News Archive 2023 – Help Montenegro

Help at the end of 2023 and eve of 2024

28.12.2023

Just like in the past two decades of its operations in Montenegro, in 2023, Help continued its constant support for the Roma-Egyptian (RE) community in Montenegro through various programs and projects. These efforts are ultimately aimed at the final goal of making our Roma and Egyptian fellow citizens, an integral and productive part of Montenegrin society, equal – not just formally but substantively.

To achieve this goal, it is necessary to improve all areas on which we have been working diligently and intensively for years, together with the community.

Although Help formally successfully concluded the RE Mediator project at the end of 2022, convincing state institutions through the dedicated work of the mediators that their engagement is a bridge between local institutions and the community, what has lead to continuing of 21 mediators staying on jobs in employment offices, social work centers, and health centers, we continued to press for the permanent solution of their status—through the systematization of the RE mediator position.

At the same time, some of the RE mediators continued successful cooperation with us through various projects focusing on supporting the RE community, such as institutional assistance to the most socially vulnerable families, support for women, assistance in addressing the problem of newborn registration, and accessing social protection services.

Help’s work and continuous support for the RE community have been recognized, leading to us being awarded the European Roma Integration Award by the European Commission.

343865171_765596328483501_3605008957679348485_n

In collaboration with the Ukrainian volunteer organization Good Deeds, Help continued to provide support to refugees from Ukraine in 2023 to facilitate their adaptation to the new circumstances. Alongside necessary first aid in clothing, bedding, and other basic necessities, we continued to support Montenegrin language learning classis for easier adaptation (employment and education) and psychosocial support with a focus on children, whom we took on three-day trips around country.

Human rights, empowerment, and support for the civil sector, as well as informal groups and individuals to implement projects crucial for local communities, with a special focus on northern Montenegro, are also being realized through two projects in partnership with Juventas. Apart of grants for project ideas, we provide mentoring support to civil society organizations, groups, or individuals for the quality implementation of various ideas.

We continued with the projects for supporting employment — with a particular focus on youth and women—and acquiring more quality skills, especially in the IT sector, enabling competitiveness in the job market and earnings for a decent living.

This is the focus of the second phase of the RECONOMY project for the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership—connecting with businesses, especially the IT sector, sustainable tourism, and agriculture. The goal is to create as many quality and well-paying jobs as possible, following the needs of the market and the economy.

Expanding Help’s portfolio to sustainable development, our continuous collaboration with the Institution for the Execution of Criminal Sanctions (UIKS) extends not only to support programs for training and rehabilitation for prisoners, but also to energy efficiency.

Also we supported the installation of solar panels on selected agricultural farms for northern Montenegro.

With the goal of leaving no one behind, the most socially vulnerable, in 2023, we started participating in social housing reconstruction projects in Podgorica and Herceg Novi and water supply system adaptation in Berane.

As always, none of this would be possible without the support of our donors: primarily the German Government, our main donor, as well as the EU, ADH, Sida, Helvetas, the Embassy of France, the King Baudouin Foundation, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Montenegrin ministries: of human and minority rights, labor and social welfare, public administration, and other partners with whom we implement projects to support the socio-economic inclusion of all and sustainable development of Montenegrin society.

We continue into 2024!

Your Help team

For Every Child from the RE Community Must Be Ensured a Legal Identity

15.12.2023

Essential for every Roma and Egyptian (RE) child in Montenegro is the ability to acquire legal identity. This legal identity will provide use of all rights guaranteed by the state for both children and parents. The RE mediators play a crucial role as intermediaries between parents and institutions. These were the conclusions of an information session organized by Help as part of the project “Reducing Statelessness among Roma and Egyptians in Montenegro,” funded by the Embassy of the Republic of France in Montenegro.

French Ambassador Anne-Marie Maskay highlighted the pivotal role of mediators as a bridge between the Roma-Egyptian community and state institutions, emphasizing their significant contribution to the social inclusion of the RE population. Emphasizing the work and dedication of the mediators and valuing their valuable field information, Ambassador Maskay stated that the mediators are true ambassadors of human rights.

