Short-term International and Local Experts for the Development of Agricultural Cooperative Law in the frame of the Empowering Rural Economies in Agriculture (EREA) programme funded by the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC).
Please note that this is a short version of the Terms of Reference (ToR) for this assignment. The full version incl. the application procedure can be found here:
Caritas Switzerland is an independent Swiss NGO, engaged in Switzerland and in more than 20 countries worldwide, including Kosovo. Our mission is to prevent, combat and sustainably eradicate poverty. To achieve this goal, Caritas employs a policy of equity: we support inclusive communities with opportunities for everyone regardless of their ethnic background, group affiliation or gender. Caritas Switzerland has been working in Kosovo since 1999, focusing on social inclusion, rural development and rehabilitation. Based on the Strategy 2021-2025, our central themes are Income, Climate Change and Migration. Caritas Switzerland in Kosovo is implementing a highly regarded agricultural project which aims to contribute to the country's socio-economic development by supporting farmers and the sector in income generation and new employment opportunities, funded by the Austrian Development Cooperation and Prishtina municipality. In particular, the EREA programme contributes to more sustainable and inclusive market systems by increasing the participation of producers and market actors and enhancing their income and productivity, thus contributing to poverty reduction for rural populations, particularly women and marginalized groups.
The main objective of this assignment is to address regulatory gaps and empower Kosovo’s farmers. With support from the EREA Programme, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Development (MAFRD) is developing a new legal framework for agricultural cooperatives. This law will enhance farmers' organization, economic integration, and market access, and promote sustainable practices and gender inclusion. It will align with Kosovo’s policies, international best practices, and EU standards, regulating the establishment, management, and governance of cooperatives while supporting smallholder farmers’ integration into the formal economy and global markets.
Deliverables and Timeframe
The activity will commence once the contract has been signed by both parties and will be starting from 10.12.2024. For this activity, the consultancy amount shall not exceed 20`000.00 €.
Qualifications
- Advanced degree in Economy, Agricultural Economics, Extensions, Rural Development or related field.
- Proven experience in developing or amending legislation, particularly in cooperatives, rural development or agriculture.
- Strong understanding of agricultural cooperative structures, rural economies, and farmer organizations.
- Experience with EU and international cooperative laws and policies.
- Demonstrated ability to work with government agencies, farmers’ organizations, and other stakeholders.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Offer Submission
Interested applicants, private companies/service providers are requested to submit an electronic copy of their expression of interest/proposal (technical and financial offer, CVs) in line with the ToR by 25.11.2024 with the subject REF: “Development of Agricultural Cooperative Law “ to: kosovo@caritas.ch vrruka@caritas.ch; and npasuli@caritas.ch in the CC line.
Please find the ToRs for further information on the consultancy and application procedure here: Terms of Reference
For further inquiries, applicants may contact kosovo@caritas.ch with vrruka@caritas.ch and npasuli@caritas.ch in CC.