National Consultant for Development of Financial Independence and Budgetary Autonomy Framework (SSA)

Background: This consultancy forms part of the Mission’s broader support to the Commission for Prevention and Protection from Discrimination (CPPD) and Ombudsperson Institution (OI) to achieve full compliance with international and EU standards for equality bodies and UN Paris Principles for National Human Rights Institutions by 2027, following the 2025 OSCE-led baseline assessment of its institutional performance for both institutions against HDD commitments, UN Paris Principles and relevant EU Directives. As part of the 2026–2027 reform roadmap, the Mission will provide further support to achieve full compliance of the OI with the Paris Principles and of the CPPD with with international standards for equality bodies, thus contributing directly to the programme’s outcome of strengthening institutional independence, effectiveness, and accountability of key human rights bodies. Specifically, it supports the priority area of financial independence and effectiveness through the development of core organizational and operational deliverables in the area of finance and budgetary autonomy. The engagement of two external experts, one for the CPPD and the other for the OI, is necessary to ensure the application of certified expertise in developing financial independence and budgetary autonomy framework in line with national legislation, thereby complementing in-house capacities, ensuring quality and objectivity, and enabling both targeted institutions to implement sustainable, evidence-based institutional and budgetary reforms. Objective of Assignment: To develop Financial Independence and Budgetary Autonomy Framework of the CPPD and of the OI respectively, that enhance its financial independence, efficiency, and compliance with national, UN and EU standards for National Huma Rights Institutions and equality bodies. Duration of Assignment: 5 months Tasks and Responsibilities: Under the overall supervision and guidance of the OSCE Mission to Skopje responsible project team, the national consultant will perform the following tasks: I. Inception phase: Develop a detailed work plan and methodology for the financial and budgetary autonomy framework; Review existing mandates, legal frameworks, and previous assessments to identify high-risk issues and current legislation (law on Budgets); II. Data Collection and Stakeholder Consultations: Organize and facilitate at least two meetings with relevant stakeholders to map functions, challenges, and priorities; Conduct individual interviews with the Chairperson of the CPPD/OI to gather input on gaps and improvement areas; III. Protocol Writing: Analyze collected data to develop a financial independence and budget autonomy framework emphasizing autonomy in requesting and awarding the requested budget and on spending the given budget; Draft the Protocol and receive comments from CPPD/OI for validation and feedback; IV. Development of internal financial autonomy rules: Prepare draft internal financial autonomy rules; Present the draft to CPPD/OI for feedback and incorporate recommendations to finalize the document; V. Development of medium-term (three-year) budget planning document: Review relevant legal requirements, including the new Law on Budget; Prepare a layout for developing the medium-term budget planning document; Organize and facilitate at least one workshop with CPPD/OI staff to map the priorities for 2027-2029; Develop summary document from the workshop; Develop the Medium-term (three-year) budget planning document); Present the draft to CPPD/OI for feedback and incorporate recommendations to finalize the document; Organise and facilitate a consultation process with the Ministry of Finance on the best way how to embed the proposed model within the programme budget reform process; Regularly coordinate with the Activity Lead, and the CPPD/OI. Deliverables: A Budgetary Independence Protocol for OI (OI–Government–Assembly) with safeguards against budget reductions without parliamentary oversight. A Budgetary Independence Protocol for CPPD (CPPD–Government–Assembly) with safeguards against budget reductions without parliamentary oversight. Necessary Qualifications: University degree in Economy, Business Administration and management, Public Administration, Law or a related field; Minimum 7 years of professional experience in economy, finances, budget planning, public administration, or institutional assessment including experience with independent human rights bodies; Knowledge of public sector finances and governance, financial law, budget design, financial independence analysis, and budgetary planning processes; Experience in developing financial independence and budgetary autonomy frameworks, internal financial autonomy rules, and mid-term budget planning document for public bodies; Experience in conducting stakeholder consultations, workshops, and interviews, with strong facilitation and participatory skills; Proven ability to work collaboratively with governmental institutions, civil society, and international stakeholders; Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Macedonian, including drafting of reports, analytical documents, and policy recommendations; Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities; Computer literate with practical experience with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and analytical tools for data collection and reporting. Remuneration Package: For the services provided, the National Consultant will be remunerated at the rate of 140 Euro per day, for a total of up to 20 working days. Payment will be effected upon successful completion of all tasks. 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. Additional Information Issued by: OSCE Mission to Skopje Requisition ID: SKP000240 Contract Type: Special Service Agreement (SSA) / Consultant Grade: No grade Job Type: Consultant Number of posts: 2 Location: SKP - OSCE Mission to Skopje, Skopje Issue Date: Apr 24, 2026 Closing Date: May 8, 2026 Education Level: Bachelor's Degree (First-level university degree or equivalent) Job Field: Rule of Law Target Start Date: 1 June 2026