Dijana Anđelić, Director of Help’s office in Montenegro, emphasized the essential issue of acquiring a legal identity, especially for newborns. This is crucial for addressing one of the pressing issues—reducing statelessness among Roma and Egyptians in Montenegro. Anđelić expressed gratitude to the Embassy of France for supporting the project aimed at resolving the issue of legal status, which is a significant problem for a considerable part of the RE community in Montenegro.

The Head of the Directorate for Roma and Egyptians in the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights, Sokolj Beganaj, agreed that this is one of the key obstacles to the full inclusion of the RE community. He praised the institutions’ previous efforts in addressing the issue of statelessness. Beganaj point out of importance for a precise interpretation of the Law on Montenegrin Citizenship and announced the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ plans to address this issue by 2025.

Head of the Directorate for the Protection of At-Risk Groups in the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, Budimirka Đukanović, highlight the necessity of involving the Ministry of Internal Affairs and their support in the efforts to reduce statelessness in the RE community, having in mind their capacity as well as jurisdiction and competences for the issue.

The lack of appropriate legal documents, especially Montenegrin citizenship, is one of the key problems emphasized during the discussion, where numerous challenges faced by RE citizens due to unresolved legal status were considered. The process of birth registration, accessing health insurance, as well as rights and benefits for parents, were crucial issues emphasized by Irina Stamatović, Help’s moderator for the information session. She presented a method for solving these problems through practical steps during registration.

Emphasizing the importance of protecting human rights, with special attention to children’s rights, Stamatović noted that registering newborns is a prerequisite for enjoying all other rights, including civil and social rights, as well as accessing healthcare, which is a key aspect of integration into Montenegrin society.

Help and Seljak.me signed an agreement on cooperation through the RECONOMY program

Help Montenegro signed an agreement with the online platform Seljak.me.

The project will support the expansion of the platform to the region of the countries of the Western Balkans in order to create and strengthen a more inclusive agricultural ecosystem in the Western Balkans, providing greater opportunities to disadvantaged rural farmers / agricultural producers, women and young people, who want to stay on their farms.

The total projected costs of the project amount to 78,000 euros.

RECONOMY is a regional inclusive and green economic development program of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), implemented by HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation in partnership with Help and others in the Eastern Partnership and the Western Balkans.

As of 1 July 2023 Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe signed a Partnership Agreement with Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation, a Cooperation Partner to Sida, and thus became an Implementing Partner to Helvetas in Sida’s Regional programme on inclusive and green economic development in Eastern Partnership and Western Balkan countries. Their joint project “RECONOMY” supports Regional Programme Digitalization of sectors with growth potential for better economic opportunities” in Western Balkans.

New support in equipment for UIKS

28.11.2023

Today, Help handed over wood and metal processing equipment to the Directorate for the Execution of Criminal Sanctions (UIKS), as a continuation of Help’s support to the prison in Spuž.

The current director of UIKS, Rade Vojvodić and the future Darko Vukčević, who will take up that position on December 15, emphasized the importance of this donation not only for the prisoners but also for the institution.

Donors from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Michael Martin and Ruth-Ann Martin, along with representatives of Help, Dženan Demić and Irina Stamatović, attended the presentation of valuable equipment to the UIKS administration.

This state-of-the-art equipment, including woodworking and metalworking machines with accompanying licensed training for prisoners, will in many ways positively affect their position by creating skills that will facilitate their reintegration into society after serving their sentence.

Help has been continuously supporting the UIKS in their efforts to strengthen the self-sustainability of this institution through the reconstruction and equipping of its farm and workshops, as well as through training programs that will enable inmates to adapt and socialize more easily after completing their sentence.

Notice For Cancellation of TENDER Bid No: P-SOE-11-23-23-01

2.10.2023

Tender name: Market System Analysis in the Western Balkan region (Albania, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia)

Tender Reference No: P-SOE-11-23-23-01

NOTICE FOR CANCELLATION OF TENDER BID

Please refer to the tender Notice No. P-SOE-11-23-23-01 dated 17/08/2023 published on website of Help Montenegro office, https://help-montenegro.me/tenders/ for Market System Analysis in the Western Balkan region (Albania, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia).

