National Consultant, DSC (RRR FTFs)

Background:

Between 2012 and 2016, about 250-300 nationals of Bosnia and Herzegovina went to the conflict areas of Syria and Iraq (55% men, 25% women, and 20% minors). 

Voluntary returns of BiH nationals from conflict zones took place in 2012-2017, and were not followed by any specific measures or support for rehabilitation and reintegration (R&R) in their home communities. They were reintegrated mainly into their primary families and local communities and rarely sought help from social welfare centres, and even less frequently (if at all) mental health centres. In 2019, BiH conducted the process of the first organized return of 25 BiH nationals (seven men, six women, and 12 children). Since then, the authorities have invested significant efforts to develop a system and procedures for an effective R&R process, as well as ensured capacity building for relevant stakeholders with the support of international actors, including the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

Two national experts will assess the preparedness and capacities of the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to effectively manage the return, rehabilitation and reintegration (RRR) of foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) and their family members, who are still in camps in Syria and Iraq. The assessment aims to identify strengths, gaps, and challenges in existing policies, programs, and institutional capacities related to RRR.

Objective of Assignment: 

Conduct a comprehensive assessment of BiH’s preparedness and capacities to effectively conduct RRR process for returning FTFs and their family members, focusing on the following key areas:

•    Legal and policy frameworks;
•    Institutional capacities and coordination mechanisms (including capacity building implemented thus far and need for further strengthening of knowledge and skills);
•    Availability and accessibility of services and resources (including government and non-government providers);
•    Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.

Duration of Assignment:

This is a consultancy assignment with an expected duration of approximately 10 working days.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the overall supervision of the Department of Security Co-operation Anti-terrorism Team, the successful candidate will be responsible for drafting a report that will include:

1. An assessment of the capacity and effectiveness of relevant government agencies and institutions involved in RRR efforts (specifically at the level of the state, entities, and the relevant cantonal and local communities where return is expected);

2. Identification of gaps, challenges, and opportunities for strengthening the country's readiness to implement rehabilitation and reintegration measures;

3. Recommendations for policy, institutional, and programmatic improvements to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.

Specifically: 

• Development of an Assessment Methodology, including the following methods: 

- Desk research and analysis; 

- Questionnaire(s); 

- Lists of key stakeholders (both government at the level specified above and civil society, as well as key international organizations and bilateral donors) to be surveyed and interviewed, along with proposed questions; 

- A report outline with a description of segments. 

• Desk Research/Interviews

- Conducting desk research, including an analysis of available information provided by the Mission, and other relevant institutions and organizations from various levels of authority in BiH; 

- Identifying and collecting additional data and documentation relevant to the assessment;

- Conducting interviews.

• Production of the assessment, including:

- Providing draft report and recommendations in the English language. The report should not be more than 20 pages;

• Finalization of the assessment, including:

- Responding to the Mission’s questions and comments; 
- Finalising report with recommendations; 
- Reviewing translation into the B/C/S language.

Deliverables:

Deliverable 1: Assessment Methodology  

Indicator: Document outlining the proposed methodology, data collection tools, and work plan 

Timeframe: 5 working days after contract initiation

Deliverable 2: Draft assessment report

Indicator: Draft assessment report in line with the proposed methodology and available for review and feedback    

Timeframe: 30 days after the approval of the methodology

Deliverable 3: Final assessment report 

Indicator: Final report incorporates feedback and recommendations

Timeframe:  Within 5 days of receiving comments on the draft report

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, please see: https://www.osce.org/mission-to-bosnia-and-herzegovina.

Necessary Qualifications:

• First-level university degree in psychology, social science, security or a related field;
• At least eight (8) years of experience in the field of countering violent extremism and terrorism, particularly as relates to research and programming in the field of RRR;
• Excellent research and drafting skills, including the ability to present complex or sensitive topics in a clear and understandable manner;
• Proven experience of working with civil society sector and relevant government structures in BiH in the field of RRR;
• Professional fluency in English and local languages with excellent communication (both oral and written) skills;
• Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications.

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.

This position is open to citizens and permanent residents of Bosnia and Herzegovina only.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization. 

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.