Call for Expression of Interest to set up a Roster of qualified experts and service providers
I. Background information
The Cooperation and Development Institute (CDI) is an independent, non-profit think tank based in Tirana, Albania. Since 2000, CDI has been working to improve public policy through evidence-based research, inclusive dialogue, and strategic outreach. Through innovative research and public engagement, CDI is actively involved in strengthening institutional governance, promoting regional cooperation, supporting the EU integration of the Western Balkans, and advancing connectivity across sectors.
At present, CDI’s research activities tackle what matters most for Albania and Western Balkans. Our four core focus areas — EU Membership Preparedness, Connectivity, the Growth Plan, and the Berlin Process — zeroing in on the region’s top priorities. Each area blends long-term flagship initiatives with targeted projects that respond to fast-moving developments.
Since 2015, CDI organizes the Tirana Connectivity Forum (TCF) – the only annual event covering connectivity, reforms and enlargement in SEE6. TCF brings together experts, policymakers, and researchers from the region and the EU, offering a specialized and evidence-based perspective on reform and integration.
In addition, CDI is implementing strategic initiatives to monitor Albania’s key reforms using a methodology aligned with the technical requirements of EU integration and the front-loading approach in priority sectors where Albania has deepened cooperation with EU member states.
From driving policy dialogue to shaping concrete solutions, our work stays rooted in impact, relevance, and regional momentum. For more information consult our website: www.cdinstitute.eu.
To respond to the acceleration of Enlargement with the 2030 membership of Albania (and Montenegro) in sight and the increasing intensity of work, CDI wants to constitute a roster of qualified experts and service providers.
II. Objective of this Call
Through this call, the Cooperation and Development Institute is seeking to create a roster of qualified experts and service providers (hereinafter: candidate) which may be involved in its initiatives – them being projects and / or activities. The place of work will be in Tirana, with eventual travel to the Western Balkans and EU – if needed for certain types of activities.
Interested candidates, interested in working with CDI and having the expertise and requirements specified below, are invited to submit an application in order to become part of this roster.
This roster includes professional candidates with demonstrated expertise in projects implemented in Albania, Western Balkans 6 and EU, with proven experience and expertise in one or more of the following areas:
Profile A – Project Management, Communication, and Administrative Support
This profile includes candidates with experience in the following areas:
- Project Coordination and/or Management:
Candidates with experience with experience in coordinating country, multi-country and multi-stakeholder initiatives, managing project cycles (planning, implementation, reporting), ensuring compliance with donor requirements (e.g., EU, UN, bilateral agencies, etc.), and delivering results within time and budget constraints.
- Project and Organizational Communication:
Candidates with experience in designing and implementing communication strategies, including visibility plans in line with EU communication and branding guidelines. Proficient in managing stakeholder engagement, event organization, and the development of outreach materials.
- Event Management, Communication and Social Media Services:
Candidates with experience in content and material creation (written, visual, multimedia), social media management, digital storytelling, raising awareness, media outreach, event organization, photo-video services, etc. Knowledge of analytics tools, SEO, and targeted campaign design is an asset.
- Office Assistance and Administrative Support:
Candidates with experience able to provide office support, document management, event logistics, travel coordination, budget tracking, etc.
- Web development
Candidates with experience in developing, maintaining, and upgrading digital platforms and web-based applications tailored to project or institutional needs. Competencies include front-end and back-end development, integration of interactive tools (e.g., dashboards, databases, user portals), and ensuring data security and accessibility. Knowledge of relevant programming languages (e.g., HTML/CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Python), CMS platforms (e.g., WordPress, Drupal), and design principles. Experience in projects requiring digital public engagement; online reporting tools; or collaborative environments is highly valued.
Profile B – Thematic and Technical Expertise
This profile includes high-level candidates with policy, technical or advisory experience in the following areas:
- EU Integration and Financial Instruments (e.g., INTERREG, Growth Plan, CEF, WBIF, etc. EU and/or WB based):
Candidates with in-depth understanding of EU integration processes, legal and institutional frameworks, and financial instruments relevant for candidate and potential candidate countries. Familiarity with programming, implementation, and monitoring of EU-funded instruments such as the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, Connectivity Agenda, and cross-border cooperation (CBC) programmes.
