Background
According to the EU Report, on local level, there is no systematic mechanism for monitoring of cases of former radical entities whereas systematic mechanisms are needed to monitor terrorist fighters once returned to the country and served their penalty. This is of particular concern, as experience has shown that youth are particularly vulnerable to the radical narratives. The contextual challenges that support potential youth radicalization are present: high level of unemployment (especially youth); decrepit infrastructure especially in rural areas; insufficient communication among different ethnic groups despite peaceful situation in the country; traditional communities which are often prey to radical narratives; hate speech and fake news influencing youth. There are multiple challenges related to prevention and combating against violent extremism and terrorism, often related to returning of foreign terrorist fighters or influenced residents. CSOs are slowly beginning to recognize the risks from violent extremism, as well as those CSOs working with the youth. But, despite the legal opportunity, the varying introduced forms of local prevention councils (LPC), community action teams (CAT) or -community working groups (CWG) are still not operationalized or effective in bringing together the government, local leaders and experts in finding solutions to the potential of radicalizations of the youth, on local level. Few CSOs develop positive community actions that aim at countering violent extremism narratives; thus, many cases of radicalization may be under the radar, despite the position of the CSOs to serve as red-flaggers to national security entities. The population itself is generally unfamiliar with individuals or groups that are later exposed as having radical influence, which shows the need for a cross-sector cooperation of (local) government, CSOs and experts, especially due to the CSOs close contact with the youth. As a specific group, the youth often are exposed to problematic information, especially in the social media, and this is one area of concern that is often, in our country, less addressed, despite gradual introduction of stricter rules against fake news or cybercriminal. Youth are unfamiliar with the danger of “radical influence” and often become their prey. This is present in communities where there is absence of community initiatives for engagement of youth in positive actions in areas of art, culture, music or socio-economic activities.
Objective of the Project
The overall objective of the project “Youth Civic Education Platform for Countering Radicalization (Youth Counter)” of which this contract will be a part is as follows: To enhance the capacity of local civil society for building resilience against radicalization of youth population in N. Macedonia.
Specific objectives of the Project are:
To develop a civic education platform for youth, designing civic education motivated counter-narratives and alternative narratives, as a means for prevention of youth radicalization.
Purpose of the Call for expert or developing a base-line on youth education for fighting radical narratives
The assignment to be undertaken is defined under activity 1.1. Organization of workshops for counter-narratives and alternative narratives for prevention of radicalization that may lead to violent extremism and terrorism for CSOs in Struga, Kumanovo and Skopje and under BL 5.2.1. As part of the activity 1.1., a base-line study will be developed to provide context to the workshops. For that purpose, an expert will be selected to develop a base line on youth education for fighting radical narratives, based on the Project’s idea. The expert will have to provide feedback on all projects’ activities and recommendation for further Project implementation. The development of the base-line study is important to showcase to the Project staff the up-to-date information on youth radicalization with view of the Project’s planned activities.
Tasks and Responsibilities
The following tasks will have to be undertaken by the selected organization/expert:
To develop a base-line study (maximum 40 pages) on youth education for fighting radical narratives based on the Project’s idea and to provide context to the workshops for counter-narratives and alternative narratives for prevention of radicalization that may lead to violent extremism and terrorism for CSOs in Struga, Kumanovo and Skopje.
Tasks to be done:
The expert should first give a detailed explanation of the term “radicalization”; What are the signs of radicalization, how to recognize radicalization in young people, radicalization phases; To give an overview of the situation in Western Balkan with the radicalization of the youth, with a special focus on North Macedonia; Expert should attend the planned workshops in Skopje, Struga and Kumanovo, so that he/she can give an overview of the experience of CSOs in countering radicalization, violent extremism and terrorism.
Results to be achieved by the contractor:
- Result 1: Developed a base-line study on youth education for fighting radical narratives, based on the Project’s idea (maximum 40 pages)
- Result 2: Provided feedback on all project’s activities and recommendation for further Project implementation
Qualification and Experience
- The expert should have a university degree (bachelor) in social sciences, economics, general business management, or equivalent yearly experience / expertise in conducting actions in similar areas
General professional experience:
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in analysis / research of topics similar to youth and/or violent extremism and/or terrorism and/or multi-culturalism and/or social inclusion;
- Work on projects related to the topic of radicalization, violent extremism and terrorism
- Fluent knowledge of English language whereas knowledge of local languages in the Western Balkan region will be considered an advantage;
- Knowledge of legal acts in the country with focus on Criminal Code and regulation related to protection of children and youth
- Experience in working in the Western Balkan region will be considered as an advantage.
- Ability to work in multicultural environment.
Specific professional experience:
- To have prepared at least one research / base-line / study / survey on areas such as: violent extremism and/or terrorism and/or multi-culturalism and/or social inclusion in the last 3 years;
Contract duration
The intended start date is February 18, 2021 and the period of implementation of the contract will be 1,5 months from this date. Total of 12 days are foreseen.
Reporting requirements
The contractor will submit the following supporting documentation in English language through e-mail and in hard copy to the Project Director for the duration of this Contract:
- Final version of the Base-line study in English (maximum of 40 pages)
- Time-Sheet for the expert
How to Apply
This application is open for individuals. Individuals should provide the following:
- CV of the expert
- Financial offer (per man-day, total of 12 days); (Own template)
Due to Covid-19 pandemic, e-mail submission process will be also applied for this tender. CV and the required documentation should be sent before 16.02.2021 to the Contracting authority through official e-mail communication to:
Initiative for European Perspective, e-mail: contact@iep.mk; and Valerija Sokolova-Stojanovska- Project Director, e-mail: vsokolova@iep.mk
or
EITHER by post or by courier service, in which case the evidence shall be constituted by the postmark or the date of the deposit slip, to:
Initiative for European Perspective
Address: bul. Vs. Kliment Ohridski 58b/2-4, Centar, 1000 Skopje (Project dedicated office)
OR hand delivered by the participant in person or by an agent directly to the premises of the contracting authority in return for a signed and dated receipt, in which case the evidence shall be constituted by this acknowledgement of receipt, to:
Initiative for European Perspective
Address: bul. Sv. Kliment Ohridski 58b/2-4, Centar, 1000 Skopje (Project dedicated office)
