Within the framework of the project "Advocacy for the creation of legal support mechanisms in the workplace for people with serious illnesses, a pilot project focused on patients diagnosed with cancer", funded by the Community Development Fund (CDF),

The Columbus Institute announces:

Call for the engagement of an individual expert to draft a legal and institutional analysis and prepare a policy brief on the rights of workers with serious illnesses (with a focus on cancer patients) in the workplace in Kosovo.

Required documents

1. Curriculum Vitae

2. Motivation letter

3. Work samples or references

4. Financial offer

Application deadline and contact details

The deadline for submitting applications is the date October 15, 2025All required documents must be sent by email to the following email address: info@instituticolumbus-ks.com no later than October 15, 2025 (17:00 p.m.).

Terms of Reference

1. Project background

Within the framework of the project "Advocacy for the creation of legal support mechanisms in the workplace for people with serious illnesses, a pilot project focused on patients diagnosed with cancer", funded by the Community Development Fund (CDF) and implemented by the Columbus Institute, the Columbus Institute announces a call for the engagement of an individual expert to draft a legal and institutional analysis and prepare a policy document (policy brief) on the rights of workers with serious illnesses (with a focus on cancer patients) in the workplace in Kosovo.

This project aims to address the lack of legal protection mechanisms for workers diagnosed with serious illnesses and facing temporary or prolonged loss of ability to work. The project aims to promote legal and institutional changes that will ensure the right to equal and sensitive treatment in the workplace for this category of workers, with an initial focus on cancer patients. The legal and institutional gap undermines the safety at work and well-being of workers, exposing them to the risk of losing their job or indirect discrimination due to their health condition.

In this context, the project aims to address these gaps in a structured and sustainable manner. The project methodology combines legal research and comparative analysis with a participatory approach, focusing on the experiences and needs of workers/patients themselves. It is planned to review current legislation and European best practices, collect evidence and personal stories through interviews with patients (workers affected by serious illnesses), and organize public discussions with key stakeholders.

An important component of the project is public awareness through the production of a short documentary and other media materials to convey the research findings and real stories of individuals, as well as to stimulate social debate on this issue. As a result of these interventions, a policy brief will be drafted with concrete recommendations for legal and policy changes that reflect the best international standards and human rights principles in the workplace. This document will be presented to responsible institutions and decision-makers, while its content will also be promoted to the general public through advocacy campaigns. This pilot initiative aims to serve as a catalyst for systemic change in the protection of the dignity and rights of workers affected by serious illnesses in Kosovo.

2. Purpose of Engagement

The purpose of this engagement is to recruit an experienced individual expert who will conduct an in-depth institutional analysis on the protection of the rights of workers with serious illnesses in the workplace in Kosovo, and based on the findings of this analysis will draft a policy brief with concrete recommendations for improving the legal framework and relevant policies. This engagement will provide the necessary professional expertise to inform and guide the project’s advocacy actions, so that the recommendations provided are well-reasoned, actionable and in line with best practice.

3. Duties and responsibilities of the expert

The engaged expert will have the following tasks and responsibilities: • Review of relevant legislation and policies: Conduct a thorough analysis of the current legal and sub-legal framework related to labor relations and social benefits for workers in case of serious illnesses.

• Identification of gaps in legal protection: Identifying deficiencies and weaknesses in existing provisions related to the protection of workers affected by serious diseases (especially cancer cases), including challenges in their implementation in practice.

• Comparative analysis and international research: Research into international best practices and European standards regarding the rights and protection of workers during the period of treatment for serious illnesses, with the aim of drawing lessons and models that can be adapted to the Kosovo context.

• Collaboration on collecting empirical information: Collaboration with the Columbus Institute project team in collecting additional data and information, including analyzing findings from interviews with patients (sick workers) and consultations with institutional stakeholders or other relevant experts.

• Drafting of the analytical report of the findings: Preparation of a detailed report of the legal and institutional analysis, describing the main findings, the gaps identified and the rationale behind the need for changes. The report should also include initial recommendations for remedial measures.

• Preparation of a policy brief: Based on the analytical report and consultations with stakeholders, drafting a brief policy document that summarizes the main findings and provides specific and actionable recommendations for improving the legal and institutional framework.

