General invitation for expressions of interest for

hiring of individual consultants

Community Development Fund (CDF) is a nongovernmental organization with the mission to work on community development and create conditions for integration, equal access and inclusion through expertise and innovation solutions, through supporting local initiatives, as well as capacity building in communities.

Based on the needs for implementation of the projects financed by USAID, GCERF, Sida and other donors, the following areas of short term expertise are required to support the project implementation and the targeted beneficiaries.

In accordance with the CDF Operating Manual Guidelines, and in order to support the implementation of the Projects implemented by Community Development Fund, CDF invites all qualified professionals/experts to express their interest to be part of roster in the areas listed below:

The expertise is required in the following fields:

• Business Planning and Development Expert

The expert will be required to assess current business strategies, conduct market analysis, and create tailored business plans for women and minority-owned MSMEs. This may include identifying growth opportunities, setting strategic objectives, and offering actionable recommendations. The expert may potentially assist in executing these plans, ensuring progress towards the business goals of the targeted MSMEs.

• Digital Marketing and Online Presence Expert

The expert will engage in enhancing the digital presence of women and minority-owned MSMEs through strategic digital marketing campaigns. Responsibilities include optimizing online platforms, managing social media presence, and analyzing performance metrics. The expert may cooperate with MSMEs to create compelling content, improve brand visibility, and generate leads through effective online marketing strategies. The expert will contribute to the growth of these businesses while ensuring improvement of their online presence.

• Sales and Marketing Expert

The expert will support the sales and marketing efforts of women and minority-owned MSMEs to drive revenue growth. Responsibilities may include developing sales strategies, identifying target markets, and overseeing marketing campaigns. The expert will work closely with the targeted MSMEs to set sales targets, implement pricing strategies, and establish effective sales channels. The expert may be engaged in monitoring market trends, analyzing competition to maximize market share and profitability in sales and marketing efforts.

• Market Linkages and Value Chain Expert

The expert will be requested to be involved in building connections between women and minority-owned MSMEs and relevant industry stakeholders to enhance market access. Responsibilities may include facilitating partnerships, collaborations, and distribution networks that create opportunities for business expansion. The expert will be required to contribute to the growth and sustainability of these businesses by establishing market linkages. The expert may be required to optimize processes and connections within the value chain of women and minority-owned MSMEs.

• Quality Control and Assurance Expert

The expert will be required to develop quality standards and processes tailored for women and minority-owned MSMEs. Responsibilities may include ensuring that products and services meet defined quality standards and adhere to regulatory requirements.

• Human Resource Management Expert

The expert will be required to support women and minority-owned MSMEs in developing HR management guidelines in areas such as recruitment, training, and employee relations for women and minority-owned MSMEs.

• Product Development Expert

The expert will be required to support the development of new innovative products or services for women and minority-owned MSMEs. Responsibilities may include leading efforts to create and improve products or services to stay competitive and meet market demands.

• B2B Technical Expert

The expert will be required to provide technical assistance to the women and minority owned businesses in refining their B2B strategies. More specifically the responsibilities may include equipping them with the essential knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to better business outcomes in B2B and matchmaking events, leading to new business partnerships and an increase in their customer bases.

• Export Trade Expert

The expert will be required to support women and minority-owned MSMEs in fulfilling compliance with trade regulations, and market entry strategies for regional and international markets. Responsibilities include navigating the complexities of cross-border commerce to enable global expansion and diversity in international trade.

• Legal Compliance and Regulatory Expert

The expert will be required to develop the capacities of women and minority-owned MSMEs in to comply with laws and regulations of the industry. Responsibilities may include guiding these businesses in adhering to legal requirements and avoiding legal issues.

• Environmental Sustainability Practices Expert

The expert will be requested to support the implementation of eco-friendly practices and sustainability initiatives for women and minority-owned MSMEs. Responsibilities may include guiding targeted MSMEs in adopting environmentally responsible practices to reduce their ecological footprint and comply with international environmental regulations.

• Business Digitalization Expert

The expert will be required to facilitate the adoption of digital technologies to streamline operations and increase business agility for women and minority-owned MSMEs. Responsibilities may include transforming traditional processes into digital solutions.

• Intellectual Property Rights and Patent Expert

The expert will be expected to provide guidance on intellectual property rights and patent protection for women and minority-owned MSMEs. Responsibilities may include capacity development to businesses in understanding and protecting their intellectual property assets, along with providing guidance for securing patents for products and services.

