Programmes Lead, Western Balkans

ISD is an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to safeguarding human rights and reversing the rising tide of polarisation, extremism and disinformation worldwide.

Why work for ISD?

ISD is not your ordinary think tank. We turn research into action that changes the world. Our insights don't gather dust on shelves - they power the fight to protect democracy and human rights on the front lines. We're committed to delivering real change, from the grassroots to the highest levels of global institutions. And we're looking for passionate individuals who share our commitment to making a difference. Join us and be part of an organisation that's making an impact.

ISD's Guiding Principles of  integrity, collaboration, agility and courage  define who we are as a team and an organisation. These principles reflect our culture and guide the way we work and the choices we make.

Location

Remote; based in either Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo Montenegro, North Macedonia or Serbia.

Contract type

Consultancy contract - fixed term for 1 year. Please note this role is advertised subject to funding. 

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

ISD is committed to promoting diversity throughout its workforce and aims for its team to be truly representative of all sections of society. We make a concerted effort to ensure our workplace, employment policies and organisational culture creates an inclusive, positive and progressive environment in which all members of our team are treated with dignity and respect. For further information about this policy or our recruitment practices, please email vacancies@isdglobal.org.

We strongly encourage applications from people of colour, the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, neurodivergent people, carers, and people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

The role

The purpose of this role is to support Strong Cities’ engagement with cities and relevant partners across the Western Balkans. The successful candidate will be a core member of the Western Balkans Regional Hub team, fostering strong and effective relationships with municipalities across the region. The role primarily focuses on engagement with member municipalities across Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia to ensure the network is driven by – and ultimately responds to – the needs and gaps that cities themselves identify in their ability to prevent hate, extremism and polarisation at local levels. With a focus on regional engagement, there will be a need for strong internal coordination with Central Team colleagues, so that the Central Team and Regional Hubs are functioning as a cohesive Management Unit serving Strong Cities members around the world.

Key responsibilities include:

• Strengthen and maintain effective long-term relationships with member cities
• Identify, develop and deliver regional programming that responds to the needs of cities
• Facilitate city peer-learning through the identification and exchange of good practices
• Contribute to effective project management and development of new opportunities and partnerships

To view a full job description, please  click here.

The ideal candidate

The ideal candidate will have  significant experience in developing and/or delivering peacebuilding/preventing violent extremism/local governance programmes with a range of stakeholders, experience in network building and previous experience in working with or in national/local governments, civil society and/or international organisations on prevention initiatives.

Please review our  job description for essential criteria, and keep in mind that no candidate will meet every requirement in the advert. If your experience looks a little different from what we've identified, but you think you can bring value to the role, we'd love to hear from you.

How to apply