This is to inform you that the tender under mentioned reference has been cancelled with immediate effect. The decision to cancel the tender was made because all offers received were exceeding the available budget.

Thank you for your interest in our organization and we hope to work with you in the future.

Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe

Three Memorandums of cooperation have been signed with the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare

The other of two Memorandums of Cooperation signed between the Ministry and Help organization provides support for the implementation of housing for socially vulnerable families in Montenegro, through the implementation of the project “Regional Housing Project and Housing for the Socially Vulnerable in Montenegro”. The target group are socially vulnerable displaced families who they live in Podgorica, Danilovgrad, Herceg Novi, Kotor, Gusinje, Plav and Pljevlja, primarily children, the elderly and health-issues families, as well as the beneficiaries who were chosen through the Regional Housing Program project.

The residential buildings will be intended for already selected users, which was done in accordance with the procedures of the Ministry and RHP.

The second Memorandum envisages support for further strengthening of social inclusion and poverty reduction in the countries of the Western Balkans, through the implementation of the main phase of the project “RECONOMY”, which is financed by the Swedish Agency for International Development and Cooperation (Sida) and implemented in cooperation with HELVETAS.

The project will support the digitization of the sector with potential for growth for better economic opportunities in Montenegro and thus increase employment opportunities for women, young people and the most vulnerable.

RECONOMY is a regional program for inclusive and green economic development of the Swedish International Cooperation Agency (Sida), which is implemented in partnership with HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation, Help and others in the Eastern Partnership and the Western Balkans.

29.09.2023

Dijana Anđelić, director of Help Montenegro, signed three Memorandums of Cooperation with the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare and the Municipality of Herceg Novi. The memorandums were signed by the Minister of Labor and Social Welfare, Admir Adrović, the President of the Municipality of Herceg Novi, Stevan Katić, and the director of the Help office.

“By signing the Memorandums on cooperation with Help, we will ensure the continuation of two current projects and the realization of a new project related to the construction of housing facilities for displaced persons and families in a social need in the territory of the municipality of Herceg Novi. This is another confirmation of the successful cooperation of our Ministry, i.e. of the Government of Montenegro with Help organization, which is reflected in the active participation in many projects that have contributed to the improvement of the living conditions of small communities, vulnerable groups, and their social inclusion in Montenegro society, defined by the activities of the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare”, said Minister Adrović.

The Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry, the Municipality of Herceg Novi and Help is a support for the accommodation for families from the socially vulnerable groups who live in the settlement of Bajkovina and the municipality of Herceg Novi, through the implementation of the project: “Housing care for the socially vulnerable in the municipality of Herceg Novi”. The target group are local vulnerable families living in the settlement of Bajkovina, the municipality of Herceg Novi – primarily children, the elderly and families with serious health issues.

“It is a great honor for us to be recognized as a partner who in the coming period, in cooperation with the Ministry, will contribute to the improvement of the situation in the social housing sector, which for Montenegro is one of the most significant activities that will be implemented in the coming period, in addition to, previously successfully implemented the regional housing program, which for Help represents a new way of cooperation with state institutions. Through this project, in the social housing component, we will provide over 3,000 square meters of newly built and adapted housing that will meet the needs of social welfare beneficiaries,” Anđelić said.

CORRIGENDUM: Tender: Market System Analysis in the Western Balkan region (Albania, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia)

Podgorica, 01.09.2023

Corrigendum to the Tender no P-SOE-11-23-23-01 Market System Analysis in the Western Balkan region (Albania, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia)

Article Deliverables and Schedule of the Annex II – ToR MSA regional changes and reads:

Deadline for submission of offer is 07.09.2023, 2:00 PM

Deadline for starting the assignment is 14.09.2023

The service will be expected to complete the assignment within eight weeks of the start date.

Deadline for submitting the draft final report is 20.11.2023. The final MSA report is due on 30.11.2023. The reports will be submitted in English language.

