Call for Roma Civil Monitor Coordinators

Call for Roma Civil Monitor 2021-2025 Coordinators in the EU Member States

In the aftermath of the adoption of the EU Roma Strategic Framework for Equality, Inclusion and Participation (EURSF) on 7 October 2020 and at the initiative of the European Parliament, the European Commission has launched the Roma Civil Monitor (RCM) initiative for the next four years 2021-2025 under the full title “Preparatory action – Roma Civil Monitoring – Strengthening capacity and involvement of Roma and pro-Roma civil society in policy monitoring and review”. This initiative is a follow-up to the Roma Civil Monitor pilot project 2017-2020 and aims at involving at least 90 Roma and pro-Roma civil society organisations and individuals from 26 EU Member States (Malta is not included) in monitoring and reporting mainly on the Member States’ national Roma strategic frameworks (NRSF) but also other policies concerning Roma. The initiative will contribute to building the capacity of the national Roma and pro-Roma civil societies and will provide them with systematic support in engaging in the dialogue, advocacy and cooperation with national stakeholders.

This call aims to select Coordinators for all 26 EU Member States eligible for the RCM 2021-2025 initiative. One entity may apply and be selected to coordinate the initiative in several eligible countries.
Selected Coordinators will implement the activities at the national level under the guidance and supervision of the RCM consortium that brings together highly acknowledged organisations working for Roma equality, inclusion and participation at international level: Central European University, ERGO Network, Fundación Secretariado Gitano, and the European Roma Rights Centre. The consortium has successfully implemented the previous RCM initiative 2017-2020 involving more than 100 civil society actors.

Find here the full call for applications with all relevant information.

Find here the application form for coordinators.

Find here the annex form for coalition members.

The deadline for applications is 7 November 2021.

The Roma Civil Monitor 2021-2025 initiative, with a full title “Preparatory Action – Roma Civil Monitoring – Strengthening capacity and involvement of Roma and pro-Roma civil society in policy monitoring and review“, is implemented by a consortium led by the Democracy Institute of the Central European University (DI/CEU), and including European Roma Grasroots Organisations Network (ERGO Network), Fundatión Secretariado Gitano (FSG) and European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC), under a service contract with the European Commission’s Directorate-General Justice and Consumers (DG Just).

We are hiring a Communications and Membership Officer

ERGO Network is looking for a full-time Communications and Membership Officer to work with our team in Brussels from mid-October 2021

The European Roma Grassroots Organisations (ERGO) Network is looking for a new Communications and Membership Officer who can ensure the external visibility of ERGO Network and smooth internal communication with our membership. Your tasks will include to lead on communications of the high-level advocacy project “Roma Civil Monitor”, while at the same engaging with ERGO members and civil society organisations at grassroots level.

ERGO Network gathers 30 member organisations from across Europe and facilitates wider platforms for civil society organisations and key stakeholders sharing our passion to bring positive change to the situation of Roma societies across Europe. ERGO Network has its office in Brussels with a small but dedicated staff, composed of seven highly professional Roma and non-Roma team members.

Profile

ERGO Network is looking for an energetic and enthusiastic Communications and Membership Officer who will work with the ERGO team in a multicultural and multi-language environment and coordinate the communications and public outreach of the organisation.

As Communications and Membership Officer, you will ensure regular outreach to a wide range of stakeholders on ERGO’s work and issues relevant to combatting antigypsyism and social exclusion of Roma through different forms of communications (e.g. press releases, social media, graphics, video). In addition, you will also ensure effective communication with ERGO Network members, coordinate, support and strengthen ERGO Network’s membership, develop effective internal communication channels and tools and coordinate a smooth exchange of information within the membership.

In the light of the new exciting EU funded project “Roma Civil Monitor”, implemented by ERGO Network together with several other partners, we foresee the new Communications and Membership Officer to cooperate with the project consortium to develop and implement an effective communication strategy ensuring visibility of the project and smooth communication between consortium partners, as well as support smooth communication and visibility of the work at the national level with the national civil society organizations engaged in the project.

