-term state and nation formation) it can also evolve functionally (networks of interactions, such as economic exchanges and interdependencies). Social cohesion is defined as having two dimensions, a) the vertical dimension, which represents the trust that society and the community have towards the government and how the social relationship aspect can be affected by political differences and b) the horizontal dimension is about the relationships, interactions, and trust that individual people develop within the society, especially across different ethnic groups to create a sense of interdependence and commonality.

Furthermore, social cohesion can be best described as the respect and tolerance for diversity regarding ethnicity, gender, religion, and many more factors which make us unique. It can only be accomplished if the principle of respect for diversity is taught and integrated into the whole society.

In this context, skills development of youth and promotion of cultural heritage can be used as a powerful tool to enhance social cohesion, among all communities in Kosovo.  The “Cultural Heritage as a Driver for Intercommunity Dialogue and Social Cohesion” project aims to foster a beneficial environment, based on trust and mutual understanding, where diversity is acknowledged and respected, and communities are engaged towards a more stable society.

To create a safe space for dialogue and develop the capacities for conflict transformation, the activity intends to bring youth together from all communities as an agent of social cohesion and to provide a space for them to interact on a more substantive level in identifying and addressing existing problems and opportunities for youth engagement in strengthening social cohesion.

This will be done through organizing a series of regular and structured events across regions of Kosovo, bringing all communities together to discuss issues that they consider important as well as push and pull factors that affect achieving social cohesion. To do this, the activity foresees to engage a facilitator that will plan and implement a series of debates that will include prominent figures from the Kosovo society, the youth, academia, etc. 

Objectives of Assignment

The overall objective of the assignment is to organize and conduct a series of community-led discussions on factors affecting social cohesion with youth from different communities, including representatives of different groups who will jointly work on identifying these factors and propose solutions on how to overcome/improve them. 

Under the direct oversight of the Cultural Heritage Project Manager and in close consultation with the Cultural Heritage Project team, the consultant will undertake the following tasks:

Desk Review/Research

• Conduct a desk review and research to identify existing problems and opportunities in youth engagement in strengthening social cohesion and analyze the relevant documentation on social cohesion in Kosovo, including regional best practices;
• Conduct research on the youth, prominent people from general society and academia within Kosovo that can provide further information on social cohesion;

Community engagement:

• Take the lead to coordinate the communication, and mobilization to implement the tasks related to the activity
• Prepare a workplan for the community-led discussions on factors affecting social cohesion;
• Prepare a methodology based on the findings of the desk review/research for the activities.
• Propose themes/discussion topics for the regional events;
• Identify youth, prominent people from general society and academia that can act as social agents of change during the discussions;
• Organize five (5) regional events for youth, which will provide a safe space for dialogue and develop capacity for conflict transformation, and one (1) conference to present the findings in engaging youth.

Final Report

After completing the community-led discussions, prepare a final report which showcases the current state-of-the-affairs in the field of social cohesion in Kosovo. 

Remuneration - Lump Sum Amount:

The Contract is based on lump sum remuneration and shall be processed subject to deliverables as per the schedule listed below: 

• The first tranche (40%) is to be transferred upon successful completion of the first and second deliverables;
• The second tranche (30%) is to be transferred upon successful completion of the third deliverable;
• The third tranche (30%) is to be transferred upon successful completion and approval of the final report.

Required Presentation of Offer: 

The following documents are requested:

• Personal CV and P11, indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Offeror and at least three (3) professional references. 
• Brief description of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment.
• Methodology/approach on how they will approach and complete the assignment;
• Financial Proposal that indicates lump sum payment based on completion of deliverables. 
• Copy of Diplomas and copy of Passport.

Criteria for selection of the Best Offer

Offers will be evaluated utilizing a combined Scoring method – where the qualifications and technical proposal will be weighted a max. of 70% and combined with the price offer which will be weighted a max of 30%.

Corporate Competencies

• Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment;
• Ability to provide strategic level advice and prepare policy documents;
• Demonstrates experience in gender equality;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills;
• Creating synergies through self-control;
• Managing conflict;
• Informed and transparent decision making.

Functional Competencies

• Excellent ability to write reports, prepare and deliver presentations, plan and coordinate activities;
• Excellent written communication skills, with analytic capacity and ability to synthesize information and relevant findings for the preparation of a quality report;
• Demonstrates transparency and provides feedback to all those who will contribute to the assessment.

Education:

• Master’s degree in social sciences and international development. Other related qualifications may be acceptable in conjunction with relevant work experience in the field of social sciences and research.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of demonstrated relevant work experience and in facilitating processes in the fields of human rights, peacebuilding and social cohesion;
• Substantial experience in developing capacities of stakeholders at the local and community level in complex, diverse and multi-ethnic environments;
• Proven track record in assessments, community engagement, or similar mobilization activities at the local and regional levels;
• Proven experience in designing and implementing deliberate, participatory processes to involve local leaders, community groups, youth and women organisations and other stakeholders;
• Excellent communication skills including the ability to engage meaningfully with people from all levels.

Language requirements:

• Fluent in spoken and written English and Albanian. Knowledge of Serbian language is highly desirable.  Excellent analytical and report writing skills are highly required. 

Application Instructions:

• Click on the "Apply now" button.
• Input your information in the appropriate Sections: personal information, language proficiency, education, resume and motivation; You can type in, or paste your short Resume into the last box.
• Upon completion of the first page, please hit "submit application" tab at the end of the page. On the next page, you will be asked to upload your Resume.
• System will only allow one attachment. All docs (CV; P11; financial offer; list of similar profiles should be included as one attachment).
• Please make sure to submit all the requested documents/information; otherwise, your application will be considered incomplete.