2. All other terms remain unchanged.

Link for the Tender is here

Tender: Market System Analysis in the Western Balkan region (Albania, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia)

Tender Notice

Market System Analysis in the Western Balkan region (Albania, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia)

Tender Reference No: P-SOE-11-23-23-01

Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe (Help) is a humanitarian, non-governmental, nonprofit organization founded in 1981 that works in around 20 countries throughout the world, including in Albania, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia.

Help, for its project RECONOMY funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and is implemented jointly by HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation (Helvetas) together with Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe, invites all qualified and specialized contractors to participate in the tender for a Service for Market System Analysis in the Western Balkan region (Albania, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia).

RECONOMY is an inclusive and green economic development program of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), implemented by HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation in partnership with Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe and others in the Eastern Partnership and the Western Balkan countries.

The tender documents can be obtained by registering at https://help-montenegro.me/tenders/.

Award Notice – MSA in the Eastern Partnership Region

Award Notice

Market System Analysis in the Eastern Partnership region, specifically in Moldova, Georgia, and Armenia, with the possibility of including Ukraine

Contracting Authority:	Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe, Montengro Country Office
Reference:	P-SOE-12-23-23-01
Publication date of the Tender Notice:	21.06.2023.
Contract value:	EUR 13.200,00
Date of award of the Contract:	02.08.2023.
Number of offers received:	1 offer
Name and country of successful contractor:	BSC Business Support Center LLC, Armenia

Job position: Consultant for Market Analysis

Job description:

Market System Analysis in the Western Balkan region (North Macedonia)

In the scope of RECONOMY programme, Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe (in further text referred to as Help) is starting the implementation of the project ““Digitalization of sectors with growth potential for better economic opportunities” in North Macedonia, with the objective to enable women and youth up to 30 years of age, including the most disadvantaged and excluded groups, to benefit from economic opportunities by increasing their income and taking up decent/green employment/self-employment. The Programme is funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and is implemented jointly by HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation (Helvetas) together with Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe.

Part of the project strategic process is private sector engagement that focuses on a joint endeavor by the RECONOMY Programme and the private sector for greater scale, sustainability, and effectiveness of development outcomes. The project is built on three main pillars: skills and intermediation service development, business services development, and advocacy.

Background and Rationale

To understand how the digitalization of sectors with growth potential (ICT, BPO and additional sectors, such as agriculture, tourism and manufacturing) for better economic opportunities in the West Balkan region operate and how it affects the project target group, Help decided to conduct a Market system analysis. Market system analysis is a diagnostic process to uncover the root causes and not just the symptoms of why markets underperform for the target group – youth, women and the most disadvantaged.

The term “market system” refers to the network of actors involved in the production, distribution, and consumption of digitalized sectors’ products and services. This includes the supporting markets that provide inputs and services, as well as the rules and norms that govern the sector. Understanding the digitalized market system as a whole is crucial, including how market actors are interconnected and how they interact with each other to move products and services from suppliers to end-users. The focus of the project is digitalization of sectors with growth potential for better economic opportunities (ICT/ BPO, agriculture, tourism, manufacturing). Digitalization refers to the integration of digital technologies into various sectors and aspects of economic activities. In the context of this project, digitalization is not a standalone market system but rather a transformative force that impacts existing market systems across various sectors. It encompasses the use of digital tools, platforms, and processes to transform traditional systems and enable new ways of conducting business.

RECONOMY is a regional program that aims to address common problems and respond to opportunities that share similarities across countries. The program’s rationale for regional value addition is to identify similarities in the nature of the problem across countries. Therefore, while this analysis is focused on the North Macedonian economy the Market System Analysis should have a regional perspective and identify common challenges and issues across all countries in the region. This will provide the basis for identifying common solutions and responding to shared opportunities.

The analysis will cover North Macedonia. Other countries covered by the RECONOMY program are Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and North Macedonia.

