Call for Applications: Communication Expert - 662-M8-c.7-102/25

Project “Strengthening Migration Management, Asylum and Return Processes in the Western Balkans”, co-funded by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) and the Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI)

Contract number:

662-M8-c.7-102/25

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE EXPERT

1. PROJECT BACKGROUND INFORMATION

1.1. Beneficiary countries

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Montenegro.

1.2. Project overall objective

“Strengthening Migration Management, Asylum and Return Processes in the Western Balkans  

The overall objective of this project is strengthening the structural reception and protection capacities in the Western Balkans countries, in full accordance with fundamental rights and the EU acquis, fostering regional cooperation, and alleviating pressure on the EU.

The specific objectives are:

1. to provide practical assistance to the security structures of the Western Balkans that oversee the processes of return and migration/asylum management, helping them build capacity for the development and implementation of return and asylum programs while encouraging regional cooperation;
2. to improve the efficiency and rights-based nature of the asylum and return process demonstrates the commitment of the participating countries to managing migration in a humane and organized manner, following international standards in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, North Macedonia and Montenegro through capacity building.

1.3. Project background

The Western Balkan Route continues to be active as one of the main migratory pathways towards the EU and creates high pressure on transit countries that are not sufficiently prepared for the sudden increase in irregular migrants, causing difficulties in managing mixed migrations, particularly in border security agency cooperation. Structural deficiencies, political mistrust, and lack of information sharing hamper effective management.

That is why it is necessary to improve the acceptance process, readmission, and asylum policy, including regional solidarity and the exchange of intelligence data, and to provide support for the authorities responsible for migration and asylum to improve their knowledge and tools for quick action.

The project locations are the main transit countries at the so-called Eastern Mediterranean migration route, i.e. North Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro, selected in such a way to most effectively reach the right target groups and thus achieve the project objectives.

The specificity of this project is its comprehensive approach to solving the process of migration, asylum, and return in the Western Balkans region, focusing on capacity building, technical assistance, training, and creating a strong network for the return of the Western Balkans.

By supporting the capacity building of Western Balkan countries in migration management, the project will contribute to a safer and better-managed migration environment, which can have a positive spillover effect on both Austria and other EU member states. Furthermore, this project promotes regional cooperation and integration, thus contributing to the overall stability of the region.

The project contributes to the New Pact on Migration and Asylum and emphasizes in the priority areas of the operational strategy the need to increase mutual coherence in the implementation of the EU's return policy. The comprehensive approach to migration focuses on building partnerships and cooperation in migration with third countries.

Return, as an important element of migration management and European integrated border management and the Schengen policy cycle, has been confirmed through various strategic documents and conferences at the policy level within the EU member states. Effective returns and readmissions are an integral part of strengthening the integrity of the asylum system and increasing the attractiveness of voluntary return programs, and helping reduce irregular migration.

“Strengthening Migration Management, Asylum and Return Processes in the Western Balkans”, is a project co-financed by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, as well as the Federal Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Austria. It is a regional project that aims to build capacities and enable networking and cooperation for security structures in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Montenegro, in the area of migration management, asylum and return processes. That goal is attainable through regional meetings, conferences, and training designed for security structures.

The project locations of implementation are selected to achieve desired target groups and project objectives.

This project is implemented by the Hilfswerk International representation office in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, in coordination with the project partner Joint Coordination Platform (JCP).

1.4. Project results/outcomes

Better cooperation in the Western Balkans in the area of migration/asylum management, and return processes.

Strengthened security structures in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, North Macedonia and Montenegro through capacity building for better cooperation, networking and coordination

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXPERT TASKS

2.1. Expected achievements

The expert will work on the creation of a document entitled "Strategic recommendations for communicating content about migration in public space" - which includes defining clear and precise ways to distribute relevant information, recommendations and guidelines for public speaking on the subject of migration.

The goal of this document is to improve understanding, ways of communicating and the importance of accurate and non-discriminatory reporting on people in migration and asylum seekers, with a special focus on explaining the key terms that are most commonly used in public space.

This document will be intended primarily for representatives of institutions and services dealing with migration and asylum issues, but also for the media representatives, NGOs and citizens in general. Another goal of this document is to link and harmonize knowledge between policymakers, law and communication teams responsible for migration issues in relevant institutions.

The expert will work on the implementation of tasks that include a review and analysis of the current/actual way of communication between the relevant institutions and the public, an explanation of the correct terminology on migration and asylum recognized in BiH laws and international acts, and other tasks that are detailed in point 2.2. of this ToR.

This task is crucial in order to ensure that the content of the recommendations document is covered by media expertise, analysis and recommendations for appropriate reporting on migration in the mass media.