• Presentation of results to stakeholders: Presentation of the main findings and recommendations of the analysis in relevant project forums and events, as appropriate. This may include the expert’s participation and contribution in a roundtable with key stakeholders (public institutions, NGOs, employer representatives, patients) as well as in any public debate or media appearance related to the project, with the aim of explaining the recommendations and stimulating public discussion.

• Support in advocacy and communication activities: Collaborate with the project team in drafting key messages for the public awareness campaign and media materials, to ensure that public communication is based on the identified evidence and recommendations.

4. Products to be delivered

The expert is expected to deliver these key products during the engagement period:

• Analytical report (legal and institutional analysis): A detailed written report that summarizes the findings of the analysis of the current legal and institutional framework, identifies existing gaps and challenges, and provides the factual and legal basis for recommendations for changes. This report will serve as a reference document for policy development and for discussions with stakeholders.

• Policy Brief with recommendations: A short policy document, drafted in clear and simple language, presenting concrete recommendations for improving legislation and policies related to the protection of workers affected by serious illnesses. The policy brief will be oriented towards decision-makers (e.g. proposing specific changes to the Labor Law or bylaws, new supporting measures from institutions, etc.) and will be used for public advocacy purposes.

(Note: Final documents must be submitted in electronic format (Word/PDF) and will be in Albanian. Their translation into English may be requested separately, as needed by the donor or interested parties.)

5. Selection criteria

Candidates (individual experts) must meet the following criteria:

• Educational Qualification: University degree (Bachelor level) in a relevant field, such as social policy, health policy, law, public administration or similar fields. Postgraduate qualification (Master) in one of these fields is preferred.

• Professional experience: At least 5 years of work experience in public policy design or analysis, legal analysis, social research, health research or fields closely related to the project topic. Specific experience in issues related to workers' rights, health or social protection will be highly valued.

• Advocacy and media experience: Proven experience in conducting advocacy campaigns or public awareness activities, as well as the ability to effectively communicate messages in the media. This can be demonstrated by participation in advocacy initiatives, media appearances (interviews, debates), or publications (articles, research, opinion analyses) addressing social/health policy issues.

• Knowledge of local and international context: Excellent knowledge of the legal framework of the Republic of Kosovo, in particular the Labor Law and legislation related to employee benefits and health issues. Knowledge of international standards and European practices in the field of workers' rights and social and health protection is also welcome.

• Analytical and research skills: Good skills to conduct qualitative and quantitative research, analyze legislation and policies, and synthesize complex information into understandable conclusions and recommendations.

• Communication and writing skills: Very good communication and interpersonal skills. Excellent written skills in Albanian, with a professional style and without errors. Knowledge of English (especially professional terminology) is considered an advantage, given that the results of the project can also be communicated to an international audience.

6. Duration of engagement and schedule

The estimated duration of this engagement is six (6) months, approximately from October 2025 to March 2026. The selected expert is expected to start work immediately after the contract is signed, and will work in close coordination with Columbus Institute staff throughout the project period.

7. Application method and required documents

All interested candidates are invited to submit their application by submitting the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): The candidate's updated CV, highlighting academic qualifications, relevant professional experience and key skills.

• Motivation letter: A motivation letter (up to 1 page) where the candidate explains his/her interest in this position, summarizes how his/her experience and skills meet the requirements of the engagement, and outlines his/her personal approach to the project topic.

• Work samples or references: Any evidence of similar work previously completed is welcome. For example, a copy/link of an analysis or policy brief drafted by the candidate.

• Financial Offer: A brief document indicating the candidate’s financial offer for this engagement. This can be presented as a gross total amount for the entire engagement period or as a proposed daily rate. (Note: The Columbus Institute will ensure that the payment is competitive and fair, in line with the project budget and market rates.)

8. Application deadline and contact details

The deadline for submitting applications is October 15, 2025. All documents required under point 7 must be sent by email to the following email address: info@instituticolumbus-ks.com no later than October 15, 2025 (17:00 p.m.).

Please include "" in the subject of the email.Application for Expert - Legal Analysis and Policy Brief".

For any additional information or clarification, candidates may contact the Columbus Institute at the above-mentioned email address. Clarification questions (if any) may be submitted until 10.10.2025, and responses will be communicated to applicants in due course.

Note: Applications received after the above deadline, as well as applications that do not contain all required documents, will not be considered.

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