Market System Analysis Purpose

The purpose of Market System Analysis is to identify the key constraints and opportunities through digitalization in sectors with growth potential for better economic opportunities in the WB region, here especially in North Macedonia. The goal is to develop a strategy that will promote systemic changes to benefit disadvantaged groups, particularly youth and women. The Market system analysis has four objectives:

To validate that there is a growth potential of the sectors such as ICT, BPO, agriculture, tourism and manufacturing, in WB region (here focus on North Macedonia) which can generate employment opportunities for youth and women, including the most disadvantaged groups.
To analyze prevalent practices of technology utilization by ICT, BPO, and
additional sectors and if digitalization of their activities/products/services can be addressed to make the sectors more accessible to women and young job seekers in an inclusive and environmentally sustainable manner.
To map the structure of the market system and gain an understanding of its dynamics and performance.
To identify and comprehend the root causes of why the digitalization of economic sectors in the WB region is not performing better in creating employment opportunities especially for youth and women including the most disadvantaged. Additionally, the analysis will explore ways to stimulate green jobs through SME development.

Our organization is looking for a service provider to conduct a Market system analysis within RECONOMY programme for the targeted region (here North Macedonia). The service provider will conduct field research, interviews with relevant stakeholders (including focus group discussions if necessary), and online questionnaires for different groups, including vulnerable populations.

Intended users of the Market System Analysis

Help RECONOMY implementation team
Helvetas Program Facilitation Unit
Sida

Expected Outcome of the Service

The service provider will be expected to deliver the following:

1) Summary on the relevance of digitalization of economic sectors with growth potential to the target group (youth and women, including the most disadvantaged). – In this section, the service provider will explain how the digitalization of economic sectors is relevant to creating income, employment, or other relevant benefits for disadvantaged groups in the region, with a particular focus on women (one page)

2) Map of ICT sector value chain, including core market and key market functions and rules. In this section, the service provider will analyse the digitalisation of economic sectors and related markets to identify how they work and what challenges they face. The service provider will use a value chain analysis tool and consider gender and social inclusion. The report will cover four sections:

Structure of core market system – How the digitalization of economic sectors with growth potential works, using value chain mapping as a useful tool (one page)

Key market functions and rules – The service provider will describe and analyse the key functions and rules of the market system, including formal and informal factors that exclude women and the most disadvantaged groups using a “donut diagram” to visualize how the market works, with the particular focus on digitalization and adoption and utilization of technology, (no more than three pages)

Dynamics and performance of core market system – The service provider will examine the main constraints to the market system, describing which 4-6 of the functions and rules don’t work or cause problems for the market’s performance, including the constrains related to digitalization and adoption and utilization of technology The service provider will also consider gender or GESI in their analysis by answering 2-3 questions from the appropriate section of WEE. This section should be no more than three pages.
Main interconnected markets – The service provider will analyse the most important interconnected market systems, using the same approach as in section 2.2 and 2.3 but in less detail. The service provider will also consider gender or GESI in their analysis by answering 2-3 questions from the appropriate section of WEE. This section should be no more than five pages.

3) List of the interviewed stakeholders with contact details and summary from interviews with the key informants.

4) Stakeholders and their interest. In this section, the service provider will identify and analyse key players and stakeholders in the market system, focusing on their roles and interests in improving the system. They will create a table with information about each stakeholder, including their type, function in the market, interests related to governance, and how they involve women and disadvantaged groups. This section should be no more than three pages.

5) Analysis from the focus group discussion, statistical analysis of the survey among different groups, including the vulnerable group.

6) Current and future situation – This section brings together the analysis done in sections 2 and 3 to describe the current situation and the desired situation in the future. The service provider will use a market sustainability matrix to describe how the market system is now and how it will be after the intervention.

Scope of the Market System Analysis

General questions guiding the analysis are:

The system structure:

1) What is the current performance and position of the target group, youth and women including the most disadvantaged in the market system?

2) What precise job problems do the target group face (e.g. skills, access to technology and information, biases at the workplace, access to mentorship and support, etc.)?

Sector performances:

3) What are the policy and legal frameworks – to enable private sector participation and job creation in the digitalisation of the economy?

