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? The closing event of the project #WinforVET in Albania comprised four discussion panels. Here is a summary of the key speakers of the 1st panel.

Mr. Redjepali Chupi, Co-Director of the Roma Education Fund (REF), introduced the REF\’s work and impact over the years, including supporting 8\’000 Roma students across Europe and providing 406 scholarships?‍? in Albania ??. REF has shifted its focus to building resilient communities through education. Challenges related to discrimination and segregation based on ethnicity still persist.

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??  Mrs. Etleva Kikina, Interim Head of the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) Office in Tirana, highlighted ADA\’s support for good governance, integral water management, and Vocational Education and Skills. The WinForVET project exceeded expectations despite post-COVID-19 challenges. REF is a strategic donor for Roma Versitas Albania, ensuring continuous support for their educational work and transition to employment. ?

? Mrs. Irena Mitro, a Ministry of Health and Social Protection representative, stressed the importance of integrating the Roma and Egyptian communities. A follow-up tracking system should be established for those who have completed vocational education and entered the workforce. ?Maintaining effective data tracking and addressing interconnected issues are challenges. Roma students show potential, and advocacy is vital. Roma Versitas Albania has made significant contributions.

? In conclusion, collaboration with national and local institutions in Albania is encouraged, partnerships are crucial, and a holistic approach is necessary to address the needs of Roma communities.

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? The 2nd panel brought together vocational education training staff representatives. This panel was moderated by Mrs. Marsela Taho, REF focal point in Albania.

?Mr. Alket Merdanaj, Director of the Shkolla e mesme profesionale \”Rakip Kryeziu\” Fier, highlighted their positive and equal treatment of pupils. Many Roma students from their school have gone on to attend university and secure good jobs. While institutions provide support through policies like free textbooks and VET scholarships, WinForVET\’s additional assistance is valuable. The main challenge is raising community awareness about education.

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? Mr. Ergys Laho, from Shkolla e Mesme Teknologjike \”Hysen Çela\” Durrës, emphasized their school\’s equal approach to all pupils. Roma students excel, especially in Food Technology, and might have fair enrollment opportunities at the Agriculture University of Tirana. ?Efforts are needed to attract more Roma students, particularly from the Shkozet District, and identify their needs. Teachers should also receive training on Roma-related topics.?‍?

? Mr. Behexhet Kafexhiu, from the Development Unit of Shkolla e Mesme Profesionale \”Ali Myftiu\”, shared statistics on their 132 pupils from both national minorities. He believes these students will become highly skilled professionals. One alumnus from the community is even studying in Estonia. ??Albania\’s future looks promising when investing in the young generation. Greater sustainability is ensured by combining existing resources and policies with project support and strong career orientation.?

? ?Many thanks to these VET schools and to many of those that could not attend personally for the support they offered during the implementation of our project.

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? In the third panel of the closing event of WinForVET, a few other distinguished partners shared their inputs and insights about the project.

? Mrs. Aida Kureta from the National Agency for Employment and Skills highlighted their role in vocational education, training, and employment, emphasizing the considerable participation rate among Roma. The issue of education criteria for skills centres was addressed. She expressed enthusiasm for upcoming projects but stressed the need for support from civil society organizations.

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Mr. Piro Xheblati, General Director of Social Services in Berat, noted the significant impact of the WinForVET project on Berati Municipality. Local and central institutions worked together, and the Municipality approved the Local Development Plan for the Community. 56% of scholarships in VET are allocated to Roma and Egyptians. There is increasing interest in vocational education and skills, and the Municipality fully subsidizes preschool education.

?Ms. Briselda Reme, a local mentor in Tirane, called for extensive short-term courses and emphasized the project\’s aim to inspire young Roma pupils to invest in their communities.

?Mrs. Luiza Hykaj, an Animal Vet Hospital administrator in Fier, discussed our cooperation and the progress of a Roma girl intern at the clinic. We supported the internship of one of our beneficiaries there.

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?In the final panel, young participants shared their experiences with the project. ?

? Sara, who attends the cuisine and tourism branch, praised the project\’s support. She suggested increasing the scholarship provision. She would have to choose between school or a full-time job if it was not for such support.

? Erisa, who interned at the Social Service Department in Berat with the project internship support scheme, praised the project\’s components and recommended the same scholarship increase.

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? Nurjada expressed great satisfaction with the project\’s support for VET school students.

? Zarif, a young Roma adult, was supported with a short-term course. Later, he went abroad but returned, was offered an internship by the project, and now works two jobs, including one in a car workshop.

? Elhami, one of the project\’s top pupils, values the support and suggests organizing more social activities to foster social cohesion among young Roma pupils.

