Notification

TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR)

Call for Expert/Trainer

Dealing with the Past and Reconciliation

Project: Prespa Connects Cultures
Main Activity: Prespa Youth Forum
Implementing Partner: REC – Reconciliation Empowering Communities
Location: Prespa – Resen, North Macedonia
Planned period: 20-22 October 2026
Working language: English
Remuneration: EUR 1,000

The Prespa Youth Forum is part of the Grassroots Initiatives Grant Scheme (GGI), co-funded by the Western Balkans Fund and the European Union under the WBF-EU Joint Action, the Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA III).

1. Purpose

Within the framework of the project Prespa Connects Cultures, implemented by Eurothink – Center for European Strategies in partnership with REC – Reconciliation Empowering Communities and DMO Korça, REC is seeking an experienced expert/trainer to develop and deliver the thematic component on Dealing with the Past and Reconciliation during the Prespa Youth Forum.

The Prespa Youth Forum will bring together young people aged 18–29 from all six Western Balkan countries and will provide a space for dialogue, exchange of experiences and regional cooperation.

The selected expert will be responsible for preparing and delivering a thematic session and an interactive workshop focused on dealing with the past, reconciliation, dialogue and mutual understanding among young people in the Western Balkans.

2. Ultimate Result

The assignment will contribute to strengthening young people’s understanding of reconciliation and dealing with the past, while creating opportunities for dialogue, exchange of perspectives and identification of common ground among young people from across the Western Balkans.

The expert’s contribution will also support the development of ideas and recommendations that can feed into the Forum’s Joint Cooperation Roadmap.

3. Duration and Remuneration

The assignment will take place in preparation for and during the Prespa Youth Forum, planned for October 2026.

The selected expert will be expected to participate in the relevant preparation and implementation activities and be present in Prespa during the thematic sessions.

The assignment will cover a total of 5 working days. The expert will be remunerated at a daily rate of EUR 200, for a total fixed remuneration of EUR 1,000.

The assignment will be implemented in connection with the Prespa Youth Forum, within the framework of the “Prespa Connects Cultures” project.

4. Objectives

The expert will be expected to:

provide relevant and accessible expert input on dealing with the past and reconciliation;

introduce young participants to key concepts and challenges related to reconciliation in the Western Balkans;

facilitate constructive dialogue among participants with different experiences and perspectives;

encourage critical reflection on stereotypes, prejudice, narratives and social divisions;

promote mutual understanding and dialogue among young people from the region;

facilitate an interactive workshop that enables participants to exchange experiences and develop ideas for future cooperation; and

contribute to the identification of recommendations and ideas for the Joint Cooperation Roadmap.

5. Expected Outputs

The selected expert will be responsible for:

Preparing the content and methodology for the thematic component on Dealing with the Past and Reconciliation.

Delivering an expert presentation/session during the Prespa Youth Forum.

Designing and facilitating an interactive workshop for the participating young people.

Facilitating discussion and exchange among participants from the six Western Balkan countries.

Providing key conclusions, recommendations and inputs emerging from the session and workshop.

Contributing to the Joint Cooperation Roadmap.

Providing relevant presentation or workshop materials used during the Forum.

6. Methodology

The sessions should be designed specifically for a young audience and should combine expert input with participatory methods.

The methodology should include interactive discussion, group work, reflection and peer-to-peer exchange. Particular attention should be given to creating a safe and inclusive environment in which participants can discuss sensitive issues related to the past and reconciliation respectfully.

The expert is expected to use accessible language and practical examples relevant to young people and the Western Balkan context.

7. Qualifications and Skills

Education

The expert should possess at least a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, including but not limited to:

Peace and Conflict Studies;

Political Science;

Sociology;

History;

International Relations;

Social Sciences;

Human Rights;

Reconciliation Studies; or

another relevant discipline.

Professional Experience

The expert should have:

At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in dealing with the past, reconciliation, peacebuilding, dialogue, conflict transformation or related fields;

demonstrated knowledge of the Western Balkan context;

experience working with young people and/or youth organisations;

demonstrated experience in delivering lectures, trainings, workshops or interactive educational sessions;

strong facilitation and communication skills;

experience using participatory and inclusive methodologies;

ability to work with participants from diverse cultural and social backgrounds; and

excellent command of English.

Experience in regional or cross-border initiatives involving young people will be considered an advantage.

8. Application

Interested experts are invited to submit:

a CV demonstrating relevant qualifications and experience;

a short motivation letter explaining their interest and suitability for the assignment; and

a brief outline of their proposed approach to the thematic session and workshop.

Applications should be submitted to REC – Reconciliation Empowering Communities at:

rec.kosova@gmail.com

Application deadline: 25 September 2026

9. Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

relevant academic qualifications;

professional experience in reconciliation and dealing with the past;

knowledge of the Western Balkan context;

experience working with young people;

experience in facilitation and participatory methodologies;

quality and relevance of the proposed approach; and

communication skills and command of English.

Call publication date: 15 September 2026
Application deadline: 25 September 2026

For further information about the assignment, the “Prespa Connects Cultures” project and the Prespa Youth Forum, interested candidates may contact REC – Reconciliation Empowering Communities at  rec.kosova@gmail.com.

The Prespa Youth Forum is part of the Grassroots Initiatives Grant Scheme (GGI), co-funded by the Western Balkans Fund and the European Union under the WBF-EU Joint Action, the Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA III).