4) What are the ‘supporting functions’ and ‘rules of the game’ which shape the core functioning of the digitalised economy?

5) Who are the key players in the system, and what are their current incentive/capacity levels?

System-level constraints:

6) What are the most important functions and rules which are under-performing?

7) In turn, what are the underlying constraints that shape the performance of these supporting markets (root causes)?

Feasibility:
8) What is the opportunity for change, based on the incentives and capacities of the players in the system?

9) What are the most important constraints (placing emphasis on those that are likely to unlock ‘more’ jobs, and, ideally, those that can also lead to ‘better’ jobs for the most disadvantaged), that might be feasible to change?

10) What are the main issues for the digitalization of the economy in the region (here North Macedonia) to take into account if it wants to facilitate sustainable change?

Women Economic Empowerment:

Overall questions guiding the WEE analysis are:

How does digitalization of the economies in the WB region promote gender equality and encourage girls’ interest in ICT-related fields?
What are the specific training needs for women to benefit from digitalization of the economy in the region (here North Macedonia)? Are there any barriers for disadvantaged groups and how can the training program be designed to be more inclusive for women? Are there networking opportunities and connections in the digitalized economy for women? Should any ongoing support be provided after the completion of the training program? How can women be encouraged to stay connected and engaged in the ICT related field post-training?
Are there any mentorship programs support women’s professional development in the digitalization of the economies in the region, including women’s entrepreneurship and leadership in digitalized sectors?
How do companies in WB region ensure gender equality in recruitment and hiring practices? How does digitalization of economic sectors in the region address issues of gender-based discrimination and harassment in the workplace?
How can women be encouraged to stay connected and engaged in ICT related fields post-training?

Twin Green & Digital Transformation:

What are the key opportunities for integrating digital solutions in the selected sectors which may improve resource efficiency of the production, reduce its impact on natural ecosystems and climate change and / or improve compliance of the company with market demands related to green transition (e.g., consumers’ preferences towards environmentally sustainable products and services; product traceability for green labelling, etc.)?
Are the suppliers of digital solutions (ICT companies) aware of such opportunities / have experience in offering them? Where may they obtain information on market demand/ know-how for such solutions? If they have this experience, do they see additional space for such products in domestic and foreign markets?

Are SMEs on the demand side aware of such digital solutions / have experience in applying them? If yes, what are the opportunities for scaling up such experience? If not, what are the reasons (information, access to finance, etc.)?
How innovation ecosystem for emerging green and digital solutions (cleantech) look like? Are there any sustainable practices for pre-acceleration and acceleration of startup present in the country? Is there strong involvement of institutional players (like impact investors, banks, state institutions, large IT companies)? If not, what are the reasons?

The service provider is to prepare a detailed draft questionnaire for review and approval by Help and HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation.

Geographical Scope

The Market System Analysis must be carried out in:

North Macedonia. The analysis should cover not only the capital and large cities but also remote regions.

The service provider therefore must have a presence in North Macedonia or extensive experience working there.

Approach and Methodology

Part I: Preparatory Work

Conduct a literature review (including, but not limited to available most recent statistical gender-disaggregated data, case studies, relevant researches from the field, companies websites, etc)
Develop and administer a survey with a significant sample size and low margin of error. The questionnaire should be reviewed and approved by Help responsible staff before administering.
Perform statistical analysis of the survey.
Create a detailed work plan, including methodology, data collection tools, stakeholders, and timelines.
Consult with Help responsible staff to discuss expectations and review the work plan.
Conduct initial secondary research to understand the value chain and identify supporting markets.

Part II: Field research

Conduct field research, including interviews and questionnaires with key informants and focus group discussions.
Conduct additional secondary research if needed.
Analyze findings and document in a draft summary reports.
Organize and conduct a validation workshop with Help and Helvetas representatives to present and validate findings, prioritize constraints, and discuss intervention strategies.