• AI Integration Expert

The AI Integration Expert will be expected to support AI adoption among women and minority-owned MSMEs. Responsibilities may include developing capacity for integrating AI into business processes, providing guidance on AI model development and implementation, and offering individual coaching to help businesses seamlessly integrate AI solutions into their practices. Additionally, the expert will provide strategic insights to optimize AI performance and tailor solutions to meet the specific needs of MSMEs.

Environmental Specialists

Expertise Areas:

• Environmental Policy and Regulation

Demonstrated expertise in developing or implementing environmental policies, with a focus on protection, conservation, and sustainability measures. Proven experience in working with governmental or international policy frameworks and knowledge of compliance and regulatory standards.

• Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management

Extensive experience in conducting relevant assessments and biodiversity conservation projects. Familiarity with national and international regulatory frameworks and strategies to protect ecosystems and a track record of applying scientific principles to maintain or enhance ecosystem health.

• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Monitoring

Expertise in conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and environmental monitoring in line with relevant regulatory frameworks. Demonstrated background in the application of environmental management standards, with expertise in assessing EIA reports and other relevant compliance documentation.

• Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation

In-depth understanding of climate resilience approaches, as well as carbon reduction policies and its implementation. Expertise in risk assessment, adaptation frameworks, and proven implementation of climate mitigation projects. (Specify certification or training if applicable.)

• Water and Waste Management

Proven experience in managing water resources, wastewater treatment, and solid waste management projects. Practical expertise in sustainable management practices to address water scarcity, pollution control, and waste reduction.

• Circular Economy

Comprehensive understanding of and experience in circular economy principles, including waste reduction, resource efficiency, and sustainable production. Knowledge of best practices and emerging trends in circular economy approaches to support environmental sustainability.

• Energy Sector and Renewable Energy

Proven experience in energy sector projects, particularly in renewable energy initiatives. Expertise in energy policy development, energy efficiency, and sustainable energy solutions. Knowledge of renewable energy technologies, grid integration, energy transition strategies, and familiarity with international energy standards and compliance. A track record of successful project implementation or consultancy in areas such as solar, wind, hydro, or energy storage is preferred.

• Project Proposal Writing for Major Donors

Demonstrated success in drafting and submitting project proposals for major international donors such as the EU, Swiss Development Agency, or USAID. Proven track record of securing funding, with specific examples of successful grant applications for environmental projects.

• Sustainability and Business Sector Collaboration
  Expertise in working with the private sector on sustainability issues, with demonstrated experience in fostering collaboration between businesses and civil society organizations. Proven background in advising businesses on sustainable practices, enhancing corporate environmental responsibility, and building partnerships for sustainability initiatives. Knowledge of approaches to drive environmental innovation in the business sector and experience in facilitating cross-sectoral engagement on sustainability goals.

Psychologist

The selected Psychologist should possess:

• A strong foundation in psychology with demonstrated experience in working with children and families.
• Expertise in designing, recommending, and implementing therapeutic activities aimed at socialization, trauma recovery, and enhanced parent-child communication.
• Skills to assess emotional and social needs and create tailored strategies to foster resilience, improve interpersonal skills, and support mental well-being in children and families.

Clinical Psychologist

The selected Clinical Psychologist will:

• Hold advanced training and licensing in clinical psychology, with expertise in assessing and treating emotional, behavioral, and developmental issues in both children and adults.
• Be responsible for conducting in-depth psychological evaluations, analyzing socialization, mental well-being, and overall functioning.
• Develop and recommend individualized treatment plans, specify required session numbers for improvement, and monitor progress.
• Address trauma-related concerns with tailored interventions to support both children and adults, while collaborating on comprehensive treatment plans where additional support is required.

General Remark: Specific Terms of References will be developed for each required expertise prior to expert recruitment. The required expertise may involve individual technical expertise/assistance, group training, research and mentorship sessions among others.

Application procedure

All interested candidates who wish to apply should submit CVs and references for previous experience. Consultants must have at least five (5) years of experience in each relevant field mentioned above. Excellent knowledge of Albanian, Serbian and English is required and be a citizen of Republic of Kosovo.

A list of pre-qualified professionals shall be established by the area of expertise, and when it comes to the selection of a consultant for a specific CDF project a selection committee of at least three CDF staff shall select and compare at least three qualified candidates who are the best suited for the particular task and select one of them.

CV and references can be submitted throughout the year to the following e-mail address at: [email protected]

When applying kindly indicate in the subject line the area of expertise for which you are applying.