Activation Consultant

Project: P171098 - Kosovo Social Assistance System Reform Project Reference: SAS.1.1.ICS.088 Procurement method: Individual Consultant Selection Financing: World Bank Date: 05 March 2026 Location: Kosovo Project ID: P171098 Ref. No.: SAS.1.1.ICS.0088 World Bank Credit Name: Social Assistance System Reform Project in Kosovo TERMS OF REFERENCE AND SCOPE OF SERVICES INTRODUCTION This assignment is implemented under the Social Assistance Reform Project, led by the Department for Social Schemes (DSS) within the Ministry of Labor, Family and Liberation War Values and Social Welfare. The objective of the project is to activate persons who are able to work by removing barriers faced by Social Assistance Scheme (SAS) beneficiaries in their reintegration into the labor market and by promoting their active participation in employment. Unlike the current scheme, the pilot phase of the reform explicitly encourages the employment of beneficiaries rather than long-term dependency on social assistance. In parallel, the Employment Agency of the Republic of Kosovo is developing a new jobseeker management system, which requires the integration of social assistance components into its design and implementation. Furthermore, there is a need for dedicated capacity to monitor the performance of employment counsellors, oversee the work of non-public training providers, ensure the quality and proper implementation of training programmes, and contribute to policy development aimed at integrating vulnerable groups into the labor market. SCOPE OF WORK In the framework of daily operations, the Activation Consultant will play a central role in strengthening the implementation of the Social Assistance Scheme (SAS) reform by ensuring close and continuous coordination with Employment Counselors across all municipalities. The Consultant will maintain regular communication with municipal employment offices, monitor job placements and activation measures, and organize periodic coordination and review meetings to assess progress, address implementation gaps, and ensure consistency of practices nationwide. Furthermore, the Activation Consultant will oversee the design, implementation, and quality of training programs for SAS beneficiaries delivered by non-public training providers. This includes monitoring beneficiary participation, progress, and completion rates, ensuring that training activities are aligned with labor market needs, and identifying areas for improvement to increase employability outcomes. The Consultant will also monitor the overall activation process, from referral to employment services through training, job matching, and placement, ensuring that activation pathways are effective, inclusive, and results-oriented. In addition, the Activation Consultant will contribute to strengthening accountability and evidence-based decision-making within the reform process by systematically collecting and analyzing data on activation outcomes. Regular analytical reports will be prepared, highlighting key achievements, lessons learned, challenges, and structural barriers affecting beneficiary activation and labor market integration. These findings will inform policy adjustments, support continuous improvement of activation measures, and contribute to the successful implementation and sustainability of the social assistance reform. The Activation Consultant will work in close coordination with ERKR management to support the overall implementation of the Project, provide technical guidance and operational support, ensure effective coordination among relevant stakeholders, and oversee the planning, execution, monitoring, and reporting of the activation component of the pilot. QUALIFICATIONS • Minimum 4 years of relevant professional experience in employment services, labor market policies, social protection, or related fields; • Proven experience working within the Ministry or in close cooperation with public institutions, particularly in areas related to employment and social assistance reform. • Experience collaborating with or supporting the Employment Agency of the Republic of Kosovo (EARK), including coordination with employment counselors and implementation of activation measures. • Bachelor’s degree in economics, social policy, public administration, or a related field (master’s degree is an asset, but not required). • Good command of English, both written and spoken. • Practical experience in supporting vulnerable groups through employment services, activation measures, or training programs. • Familiarity with non-public employment service providers and outsourcing or partnership models is considered an asset. REMUNERATION • The Activation Consultant will be engaged on a full-time contractual basis. • Remuneration will be commensurate with qualifications, professional experience, and level of responsibility, and aligned with Kosovo public sector and donor-funded project standards. REPORTING RELATIONS AND OBLIGATIONS The consultant will