Background:
The OSCE Mission in Kosovo (OSCE) supports institution- and democracy-building and advancing human rights in Kosovo. The OSCE also advocates for the rights and inclusion of non-majority communities, and ensuring the right to safety and security for all people in Kosovo.
One of the OSCEโs core tools in accomplishing these aims is local dialogue facilitation, which has allowed the OSCE to support initiatives such as inter-community dialogues, problem-solving sessions between non-majority communities and institutions, and collaboration efforts among municipalities to build trust and work together on common issues. These activities are vital to maintaining community cohesion through dialogue.
Recently, the OSCE adopted a strategic pivot toward local dialogue facilitation, allowing it to leverage its extensive relationships with local interlocutors to foster mutual trust and understanding at the local level. This new strategy is reflected in the OSCEโs Local Dialogue Facilitation Vision Statement, and one of its key recommendations is to systematically build Mission Membersโ capacity by adopting a core local dialogue facilitation methodology and delivering a training programme.
For this engagement, the OSCE aims explicitly to strengthen Mission Membersโ capacity to facilitate Relationship-Focused Dialogue (strengthening trust and improving interactions between communities, municipalities, and institutions), in view of creating a roster of Mission dialogue facilitators who can be employed by the OSCE in different dialogue-related activities.
As part of these efforts, the OSCE also seeks to strengthen said facilitatorsโ capacity to address gender inequality and to lead discussions on eliminating gender stereotypes that contribute to violence against women and girls (VAWG). Integrating gender-sensitive approaches into local dialogues will help challenge harmful norms, promote inclusive participation, and advance community understanding of the links between gender stereotypes and VAWG.
The OSCE is thus seeking an international expert to collaborate with the Mission to design a five-day training course for Relationship-Focused Dialogue facilitation, and conduct a capacity-building training for Mission Members in December 2025. Expected components of the training course are detailed in the Services/Duties section below.
Objective of Assignment:
To strengthen the OSCEโs capacity for dialogue facilitation.
Design and deliver a relationship-focused local dialogue facilitation course to OSCE dialogue facilitators;Develop a short manual to support the design and implementation of future local dialogues.Based on the Local Dialogue Facilitation Vision Statement and consultations with OSCE Mission Members, the consultant will design a detailed five-day training programme in relationship-focused dialogue facilitation, and a manual for OSCE local dialogue facilitators. The consultant will then deliver the training programme for 10-20 Mission Members. There may be an opportunity for the consultant to continue their work in 2026 by accompanying trained Mission Members in implementing the local dialogues through mentorship and guidance.
Duration of Assignment:
The Consultant will be hired for 23 working days.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
Design a comprehensive training programme in relationship-focused local dialogue facilitation that will strengthen the existing capacities of OSCE staff and equip them with the skills required to conduct effective local-level dialogues across Kosovo;The training programme must be based on the Local Dialogue Facilitation Vision Statement, and shall integrate a strong learning-by-doing component. It must combine conceptual foundations with extensive practical exercises, ensuring that participants can confidently design, facilitate, and follow up on dialogues involving diverse stakeholders;The programme will be delivered to 10-20 intermediate/advanced practitioners;Incorporate a module on VAWG-related competencies in local dialogue facilitation. The five-day training shall incorporate a half-day module on VAWG-related facilitation competencies. The design and delivery of VAWG competencies in local dialogue facilitation can be optionally conducted by internal OSCE gender experts.Design a practical local dialogue facilitation short manual with user-friendly templates for checklists, and โhow-toโ guidance for planning, conducting, and documenting both relationship-focused dialogues;The manual shall align with the Missionโs Local Dialogue Facilitation Vision and reflect international best practices in mediation, inclusive governance, and gender-responsive facilitation;Deliver a five-day relationship-focused local dialogue training programme to 15-20 participants by end of 2025. Training delivery should target 10-20 intermediate/advanced practitioners.
Deliverables:
Detailed five-day training course in relationship-focused dialogue facilitation, structured to progressively build conceptual understanding, facilitation competencies, and applied practice.The course combines brief lectures, case discussions, and hands-on simulations. It covers:
Relationship-Focused Dialogue, aimed at strengthening trust, understanding, and co-operation between communities, municipalities, and institutions.
