Local Short-Term Expert for the Evaluation of the 2024-2028 Judicial Communication Strategy and Conducting a Training on Media Communication

BACKGROUND

The Local Short-Term Expert will work as part of the implementation team for the European Union grant-funded project “EU Support for Rule of Law” in the Republic of North Macedonia. The EU Support for Rule of Law project (the Project) is designed to support vital institutions operating in the fields of justice, law enforcement, anti-corruption efforts, and the promotion and protection of fundamental human rights.
This assignment falls under Component 1, whose objective is to improve the capacities of justice institutions to deliver justice in a transparent and accountable manner. Specifically, this mission supports Activity 1.1.4, which focuses on winning and maintaining public trust by the judiciary through strengthened communication.

The Judicial Council has recently adopted the 2024–2028 Judicial Communication Strategy, which aims to establish a unified communication policy, enhance transparency, and professionalize public relations. To support the implementation of this Strategy, the Project aims to perform an evaluation of the current level of implementation, analyse current communication practices, recommend improvements, and provide targeted training to presidents of courts, judges and spokespersons to bridge the gap between the judiciary and the public/media.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Local Expert will work in tandem with an International Short-Term Expert to assess the current state of judicial communication strategy, identifying gaps and challenges, providing recommendations for its effective implementation, and deliver capacity-building activities. While the International Expert brings EU standards and best practices, the Local Expert will focus on the specific national context, legal framework, and the practical realities of the Macedonian media landscape. Both experts will collaborate remotely and during the training to be held in Skopje, with regular coordination meetings to ensure alignment and integration of local and international perspectives. Additionally, the assignment will be carried out in close collaboration with other experts from the Project.

Specifically, the local expert will carry out the following tasks:

• Conduct the on-site evaluation and data collection (interviews, press clipping analysis) at the Judicial Council and up to five selected courts (in cooperation with the Project team) to assess the implementation of the Strategy. This involves reviewing current interactions with media and other internal and external parties;
• Draft the first version of evaluation report summarizing the findings from the field visits and interviews, explicitly recommending specific improvements based on the national context and identified gaps, for review by the International Expert;
• Assist in the design of training modules for presidents of courts, judges, and court spokespersons. The Local Expert is responsible for ensuring the training materials are aligned with Macedonian legislation and the specific needs identified in the SWOT analysis of the Communication Strategy;
• Co-deliver one training session for presidents of courts, judges and spokespersons on communication with the public and media, presentation skills, and proactive transparency; and

Prepare a mission report.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

• University degree in Law, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a relevant field;
• Proven minimum 10 years of professional experience;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in both English and Macedonian;
• Strong knowledge of the national legislation and policies in the area of the judiciary;
• Excellent analytical and reporting skills;
• Flexibility, strong adaptation skills and capability of teamwork in a potentially challenging environment under tight deadlines;
• Good command of Microsoft Office™ tools; and
• Good planning and work organisation skills.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS (additional assets)

• Proven minimum 3 years of specific experience in public relations, media training, or judicial communications within North Macedonia;
• Experience in designing or delivering training for public officials, judges, or legal professionals is highly desirable;
• Familiarity with the Macedonian media landscape and the functioning of the Judicial Council and courts; and
• Previous experience in similar projects and EU-funded projects would be an asset.

CONTRACT AND REMUNERATION

The remuneration will be done in accordance with the grant contract.

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS

Applications must be sent in English (CV in Europass format and a motivation letter) via e-mail to jovana.jovanovska@rolaw.mk indicating “Local STE for Judicial Communication” in the subject line. References must be available on request.

Application submission deadline: 8^th February 2026

Applications received after the deadline or incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration. Only short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

The expert must not have had any contractual relationship with the public administration of the Republic of North Macedonia for at least 6 months prior to his/her hiring.

The Project is an equal opportunity employer that encourages applications from women and minorities. All applications will be considered strictly confidential.