2.2. REQUESTED SERVICE

 2.2.1. Objectives of the assignment

The Expert is hired to carry out the following tasks and activities related to the preparation and implementation of the "Strategic recommendations” document:

1. Introduction to the project and preparatory meetings with the Contracting Authority, meeting with the PR of the MSBiH, as well as meeting with an expert representative from the legal field (1 day)
   
   
2. Snap-shot analysis of the actual narrative on migration (focus 2024 – 2025): announcements, news, media appearances, bad and good practices (2 days)

• Analysis of actual media reporting on migration in WB: identification of controversial and unethical headlines in reporting: (sensationalism, stereotypes, hate speech)
• Analysis of media ethical guidelines for reporting on migration related topics
• Analysis of examples of good and bad practice in media reporting on migration
• Analysis of the use of photo and video materials in migration reporting: protection of personal data and identity
• Analysis and highlighting positive examples in migration reporting

3. Consultations with relevant actors (1 day)

• Consultation and interviews with media representatives, editors and journalists in WB on the most common problems and difficulties in reporting on migration topic

4. Development of strategic recommendations (3 days)

• Highlighting professional norms and ethics in migration reporting including human rights aspects
• Guidelines and the importance of correctly citing and applying definitions such as: migrant, refugee, asylum seeker, unaccompanied person/minor etc.
• Definition and explanation of general media phenomena and social constructs as well as its effects on readers (sensationalism, stereotypes, prejudices, stigmatization, hate speech)
• Creating guidelines for media reporting with special emphasis on respecting human rights as well as ways to avoid discriminatory language, stereotypes and stigmatizing content (dos and don’ts in reporting)
• Creation of recommendations for crisis reporting with emphasis on respect for human rights (especially children, minors and unaccompanied minors on the move)
• Highlighting the positive examples of transparently used, shared, photographed or downloaded photo or video material in migration-related stories or representations
• Guidelines for critical thinking: correct way of checking the source of the content and the correct attribution of the author before share or further use of the content
• Emphasizing the importance of a positive narrative in migration reporting

5. Preparation of the final recommendation document in coordination with the legal expert (2 days)

• Preparation of the final document with comprehensive guidelines and conclusions in the form of recommendations, which will include legal and communication analysis

6. Consultations and support upon completing the creation of the document (1 day)
   • Providing support and consultation to the teams of the Contracting Authority, Ministry of Security of BiH or digital printing team regarding the final activities of creating a short version of the printed recommendations

2.2.2. REQUIRED OUTPUTS

• Practical analysis of the current media narrative on migration in WB with a specific highlight on good and bad practices in reporting
• Record of key mistakes in communication and violation of human rights through an explanation of the concepts of stereotypes and media phenomena
• Explanation of key terminology related to media phenomena and its effects on readers
• Clearly specified guidelines for crisis communication on topics in the field of migration
• Documenting practical examples and proposals for improving media approach regarding migration
• Clearly specified methods of transparent reporting with special emphasis on preserving identity and basic human rights
• Created a comprehensive document with clear guidelines for communication through the mapping of key challenges and recommendations for its improvement and better communicating in public space

The Expert will have the experience and qualifications to undertake the foreseen activities.

Qualifications and skills:

• University degree in Journalism, Communication studies or related Social sciences;
• At least 10 years of experience working in the field of journalism, communication and/or institutional strategic planning
• Prior experience in covering migration and asylum related tasks is considered to be the advantage
• Knowledge of the fundamental rights framework, EU legislative framework and relevant directives related to the reporting on migration;
• Experience in developing strategies, communication guidelines or strategic communication recommendations.
• Excellent understanding and writing in English is an advantage
• Excellent reporting/writing abilities;
• Ability to work as a team member and individually.

General professional experience:

• At least 10 years of professional experience;

Specific professional experience:

• Experience in understanding media discourse on the subject of migration, asylum, refugees, protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms
• Understanding ethical standards in reporting
• Experience in investigative journalism with the creation of analytical and educational materials (manuals, guides, publications)
• Experience in creating guidelines and recommendations

 3. LOCATION AND DURATION

The reporting base is Sarajevo, office of the Contracting Authority. The assignment is intended to start on 03.03.2025. and end by 30.04.2025. Initial allocation for this assignment is 10 days (time equivalent in hours - 80 hours).

 4. DELIVERABLES AND REPORTING    

The Expert will directly report to the Regional Project Manager at the HWI Project Office in Sarajevo.

Communication during the creation of the document and all questions will be addressed to the HWI Coordinator for Communications and Visibility.

Final document "Strategic recommendations for communicating content about migration in public space" should be submitted by e-mail to the HWI Regional Project Manager.

The Expert will provide copies of all documents/materials prepared as part of the assignment.

 5. ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

 The Expert will be provided with working space at the project office, including access to the Internet, a printer, and a photocopier (if needed), or he/she can work on the task remotely.

The Project Office will provide the Expert with copying service and needed materials or documents.

The Expert is expected to use his/her laptop, and cover intra-city travel fees. For the eventual workshop deliveries outside of Sarajevo, the Project Office will cover travel and accommodation fees.

  6. REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMISSION AND DEADLINES

The interested candidate must submit the following documentation:
1. CV (biography)
2. Financial offer for engagement
3. Motivational letter explaining the relevant experience and expertise in the requested field

The deadline for submitting the requested documentation is February 27, 2025. no later than 2:00 p.m., to the e-mail addresses: enaidah@hwi.ba and nadinap@hwi.ba, or through personal submission of the documents to the office address: Mis Irbina 10, 71000 Sarajevo.
All inquiries and questions can be communicated by email: nadinap@hwi.ba, contact person Nadina Pleh Sijerčić.