Local Consultant on Drafting and Publishing of Thematic Report on the State of Media in Kosovo
Alert
Vacancy
Background
While freedom of expression, including media freedom, in Kosovo showed certain progress, serious challenges persist. Safety of journalists, a crucial precondition for media freedom, has not shown significant improvement in the past few years with at least 25 media professionals threatened and attacked only in 2017. The OSCE Mission has strongly condemned these attacks. Intimidation of journalists resulted in impunity due to weak prosecution of perpetrators of crimes against journalists and other media professionals. The judiciary is perceived as one of the sectors with many weaknesses whereby often the interference of individuals pre-empt proper implementation of the law. The judiciary remains a challenge although prosecution has made some positive steps forward, especially with the appointment of the Prosecutor General, of the especially appointed prosecutor and local prosecutors to deal with cases of crimes against journalists. During the adjudication of a few cases perpetrators were sanctioned with relatively small fines or very short home detention. Lack of action by law enforcement in cases of beaten journalists has created the need among some attacked journalists to get armed and use them in case they get attacked again. Furthermore, the lack of transparency and accountability in the work of media institutions, namely the Independent Media Commission, and their enduring politization remains a concern. In addition, the interference of media owners and political actors into editorial freedom impacts journalists’ freedom. The lack of a full transparency in media ownership is closely linked to this problem.
Objective
The thematic report does not aim at including all possible topics regarding the media situation in Kosovo. Instead it should focus on selected issues. The consultant will discuss the issues with the activity manager, under the overall supervision of the chief of section. Both qualitative and quantitative research may be used in order to provide needed data.
The thematic report will become available online in English, Albanian and Serbian languages by the November 15, 2018.
Tasks and Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the activity manager and the overall supervision of the chief of section, the local consultant, in coordination with the activity manager, will prepare a thematic report paper including:
An Introduction providing a general overview over the media situation based on all relevant reports by International Organizations and international and national media NGOs; A thorough analysis of selected topics as mentioned above. The topics will be discussed and selected with the activity manager and should include:
The consultant should collect data and information with the relevant bodies, in the field. Case studies should be included, where applicable. The analysis of the safety of journalists should include special attention to the situation of female journalists . Recommendations in order to improve the situation should be included.
Deliverables
The local consultant will:
Performance Indicators:
Necessary Qualifications
Remuneration Package
Remuneration will depend on the qualifications and experience of individual experts as well as the detailed work plan to be agreed upon and will be based on the current OSCE consultancy rates.
How To Apply
In order to apply for this position you must complete the OSCE's online application form, found under https://jobs.osce.org/.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 under https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/offline-application-form and forward the completed form quoting the vacancy number by e-mail to: consultancy.omik@osce.org. In line with your qualifications please indicate preference to one or more field 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 in 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.