Key modules include:
Theory and Context
Understanding the principles of dialogue within the OSCE mandate and the multi-ethnic context in Kosovo.The role of social identity in conflict and co-operation.Framing participation of women, youth, non-majority communities, and persons with disabilities through a social-identity lens.Understanding the root causes and manifestations of violence against women and girls (VAWG) as a consequence of structural gender inequality.Conducting conflict, stakeholder, and needs analyses.Designing inclusive outreach and communication strategies.Conducting effective, impartial language translation related to dialogue and collaborating with translators to foster safe spaces for participants.Core Dialogue Facilitation Competencies
Designing and structuring dialogue processes, including sequencing and participant management.Maintaining neutrality and impartiality.Managing strong or provocative communication or behaviours from participants.Building trust and managing relationships among stakeholders.Applying analytical and problem-solving techniques during dialogues.Managing time, space, and facilitation tools effectively.Applying co-facilitation techniques and managing complementary roles.Practicing active listening and using probing and reflective questioning.Using body language and non-verbal communication effectively.Encouraging balanced participation and inclusivity.Engaging constructively with difference and diverse identities.Managing emotions and ensuring psychological safety.Demonstrating flexibility and adaptability during facilitation.Supporting participants in identifying agreements and follow-up actions using tracking tools.Simulated Dialogue Sessions
Participant-led design and facilitation of simulated dialogue sessions (relationship-focused).Practice in managing multi-stakeholder interactions and difficult group dynamics.Scenario-based exercises on responding to sensitive disclosures and emotional reactions.Structured reflection and feedback sessions to consolidate learning.Joint evaluation by OMiK dialogue experts and the consultant to assess competency development.VAWG-Related Facilitation Competencies
Recognizing forms and consequences of VAWG.Understanding how gender inequality and stereotypes influence dialogue dynamics.Promoting gender-sensitive approaches while respecting cultural contexts.Responding appropriately to disclosures, ensuring confidentiality, and referring to specialized services.Applying victim-centred and trauma-informed methods.Managing and course-correcting communication or behaviours from participants that contradict gender equality norms or victim-centred approaches within cultural contexts.Using VAWG-specific checklists, guidelines, and information on local referral pathways.Local Dialogue Facilitation Manual to include, after agreement with the supervisor:
Checklist of ground rules and codes of conduct to establish shared principles of respect, confidentiality, and equal participation.Sample agenda designs, flowcharts, and sequencing options for different types and durations of dialogue sessions.Practical checklists and scripts for managing difficult situations, addressing deadlocks, and applying de-escalation techniques.Step-by-step guides for relevant facilitation tools such as active listening, reframing, circular questioning, fishbowl, and World Cafรฉ formats.Visualization resources, including card systems, flipchart layouts, process-architecture diagrams, and standardized reporting formats.Dialogue-planning checklist covering logistics, cultural protocols, facilitation-team composition, and safe-space creation measures.Standardized documentation templates for reporting, feedback collection, and follow-up on agreed actions.VAWG-specific guidance, including checklists and practical tools to integrate gender-sensitive approaches and identify referral needs (to be developed in close co-operation with the OSCE experts).Information on local support services and referral pathways relevant to cases of violence against women and girls (to be developed in close co-operation with the OSCE experts).Delivery includes:
A five-day relationship-focused local dialogue facilitation course, with 10-20 OMiK participants, to be completed by end-2025.A practicum element where participants design and lead simulated dialogue sessions, receive structured feedback, and apply their learning to realistic scenarios reflecting the context in Kosovo.Adult-learning methods emphasizing experiential exercises, reflection, and skill reinforcement.
Necessary Qualifications:
A first-level university degree in a relevant field: Peace and Conflict Studies, Political Science, International Relations, Sociology, Social Psychology, and a minimum of ten years of professional/working experience in the field of dialogue facilitation, mediation, conflict transformation are required;
Experience in adult learning/training methodologies are highly desirable;Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary best practices in dialogue and non-majority communitiesโ relations is required;Demonstrated experience or training in integrating gender-sensitive approaches and handling issues related to violence against women and girls (VAWG) within dialogue or facilitation processes is highly desirable;Past experience working with international organizations and in related activities is strongly preferred;Experience and understanding of the context in Kosovo is strongly preferred;Excellent knowledge of English, including excellent communication and drafting skills is required.
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 e-mail 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