ERIM and ERA are announcing a call for applications to recruit local experts to conduct Organisational Capacity Assessment (OCA) of LGBTQIA+ CSOs based in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.
CONTEXT
The present call for application is organised by ERIM and ERA within the framework of the FIER·ES programme.
The FIER·ES programme (Fostering the Inclusion, Equality and Resilience of LGBTQIA+ people) aims to support LGBTQIA+ CSOs and initiatives so that they are better able to carry out their mandate and mission and promote respect, inclusion, dignity and equality for LGBTQIA+ people in the Eastern Partnership countries and the Western Balkans. The programme is co-funded by Agence française de développement, coordinated by ERIM and led with its partners ERA and Genderdoc – M (Moldova).
ERIM (Equal Rights and murni189 Independent Media) is a not-for-profit organisation based in Lyon, France. Our mission is to promote human rights, strengthen independent media and civil society, develop and maintain democratic, fair and sustainable societies where people enjoy equal rights, have access to independent information and are empowered to build the society they want to live in. ERIM’s approach emphasises partnerships with local development organisations to bring about change through training, partnerships, education, research and sub-granting schemes.
ERA is a regional non-profit organization of LGBTIQ+ organizations from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Slovenia and Türkiye. The organization is based in Belgrade, Serbia. Our mission is to inspire positive change in the society, promote and advocate for human rights of people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics, by facilitating cooperation and providing resources and capacity development for the LGBTIQ+ movement across the Balkans and Türkiye. ERA’s approach combines advocacy at national, regional and European levels with capacity-building, research and knowledge production, strategic networking, sub-granting, and cross-sector partnerships—raising awareness, strengthening LGBTIQ+ CSOs, mainstreaming LGBTIQ+ priorities within EU integration processes, and advancing a resilient, financially sustainable movement grounded in evidence and collaboration.
OBJECTIVE AND SCOPE OF THE CONSULTANCY
The project aims to strengthen LGBTQIA+ Civil Society Organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia through targeted capacity development. At least four CSOs will be selected to undergo a comprehensive Organisational Capacity Assessment (OCA) with tailored Capacity Development Plans and grants to implemente it. These plans will outline key priorities and actions to enhance each organisation’s institutional growth, effectiveness, and sustainability throughout a 10–12-month implementation period.
Recruited OCA experts will be responsibles for conducting at least one Organisational Capacity Assessment (OCAs) each using ERIM’s OCA Tool. The number of organizations per expert may vary based on the selection process which will finalize by end of Decembre 2025.
The selected experts will:
Facilitate and conduct initial OCA using ERIM’s OCA Tool and prepare the OCA report
Develop a practical and actionable capacity development plan for the organization(s)
Recommend potential local consultants or experts for follow-up support and implementation of capacity development plan
Facilitate and conduct a final OCA using ERIM’s OCA Tool and prepare the final OCA report highlighting the progresses made and further recommendations.
DURATION AND LEVEL OF EFFORT
The consultancy is expected to start mid or end January 2026 with an estimated 14 working days per CSO assessed over a 12 months period. The consultants will be contracted by ERIM as independent experts under a consultancy agreement. Payments will be made upon the submission and approval of the agreed deliverables.
Each OCA includes three phases:
Phase Key Activities Estimated Working Days per Organization
Phase 1 – Initial OCA Assessment
Desk research and review of internal policies; interviews (online or in-person when possible); develop a Capacity Development Plan, and draft the OCA report.
Approximately 7 days
Phase 2 – Mid-term Check
(after 6 months of project implementation)
Conduct online meetings with the organisation to assess progress and recommend adjustments to the plan.
Approximately 2 days
Phase 3 – Final Assessment
(after 12 months from the initial assessment)
Re-conduct the OCA, evaluate progress, update the Capacity Development Plan, and prepare a final report.
Approximately 5 days
EXPECTED DELIVERABLES
OCA reports for each assigned organisation, following ERIM’s tool and templates
Capacity Development Plans with clear, prioritised actions
Mid-term review report (up to 3 pages) summarising progress and recommendations
Final OCA report and updated Capacity Development Plan
ELIGIBILITY AND SELECTION CRITERIA
In the framework of this call, we aim to identify various local experts for organisations in Bosniaand Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.
Education and Experience
University degree in a relevant field (law, human rights, development, project management, social sciences, international relations, etc.)
Minimum 3 years of professional experience in organisational capacity development, project management, or CSOs support
Proven experience working with civil society organisations, ideally in contexts involving human rights and LGBTQI+ rights
Skills and Competencies
Strong analytical, facilitation, and reporting skills
Experience in strategic planning, governance, and institutional strengthening.
Excellent understanding of institutional development, communication, HR, finance, fundraising, and M&E
Fluency in English and at least one local language
Strong local network and familiarity with civil society organizations per target country (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia)
Sensitivity to issues related to gender, diversity, and inclusion particularly within LGBTQIA+ contexts
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
* Administrative request: The expert should be able to issue an invoice in line with local regulations for consultancy work
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested candidates are invited to submit the following documents:
1. CV (up to 2 pages)
2. Cover letter outlining relevant experience (particularly previous OCA conducted), interest in this role and a short methodology (up to 3 pages)
3. Financial Proposal in EUROS indicating daily rate and total cost for conducting one OCA
If you have collaborated with ERIM or ERA in the past, please mention it in the application.
Please send applications by email to ocasupportwb@media-csos.com with the subject line:
“Application – OCA Expert – [Your Surname & country(ies) you apply for: Bosnia and
Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and/or Serbia)]
The project team encourages applications from women, LGBTQIA+ and members of
marginalised communities. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Deadline: December 17, 2025 at 18:00 (CET)
The FIER·ES programme is funded by Agence française de développement
https://www.afd.fr/fr