- Policy Research / Analysis:
Candidates with expertise in EU integration, public policy, governance, and socio-economic development in the Western Balkans and wider Europe. Responsibilities may include conducting policy and institutional analysis, preparing policy briefs and background papers, mapping legal and administrative frameworks, evaluating reform implementation, and contributing to evidence-based recommendations. Preferred profiles include strong analytical writing, ability to synthesize complex information, familiarity with EU accession-related reforms and enlargement policy, and experience engaging with public institutions, civil society, and international donors.
- Data Scientists / Data Analysts / A.I.:
Candidates with solid track record in data analysis, processing and visualization, with experience in working with large datasets relevant to public policy, EU monitoring frameworks, or sectoral evaluations. Proficiency in data science tools and programming languages, and / or development and / or adaptation of AI models, as well as knowledge of EU open data portals, is a strong asset.
- Regional Cooperation:
Candidates with a solid track record in regional development and cooperation in the Western Balkans and/or wider European neighborhood. Areas of expertise may include infrastructure connectivity (transport, energy, digital), regional economic integration, social cohesion, mobility, and institutional cooperation. Experience working with or advising regional initiatives and platforms (e.g., RCC, CEFTA, Berlin Process, Transport Community, Energy Community) is particularly relevant. Knowledge of regional funding instruments and facilitation of intergovernmental or multi-stakeholder coordination processes is an added value.
- Connectivity:
Candidates with relevant knowledge and practical experience in the design, implementation, and monitoring of connectivity-related policies and projects in the areas of transport, energy, digital infrastructure, and sustainable mobility. This includes familiarity with the EU’s Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans, Connectivity Agenda, TEN-T/TEN-E policies, and related funding and policy instruments (e.g., CEF, IPA III, WBIF, etc).
Candidates can mention more than one area of expertise in the two types of Profile Areas.
Please note that being registered on the roster does not imply any obligations to award a contract to the candidates or enter into employment modalities.
III. General requirements
- Very good oral and written knowledge of Albanian and English language;
- Proven experience in one or more of the Areas of the Profile(s);
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to operate in a dynamic institutional setting.
IV. Application procedure
In order to be considered for the Roster selection process candidates are invited to apply English. Candidates must submit the following application in PDF version:
- A detailed and dated CV, with a clear description of education and professional experience, and containing a list of relevant publications – the latter if applicable (for individuals);
- A detailed and dated company experience Profile (for legal entities)
- Copy of registration to relevant tax authority (for legal entities)
Incomplete applications, not including all the above-mentioned documents, may be rejected. Applications must only be sent by email to: info@cdinstitute.eu
!!! Closing date: Applications must be sent by 20th of July 2025.
V. Evaluation Procedure
An internal Selection Committee will prepare an evaluation report with the final shortlist of candidates. Additional clarification may be requested in written form by CDI, for the purpose of concluding the evaluation process.
The candidates that will be selected as fully suitable will be put on a reserve list with a validity of three years, renewable once. All selected candidates will be officially informed by the end of the procedure.
VI. Other
Please note that placement on the Roster does not constitute an employment promise, a Service contract, nor an affiliation with CDI, and does not guarantee that the candidate will be selected to carry out any activities.
As per CDI needs and in respect of available budgetary resources, operational needs, and applicable procurement rules, CDI will apply a successive relevant procurement procedure to enter into a contract-based cooperation with one or more of the candidates.
Moreover, any expert contacted to express interest in entering contractual collaboration with CDI reserves the right to decline at any moment to participate in successive eventual contracting opportunity / steps, without influencing their status as an expert on the Roster.
For activities or tasks that cannot be satisfied by the Roster, CDI reserves the right to pursue alternative ways of identifications of suitable expertise.
Finally, the personal data in question is collected by the CDI for the sole purpose of this selection process.