The Communication and Membership Officer will engage in and support other communication and advocacy activities as indicated by the Director and will work closely with other team members and external experts to ensure coordination and complementarity of activities. The full tasks will be discussed in more detail during the interview and will reflect the responsibilities listed above.

Requirements:

Minimum of 2-3 years’ relevant experience in a communications role
Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or related field is an advantage.
Excellent command of English (written, oral, comprehension)
Exceptional writing, editing and proof-reading skills
Ability to translate complex policy and technical issues into easily to understand written and visual format; draft impactful messages for a wide variety of audiences, be creative
Experience in creating engaging visuals (Adobe/Canva); video editing skills are a distinct advantage.
Additional training or experience in audio-visual storytelling is considered an asset.
Proficient user of content management systems (WordPress), social media platforms and Microsoft Office
Experience working in civil society organizations and European networks
Good knowledge of European Union institutions and decision-making processes
Knowledge of Roma communities and understanding of mechanisms of antigypsyism is a distinct advantage.
Knowledge of Romani language is an added value.
Moderation and facilitation skills, as well as experience in capacity-building of civil society are desirable.
Good time management, organizational and interpersonal skills and a proactive approach
Ability to work independently on different projects simultaneously and on tight deadlines but also as part of an international team

Conditions

Place of work: Brussels (Mundo B, Rue d’Edimbourg 26). Remote work will be possible in the beginning, and the team will continue to work flexibly in the future.

Contract: Full time employment contract according to Belgian legislation. Full-time position. Starting date mid October 2021.

Working hours: 37,5 hours per week, in principle spread over 5 week days. It is understood, however, that work outside regular working hours (evenings and weekends) may be required. Both parties undertake to be as flexible as possible with regard to those working hours. Extra-hours will not give right to any extra financial remuneration but will give right to compensation time to be agreed upon between the Director and the Communication and Membership Officer.

The Communication and Membership Officer is entitled to 20 legal holidays and 7 additional holidays in a calendar year, plus public and statutory holidays under Belgian law.

Salary: ERGO will pay a monthly gross salary of EUR 3.200.– (approx. EUR 2.200.– Net salary). Additionally, according to Belgian law, ERGO staff receive holiday allowances (92% of a full monthly salary, to be paid in June for the months worked up to and including that month), a “13^th month salary”, equal to a full-month salary, lunch vouchers (EUR 6,00 for each working day) and reimbursement of public transport (EUR 49/month).

Application procedure

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their CV and motivation letter to info@ergonetwork.org by 10 September 2021, indicating in the subject of the email your name and “Application for Communication and Membership Officer”. This email address can also be used for further information and questions.

Download the call document here.

ERGO Network strives for a diverse staff and ensures that opportunities offered are accessible to all regardless of gender, age, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity. We particularly encourage members of groups which are affected by racism and related discrimination to apply for this post.

Rights Experts of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (RE- CDWD)

Terms of Reference for

Rights Experts of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (RE- CDWD)

Context

Global Forum on Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (GFoD) is the global advocacy mechanism of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD). More than 260 million people across the world are discriminated on the basis of work and descent and are more commonly known as Dalits, Roma-Sinti, Quilombola, Burakumin, Oru, amongst many other names. Discrimination on Work and Decent (DWD) is a global phenomenon which lacks public recognition and acknowledgement and affected communities are among the most marginalised and excluded people. ERGO Network is a member organization of the GFoD ensuring the voice of Romani people from Europe.

Position Overview

GFoD is looking for 12 RE-CDWD to support global advocacy processes at the national, regional and global level. Two of those candidates will be working in close cooperation with the ERGO Network and will be recruited on the basis of requirements and qualifications listed below ensuring the knowledge about the Romani communities and related legal and policy backgrounds in European countries.

The positions are approximately 15 % Full Time Equivalent (FTE) or up to 20 hours per month.

Duties and responsibilities

- Contribute to the development and implementation of the GFoD’s advocacy strategy.

