Public Call
Communication Strategy Expert
Development of a Communication Strategy for HLC Kosovo
The Humanitarian Law Center Kosovo (HLC Kosovo) is a non-governmental organization that contributes to strengthening Kosovo's capacity to establish the rule of law and implement transitional justice mechanisms, with the aim of developing a just society that deals with the past and respects the rights of every citizen. Through fact-finding and documentation, monitoring war crimes trials, supporting victims and their families, inclusive memorialization, and education on transitional justice, HLC Kosovo seeks to support the development of a democratic society that deals with its past and works toward a shared, democratic and rights-based future.
HLC Kosovo will develop a Communication Strategy that will serve as a clear guide for how the projects communicate with their audiences, including victims and survivors from all communities, young people, legal professionals, institutional representatives, education professionals, the media and the wider public.
The Strategy should define the projects' voice, priority audiences, messages, platforms and engagement methods, ensuring that work on memorialization and transitional justice reaches beyond traditional circles.
This engagement is particularly important in Kosovo's polarized post-conflict context, where disinformation, exclusionary narratives and selective memory influence the public sphere. Communication must therefore be conflict- and trauma-sensitive, victim- and survivor-centered, inclusive, and mindful of the risk of stigmatization or retraumatization.
Purpose of the engagement
The purpose is to engage an experienced expert to develop an up-to-date, practical and measurable Strategic Communication Plan. After the first year of implementation, the expert will review the implementation of the strategic plan and provide recommendations for its improvement and further development.
Tasks
Phase I - Development of the Communication Strategy
- Review relevant documentation and assess the organization's needs, as well as the projects' existing communication capacities and practices.
- Map and segment key audiences and stakeholders, identifying their information needs and the most appropriate communication channels.
- Develop the messaging framework, tone and communication approach for different audiences, in line with the principles of human rights, conflict sensitivity and a victim-centered approach.
- Define communication channels, platforms and formats, including engagement with the media, social media, and groups and communities with limited access to information and public processes.
- Develop the Communication Strategy and implementation plan, including activities, timelines, responsibilities, performance indicators and measures for managing communication risks.
- Present the draft Strategy, incorporate HLC Kosovo's comments and submit the final version.
Phase II - Review after the first year
- Review the implementation of the Strategy and the communication results achieved during the first year.
- Assess the effectiveness of the defined messages, channels and indicators, and identify the key achievements and gaps.
- Submit a review report with concrete recommendations for updating and further developing the Strategy.
Required qualifications and experience
- University degree in communications, public relations, journalism, political science, human rights, peace studies or a related field; an advanced degree will be considered an advantage.
- At least five (5) years of professional experience in strategic communications, communication strategy development, advocacy or public engagement.
- Demonstrated experience in at least two similar engagements for civil society organizations, public institutions or international organizations.
- Knowledge of transitional justice, dealing with the past, memorialization and peacebuilding, as well as experience working with victims and survivors, will be considered an asset.
- Knowledge of the social, political and media context in Kosovo and the region.
- Excellent analytical, consultation and writing skills.
- Excellent command of Albanian and/or English; knowledge of Serbian will be considered an advantage.
Application documents
- Motivation letter, up to two pages, explaining the applicant's suitability and proposed approach;
- Updated CV and portfolio of work;
- Brief technical/methodological proposal, up to five pages, including an indicative work plan and financial offer;
- Contact details of at least two professional references;
Incomplete applications or applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
Documents must be submitted in PDF format to office@hlc-kosovo.org with the subject line: "Application for Communication Strategy Expert - (first and last name)".
The application deadline is 21 September 2026. Requests for clarification may be sent to office@hlc-kosovo.org by 14 September 2026.
