Expert in Change Management
Location: Pristina
Deadline for submitting the application: 01/05/2025
Start date: 01/06/2025
Contract type: Limited
Contract term (months): 12,00
1. POSITION DESCRIPTION
Job title: Expert in Change Management
Location: Prishtina, Kosovo
Place of work: Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Trade (MIET)
Deadline for submitting the application: 01/05/2025
Start date: ASAP 01/06/2025
Contract type: Limited
Contract term (months): 12
2. CONTEXT OF THE INTERVENTION
Project Background
The Governments of Kosovo and Luxembourg signed a Memorandum of Understanding in July 2022 to strengthen bilateral cooperation for 2023–2025, focusing on sustainable and inclusive growth in line with SDG 8. The KSV/023 project supports innovation, digital transformation, green transition, and cybersecurity.
The overall objective of the KSV/023 “Sustainable and inclusive growth in Kosovo” project is to contribute to sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation, inclusiveness and social development in a greener Kosovo. The specific objective of the project aims to encourage innovation and local and foreign investments in an e-secured and transparent environment.
The KSV/023 project is structured around four results, which are:
• Result 1: the SFRK is ready for implementation;
• Result 2: civil servants’ cyber security capabilities are improved;
• Result 3: the innovation fund for the development of private companies is up and running;
• Result 4: an e-voting system for Parliament is operational.
The maximum budget from the Luxembourg Government stands at 6,500,000 EUR. The project started in November 2023 and will last for a 3-year duration.
The project is managed by a full-time Project Manager (PM) and a technical team hosted within the Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Trade (MIET).
3. JOB PURPOSE
The new law on sustainable investments was approved in 2024, and the new AISEK was legally established. A regulation for AISEK has been drafted defining the new internal organisation and systematisation of jobs. To transition from the previous agency to the new AISEK, the organisation will have to undergo a very important change process, not only at the level of organisational set-up but also at strategic (define mission and objectives), system, staff, skills and tools levels to be ready for the new challenges. This requires external support and expertise in change management.
Under the direct supervision of the PM and in close cooperation with the project team and KIESA, the expert will be responsible for providing advice and guidance on AISEK change management. They will guide the agency through organisational changes, ensuring that these changes align with the agency's mission to support innovation and entrepreneurship. This role involves developing strategies to manage change, engaging stakeholders, and facilitating smooth transitions.
They are responsible for the operationalisation and designing of project activities, ensuring coherence with the activities supported by other donors, supporting the development of capacities, and facilitating communication.
4. MAIN TASKS
Under the supervision of the PM and as part of a project aimed at supporting economic growth through the innovation sector in Kosovo, the role encompasses key responsibilities stated below:
4.1. Strategic support
• to support AISEK in the definition of its mission and main objectives and developing its strategic plan;
• to support AISEK Director in:
engaging stakeholders and organising activities related to the strategic level (workshop with the staff on defining the mission and objectives of the new agency, feedback, strategic plan, etc.);
acting as a mediator between different departments or stakeholders to resolve any conflicts arising from change initiatives;
communicating with the stakeholders and facilitating a smooth transition. Communicate the reasons for change to stakeholders, including employees, entrepreneurs, and partners. Address concerns and ensure that all parties are aligned with the change process;
identifying and compiling areas where change is needed, analyse current processes, and evaluate potential solutions to improve organisational efficiency and innovation support. Define needs for skills, tools, systems, etc. improvement according to the new AISEK mission and objectives;
identifying potential challenges and drafting risks mitigation strategy and plan;
4.2. Operational support
• to support AISEK Director in:
designing and drafting strategies, concept documents, internal instructions, etc. needed to operationalise the new mission and objectives;
creating and implementing change management plans that align with the agency's goals, focusing on enhancing innovation and entrepreneurship support services;
in his collaboration and coordination with the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem and in building new partnerships;
• to provide expertise and advice for the preparation, implementation and monitoring of activities related to the change management process and transition. This includes assistance in drafting terms of reference, concept notes, etc. for the design and delivery of training programs to equip staff with the skills needed to adapt to changes, ensuring they can effectively support entrepreneurs and innovators;
• to provide support for the establishment and operationalisation of the innovation fund in collaboration with the innovation and entrepreneurship expert;
• to ensure quality assurance of project deliverables;
• to participate in the data compiling and drafting of the project annual operational plan, quarterly, annual and final reporting, including M&E;
• to contribute to the communication of the project and knowledge management;
4.3. Capacity Building
• to strengthen the capacities of AISEK in terms of change management and identify specific needs or areas of improvement;
• to contribute to the management of knowledge, knowledge sharing and capitalisation of good practices
Perform any other tasks as requested by the project manager in the framework of the project’s result.
5. COMMUNICATION
Internal contacts
• daily contact with the project manager and AISEK Director;
• daily contact with the project team and AISEK team;
• frequent contact with the Resident Representative (RR) and/or the Regional Office (ROF) team, providing advice, assisting in the decision-making process and rendering assistance within the context of the project.
External contacts
• daily contact with the national partners to support them in the strengthening of their capacities, optimise cooperation, exchange of information, negotiations and problem-solving;
• ad hoc contact with other experts and the private sector working in the same field to exchange experiences and opinions on policies in the industry.
6. COMPETENCY PROFILE
6.1. Education and main experiences
• A master's degree in economics, business sciences, management or similar fields;
• At least 3 years of experience in facilitating a change management process in a public or private organisation;
• At least 3 additional years of experience in institutional support and in strengthening public partners (training, coaching, etc.);
• At least 3 years of experience in supporting or developing innovation or research in the private sector;
• International experience will be considered a plus;
6.2. Qualifications and Skills
• Knowledge of project management methodologies (planning, monitoring, evaluation, etc.);
• Strategic thinking and ability to link with operational changes, challenges and activities;
• Very good communication and listening skills and empathy;
• Excellent organisational and analytical skills;
• Proactivity and ability to bring innovative solutions to the challenges encountered;
• Iterative thinking and ability to adjust to new circumstances;
• Ability to negotiate and resolve conflicts;
• Ability to motivate teams around a common goal;
• Fluent in English and Albanian.