- High level of autonomy and responsiveness to engage in advocacy processes at national, regional and global level. Advocacy opportunities will include contributions to events organised by the UN Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC) and events related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

- Author statements, critical interventions and articles or contribute to specific ideas and concept notes on the concerns of CDWD, particularly Roma, Sinti and Travellers as per the requirement of HLPF and other bodies.

- Communicate regularly with the GFoD Secretariat and the ERGO Network and undertake national, regional and take part in global consultation processes with CDWD.

- Participate and organise in capacity building processes.

- Dedicate at least 2 full working days per month to this role.

Requirements and qualifications

In order of preference, characteristics and qualifications are listed below. Please note that given our preference for candidates, it is not an imperative that the person is fluent in English.

1. Anchored and rooted in Communities Discriminated by Work and Descent (CDWD): Persons from Romani origin are highly encouraged to apply to this position. Women, LGBTQI+, youth and other underrepresented and marginalized groups from CDWD are highly encouraged to apply.
2. Experience: Are social leaders within their own community with considerable experience in advocacy actions and processes at national, regional and international level. It is highly desirable that candidates are established human rights defender in their country/region/community and are experts in one particular field area related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For example, (Access to water and sanitation – SDG 6, decent work – SDG 8, Inequalities – SDG10 etc).

1. Commitment: Candidates who have shown ongoing commitment and leadership to the cause of CDWD and Roma, Sinti and Travellers in particular are encouraged to apply

1. Academic qualifications: Academic qualifications such as University qualifications, publications of book, articles or other journalistic work will be considered in the application process.

Recruitment and timeline

Please submit your applications to info@ergonetwork.org until the 07.05.2021 midnight CET with a subject line “GFoD Rights Expert – application”. Please submit your CV together with a one page over letter referencing relevant experience mentioned under Requirements and Qualifications. Interviews will start in the mid of May. We prefer applications in English.

Successful candidates will be appointed for a 12-month period with an initial 3 moth trial period.

Due to the high volume expected applications only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Call for Applications

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

Analysis of bottom-up approaches to Roma inclusion and funding programs

The European Roma Grassroots Organizations (ERGO) Network is contracting external consultants to prepare a study consisting of the following two parts:

Study on importance of bottom-up approaches to Roma inclusion
Analysis of current funding programs on Roma inclusion in Europe

ERGO Network brings together over 30 members from across Europe and supports organisations with a common perspective on Roma grassroots empowerment and equal citizenship to challenge stereotypes and combat stigmatization. We mobilize and connect organisations and individuals that share and express our values – active citizenship, shared responsibility, and passion – to strengthen and empower Roma civil society involvement in decision-making at local, national and European level and to address existing shortcomings of policies targeted at Roma.

Role of the consultant

Through the ”New solutions to old problems – exchange of new types of approaches in the field of Roma integration” project, funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA and Norway Grants Fund for Regional Cooperation, ERGO Network is contracting an external expert to

Analyze programs supporting Roma inclusion that use bottom-up and community development schemes and
Analyze existing top-down funding programs for Roma inclusion, their benefits, and pitfalls. Specifically, the consultant is expected to prepare two reports of approximately up to 25 pages each, in English, with conclusions and concrete recommendations for improvement of funding programs.

First drafts should be delivered by 31 July 2021 and final reports by 31 August 2021. Both studies can be conducted by same consultant.

Profile of the consultant

A consultant can be an individual, institution or organization.
Proven knowledge about Roma inclusion policies
Experience working with Roma civil society.
Excellent writing skills
Proven research and analytical skills
Ability to work independently.

Contract and budget

The independent consultant will be subcontracted by ERGO Network and has no rights vis-à-vis the EEA and Norway Grants for Regional Cooperation. He/She reports to ERGO Network. Each of the two reports will be renumerated with 2000 €, VAT and all costs and charges included.

Aims of the Study on importance of funding bottom-up approaches to Roma inclusion

To analyse challenges and advantages of top-down and bottom-up funding programs and approaches used by different donors in Europe.
To raise awareness among (Roma) civil society and donors on the importance of investing in local level initiatives that are participatory and led by Roma civil society.
To provide recommendations to private donors, governments, and international institutions on the design of funding programmes targeting Roma inclusion and empowerment, to further promote the bottom-up approach and community participation.

