Terms of Reference
I. About the European Fund for the Balkans
The European Fund for the Balkans (EFB) is a regional initiative designed to support Western Balkan societies on their path toward democratization and European integration. Through its Engaged Democracy Initiative (EDI), the EFB aims to support local movements, active citizens, and community-based organizations that strive for more transparent, accountable, and inclusive societies in the region. The five areas of engagement are: environment, civic rights, decent work, public spaces, and media.
The EDI program focuses on strengthening grassroots engagement, fostering regional solidarity, and amplifying the voices of those working at the front lines of social change. The Advisory Committee provides the necessary external expertise to ensure the program remains impactful, relevant, and responsive to the needs of the Western Balkans.
The advisory committee provides guidance to the EFB team, and we are looking for new advisors from Serbia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia to join for a two year period.
II. Role and Responsibilities
The Advisory Committee is a consultative body that provides strategic guidance and acts as a "critical friend" to the EFB team and the EDI program.
Its duties include:
- Offering insights on regional trends, political processes and shifts, and best practices for sustaining civic engagement in the Western Balkans.
- Providing recommendations on the development of funding strategies, including the framing of calls for proposals and selection criteria for grassroots initiatives.
- Assessment of rapid response grant applications.
- Offering input, support and mentoring to EDI partners and activists.
- Supporting the growth of the initiative by leveraging regional networks, sharing contacts, and raising awareness of EDI community members’ impact.
- Participating in monitoring and evaluation activities to assess the program's effectiveness and long-term social impact.
- communicate with, and if needed support, our local partner organizations in their respective countries.
III. Composition and Selection
The committee consists of 6 diverse members, one from each WB6 country, in terms of gender, age, nationality, and specific area of expertise.
Members will be selected through an open call for proposals. The EFB program team will conduct a pre-selection, with final appointments approved by EFB leadership. Members are appointed for a two-year term with contract renewal after one year.
IV. Functioning and Compensation
- There are approximately four to six formal meetings per year, conducted in a hybrid format (online and in-person across various Balkan cities).
- The primary working language for formal documentation and regional meetings is English.
- We expect approximately 12 days of engagement per year, for which each advisor will receive an honorarium of 250€ per day worked (gross).
- All travel-related costs for in-person meetings (transport, accommodation, and meals) will be fully reimbursed by the EFB.
- Members are expected to sign NEF conflict of interest declaration and respect the confidentiality of the discussions and documents shared with them.
- Every advisor will be able to use a small grant to organize a local event/initiative within the EDI thematic areas.
V. Profile Requirements
Essential Criteria:
- Must be a resident of Montenegro, North Macedonia, or Serbia.
- Senior experience in civil society, social movements, or regional development.
- Extensive knowledge of the political, economic, and social contexts within the Western Balkans.
- Knowledge in one or more EDI areas of engagement: environment, civic rights, decent work, public spaces, and media.
- A constructive and diplomatic communicator capable of building relationships across diverse backgrounds.
- Strong alignment with the values of democracy, transparency, and regional cooperation.
Desirable Criteria:
- Experience in grassroots organizing, community mobilization, organizational development, capacity-building, or advocacy.
- A wide network of contacts within the Balkan NGO sectors, media, and academia.
- Experience in crisis management or Rapid Response mechanisms.
- Expertise in digital democracy or innovative civic participation.
VI. How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application (CV and an expression of interest) via e-mail to ivan.blazevic@balkanfund.org with the subject “Local Advisory_Application_Surname”. The application should detail the candidate's profile and their vision for contributing to the Engaged Democracy Initiative as well provide proof of essential and if applicable, desirable criteria.
The deadline for submission is 23.02.2026 at 17:00h.
The EFB will make the first selection of applicants and organise short interview calls within 15 working days after the deadline. The EFB leadership will approve new advisors within 7 working days after the interviews. The first advisory on-boarding meeting will be online, and an in-person meeting will be organized within 2 months after the appointment.
