Democracy Plus (D+), in partnership with OSCE Mission in Kosovo (the OSCE), are implementing the Apprenticeship Programme at the local level, which aims at promoting youth’s participation in decision and policy-making processes through a hands-on participatory approach, based on the learning-by-doing principle, and by equipping them with adequate transferable skills and knowledge.

This year’s Apprenticeship Programme will host fifteen (15) young women and men between the ages of 20 and 24, who will be assigned in local government institutions and partner civil society organizations (CSOs). The programme aims at bringing young people closer to local government institutions and relevant CSOs, directly involving them in local participatory processes, as well as in decision- and policy-making processes.

Based on the applicants’ profiles and interests, and considering the needs of the partner institution and/or organization, the selected apprentices will be placed in various offices/divisions/directorates of municipalities and partner CSOs throughout Kosovo. In order to guide and monitor their work throughout the apprenticeship period, the partner institutions/organizations will be invited to appoint supervisors, who will conduct regular evaluations for the apprentices.

Objective:

The Apprenticeship Programme aims to allow 15 young women and men to acquire relevant professional experience in local decision and policy-making processes over a period of five months.

Tasks:

Depending on the type of work and the local government directorates/divisions/sections or partner CSOs, apprentices will be tasked with:

• Assisting in:
  • developing opinions and feedback on policy proposals;
  • preparing internal and external reports;
  • conducting internal planning, monitoring and evaluation processes;
  • implementing project(s) and initiatives;
  • conducting desk research and analysis.
• Developing a schedule for regular communication with the assigned supervisor;
• Performing other duties as assigned by the assigned supervisor;
• Attending two-trainings during the course of the programme.

Deliverables:

• By 10 June 2024, the selected apprentice in coordination with the assigned supervisor, should submit a work plan with a detailed outline of tasks, responsibilities and deliverables;
• By 31 October 2024, the selected apprentice will submit a final self-evaluation report through which the apprentice will be invited to critically reflect on his/her experience, as well as on the relevance of the programme to his/her professional advancement/civic engagement;
• By 31 October 2024, the selected apprentice should fill in the final survey on the apprenticeship programme;
• At the end of each month of their apprenticeship, the selected apprentices in coordination with the assigned supervisor, should submit a monthly Attendance Sheet, signed by both, the apprentice and the supervisor, confirming the dates and times when the apprentice was present at the work post;
• The selected apprentices should deliver a monthly written briefing to D+ on the completed activities/task.

Performance indicators:

• The apprentice complies with its part-time working schedule, as per the work plan agreed with its supervisor;
• The apprentice attends two training sessions;
• The apprentice provides the requested deliverables (e.g. work plan, monthly Attendance Sheet, final report, final survey);
• The apprentice demonstrates an increased knowledge and interest in participatory and decision-making processes at the local level.

Location:

The selected candidates will be working at the premises of selected local government institutions and partner CSOs, where they will be provided necessary space and material to work in-person, as much as desired.

Duration:

The apprenticeship programme will last for five months (June-October 2024).

The selected candidates will have to report to their duty stations at least 14 working days a month, for not less than four hours a day.

Necessary qualifications:

• Being between the ages of 20 and 24 years at the time of submitting the application;
• Enrolled as a student in a university programme;
• Excellent oral and written command of Albanian, Serbian or both languages;
• Good oral and written command of English is an advantage;
• Ability to operate Windows applications, including word processing and e-mail;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity;
• Willingness to work as a team member;
• Possession of a bank account in Kosovo.

Desirable qualifications:

• Basic knowledge of public participation and decision-making mechanisms at the local level;
• Current or past membership in youth structures (e.g. Local Youth Action Councils, Youth Centre, etc.) and/or civil society organizations actively involved in the youth sector;
• Contributed, as a volunteer and/or youth worker, in relevant initiatives/projects.

Note: Both D+ and the OSCE are committed to promote diversity and inclusion, and encourage qualified young female and male candidates, as well as candidates with disabilities, from rural areas and belonging to non-majority communities or vulnerable groups, to apply to the Apprenticeship Programme.

Remuneration:  

A lump sum amount of EUR 142.5 (Gross) per person/per month will be given to each selected candidate for covering transportation expenses. The amount will be reimbursed on a monthly basis, upon submission of the signed attendance sheets.

Modality of Recruitment:

Interested candidates are requested to:

– Fill the Application Form in the HERE.

– Attach their CV with contact details in the Application Form (max. 1 page, in English, Albanian or Serbian, containing information related to necessary and desirable qualifications);

The deadline to apply is: 19 May 2024.

Queries should be sent to: r[email protected].

The selection process will be conducted by D+ in close collaboration with the OSCE.

Shortlisted candidates might be invited for a complementary interview with local partner institutions or CSOs.