Aims of the Analysis of funding programs on Roma inclusion

To give an overview of current funding programs for Roma inclusion of institutional and private donors in Europe, and their type of approach (top-down or bottom-up)
To raise awareness of private donors on the importance of investing in Roma inclusion and empowerment.
To showcase examples of funding that could contribute to capacity building for a better use of funds.
To identify barriers and success stories of bottom-up approaches in addressing the needs of Roma
To provide recommendations to private donors, governments, and international institutions on the design of funding programmes targeting Roma inclusion and empowerment
To provide Roma and pro-Roma civil society organizations with tips and information on the how to reach donors.

The applicants should submit:

An updated CV
Recent history of published research and links to the publications
A proposal for the structure of the study/studies – possible content, research question and methodology

The application package should be submitted by 5 May 2021 to info@ergonetwork.org with the subject – name of the study you are applying for.

Call for an external evaluator

Call for external evaluator

ERGO Network is contracting an independent expert to evaluate its 2018-2021 work programme Roma Included in Social Europe funded by DG Employment’s EaSI Programme.

ERGO Network (www.ergonetwork.org) brings together over 30 members from across Europe and supports organisations with a common perspective on Roma grassroots empowerment and equal citizenship to challenge stereotypes and combat stigmatization. We mobilize and connect organisations and individuals that share and express our values – active citizenship, shared responsibility, and passion – to strengthen and empower Roma civil society involvement in decision-making at local, national and European level and to address existing shortcomings of policies targeted at Roma.

For the second time, we are supported by DG Employment through a 4-year Partnership Framework Agreement that allows us to work closely with our members and to advocate for better policies for Roma through our work programme entitled “Roma Included in Social Europe”.

Role of the evaluator

We are searching for an external evaluator to assess the achievements and lessons learned of the Framework Partnership Agreement between ERGO Network and DG Employment (2018-2021) entitled “Roma Included in Social Europe”.

The evaluator is expected to assess the achievements of ERGO in implementing the FPA and reaching the objectives set and to give recommendations for future work.

Specifically, the evaluator is expected to:

Conduct evaluation interviews with ERGO members and national stakeholders involved in the FPA together with ERGO staff to evaluate achievements on national level in 5 countries.
Interview relevant EU policy-makers and civil society partners to assess the achievements on European level.
Conduct workshops with ERGO staff and members to jointly assess our achievements, lessons learnt and recommendations.
Draft a report describing outcomes and achievements, lessons learnt and recommendations for improvements, also taking into account the findings of internal evaluations done in the first three years of the FPA.

Profile:

Excellent knowledge of evaluation methodology and experience with programme evaluations
Expertise on Roma issues and policies on European Union and member state level
Experience working with civil society organisations in the fields of advocacy, capacity-building and network building
Excellent writing skills and ability to concisely summarise evaluation results for different audiences
Excellent research and analytical skills
Ability to work independently
Additional language skills desirable

Conditions

The evaluation will be conducted throughout 2021, with the final report expected for December 2021.

Times for interviews and workshops with ERGO staff, members and stakeholders will be agreed with the selected consultant.

Contract and budget: The independent evaluator will be subcontracted to fulfil part of the work programme in the Framework Partnership Agreement between ERGO Network and DG Employment. The expert has no rights vis-à-vis the European Commission.

The expert shall be paid for the execution of the activities and services a fee of maximum 5,000 EUR, all taxes and VAT included.

Application procedure

Interested and qualified candidates should submit the following documents:

CV, highlighting past similar assignments
Proposed methodology, timeline and budgetary proposal, including envisaged number of working days

We will select the expert according to the principle “Value for money”. Please send your application to info@ergonetwork.org by April 15th 2021, 23:59 CET.

A detailed project summary can be provided upon request.

For further questions, please contact Christine Sudbrock at c.sudbrock@ergonetwork.org