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Terms of Reference

ADVOCACY OFFICER

Background information about Roma Versitas Albania

Roma Versitas Albania was initially a program that started in September 2014 as a program of the Roma Education Fund. On the 8^th of April 2016, after a joint initiative with Roma students, and with the support of the Roma Education Fund, it became a civil society organization. Roma Versitas Albania aims to increase academic performance and graduation rates while building the advocacy, self-esteem, and identity of Roma and Egyptian students enrolled in public and private education institutions in Albania and supporting them during their transition to tertiary education or VET secondary education to access the labor market.

Roma Versitas Albania (RVA) is seeking an Advocacy Officer to join the project team in the implementation of the project “Education, Employment, Partnerships, and Gender Equality: A Winning Formula for Roma in VET”, funded by the Austrian Development Agency and implemented by RVA in cooperation with Roma Education Fund (REF – lead partner) and Roma Versitas Kosovo (partner). The project aims to contribute to social inclusion and poverty reduction of Roma in Albania and Kosovo through the support of vocational education and training, facilitation of the labor market, and empowering stakeholders to take measures to support the transition of Roma to employment. The project will be implemented in Albania and Kosovo. The project will be managed by the Project Manager, based at the REF headquarters in Belgrade, Serbia, and will be implemented in Albania and Kosovo. The project duration is through December 2022.

The objectives will be achieved by facilitating access to Vocational Education and Training (VET) Schools for Roma youth and young adults in the two targeted countries. It is expected that the project beneficiaries will successfully enroll in targeted vocational schools or short-term vocational centers with the aim to improve confidence and skills, graduate, and be competitive in the labor market. The activities will be focused on the provision of support to education through scholarships, mentoring, and tutoring, and increasing employability through job placements, professional development, and multifaceted partnerships with employers and governmental institutions.

Position specifics

The Advocacy Officer will work in close cooperation and under the supervision of the Project Coordinator in Albania, and with the Education and Employment Coordinator and Admin and Finance Officer.

A fixed-term contract at the Roma Versitas Albania office.

The planned duration of the engagement: the job position is until the end of December 2022.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Regularly organize and meet with both direct and indirect target groups (schools and employers) to raise the level of awareness, sensitivity and adherence to the project’s gender equality outcome among the primary and indirect target groups;

• In cooperation with the project team and REF, based on the country assessments and ongoing project implementation experience, draft a specific policy-shaping/recommendation package for project stakeholders (authorities responsible for employment, respective ministries, and governments) to take over the WinForVET model of intervention;
• Take the lead in organizing national roundtables for advocacy and influencing policy, and leading discussions with the stakeholders toward drafting policy recommendations to be shared widely with the institutions, project partners, and interested parties;
• Conducts research, collects and analyzes data from the field and in close consultation with the mentors and tutors;
• Conduct surveys and questionnaires with indirect target groups (employers, schools);
• Review of the policy and legal framework of education employment and self-employment;
• Organize meetings with potential employers, and promote the beneficiaries for employment;
• Build and establish strategic relationships with education institutions, employment institutions, local and national authorities and/or other related institutions, NGOs and other field professionals;
• Perform site visits to the project stakeholders;

• Ensures adaptability of the gender equality dimension in all the activities under the project.

• Regular reporting to the Project Coordinator and contribution to project reports;
• Perform other work-related duties, as assigned by the Project Coordinator;

Travel requirements:

• Frequent travels nationally, and occasionally internationally;

Necessary Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree/BA or equivalent degree; advanced degree preferred; in social sciences, policies, law, or political science;
• Three years of relevant experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Work experience with policy analysis, policy-making; legislation review; research;
• NGO experience is essential;
• Experience and competencies in working in a multicultural environment;
• Experience in project monitoring and evaluation tools (M&E) is a plus;

Skills Required

• Working efficiently in a fast-paced environment, troubleshooting and following activities through their successful completion, with strict deadlines and with attention to detail;
• Proficient skills in research, data analysis, and policy recommendations;
• Excellent organizational, analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills;
• Effectively work as a team member, as well as independently, with a high level of self-motivation and ability to set and meet goals;
• Good knowledge and understanding of the employment regulations and education system in Albania, and the level of inclusion of Roma in the labor market;
• Good understanding of key organizations and employment networks active in the field;
• Good reporting skills, understanding of monitoring and evaluation, and familiarity with budget tracking;
• Good level of computer usage proficiency;
• Good command of the English and Albanian (written and spoken) is a must; knowledge of the Romani language is considered an added value;
• Good listening and communication skills, with sensitivity to cultural communication differences;
• Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with colleagues and the general public;
• A driver\’s license is considered an added value;

All interested candidates are kindly invited to send their application, a Curriculum Vitae, a Motivation Letter, and two recommendations to rva@romaversitasalbania.org, with the subject: “Advocacy Officer at RVA” no later than 23 May at 12:00.

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