Stakeholders to involve in the Service

The service provider will maintain close communication and coordination with Help to ensure effective research. This includes involving Help in all research steps, such as developing the analysis questionnaire for interviews and online surveys. The service provider should establish and maintain close contact as well as invite a representative from Helvetas in North Macedonia to participate in interviews with market actors. Additionally, the service provider will schedule a weekly coordination meeting with Help staff responsible for the project

The target informants of the research comprise:

Private sector organizations and companies from digitalised sectors of the economy or that are in the process of digitalisation
Education and training institutions, formal and non-formal
Providers of industry-specific business support services, with the focus on SMEs
SMEs with potential engagement in the green economy
Business membership organisations, clusters and association in digitalised sectors of the economy or that are in the process of digitalisation
Public institutions responsible for enhancing industry-specific policy, legal, and regulatory frameworks.

Deliverables and Schedule

Deadline for submission of offer is 23.08.2023., 12:00 PM

Deadline for starting the assignment is 05.09.2023.

The service will be expected to complete the assignment within four weeks of the start date.

Deadline for submitting the draft final report is 09.10.2023. The final MSA report is due on 16.10.2023 and will be submitted in English language.

Additional References or Resources

All resources particularly relevant to the project in question as well as any further information can be provided upon request.

Required documents

An updated CV
Portfolio of completed researches
Methodology for this project including brake-down of activities, timetable and the lump sum fee
Proposal Submission Form Annex 2 – duly completed and signed and stamped by the Candidate
Duly signed and stamped Annex 3 – Help General Terms and Conditions for Service Contracts
Duly signed and stamped Annex 4 – Help Code of Conduct for Contractors
Duly signed and stamped Annex 5 – Help Declaration for Tenderers, Candidates and Suppliers

Qualification requirements for the lead consultant

The ideal candidate for this consultancy will have the following qualifications:

At least three years of experience in conducting surveys, research and statistical analysis.
Experience with carrying out qualitative interviews
Experience working in the ICT sector.
Familiarity with value chain analysis or similar tools
Familiarity with Gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), Women economy empowerment (WEE) or similar strategies will be an asset
Excellent analytical and report writing skills.
Strong communication and presentation skills

Fluent in written and spoken English
Fluency in North Macedonian languages is expected

The original offer has to be submitted/delivered in hard copy to

Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe

Cetinjski put 13/15

Entrance II, Flat 14

81000 Podgorica

RECONOMY had commissioned an analysis of the human resources potential and needs in the ICT sector in Montenegro

21.07.2023

As technology continues to advance at an exponential rate, the global Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) sector stands as the fastest-growing industry in the world. The pervasiveness of ICT not only makes it a stand-alone sector but also an indispensable transversal element in every other field. However, this remarkable growth comes with a pressing concern – the widening ICT skills gap. The ever-increasing demand for diverse IT skills outpaces the supply of adequately trained professionals.

To gain a deeper understanding of this issue, the analysis focused on the human resource potential and needs in the Montenegrin ICT sector. The findings shed light on the education and training offered in the sector and how we can facilitate and encourage access to this sector for vulnerable population groups. The research revealed a stark reality: there is a substantial gap between the supply and demand of skills in the ICT sector in Montenegro. Even more concerning is the fact that there are no targeted initiatives in place to address the needs of vulnerable groups, such as individuals with disabilities.

This situation highlights the urgent need for tailored training programs that can bridge the skills gap and provide opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds. Moreover, flexible working arrangements should be implemented to accommodate the needs of different populations. By improving cooperation between the private sector and educational institutions, we can enhance the quality of the workforce in the ICT sector and promote the inclusion of vulnerable groups.

Key Considerations to Bridge the Skills Gap in Montenegro’s ICT Sector

To create a skilled and diverse ICT workforce for the future, it requires a collaborative effort between ICT companies and the education sector. Here are the main conclusions and recommendations derived from the analysis:

Foster Cooperation: Encourage ICT companies and educational institutions to collaborate closely, facilitating the exchange of learning formats and resources.

Licensing of Training Providers: Empower further licensing of training providers to enhance the availability of licensed IT training opportunities.

Involvement in Primary and Secondary Education: Increase the involvement of ICT companies in primary and secondary education to support practical classes and uplift the IT skills of teachers.

Mandatory Coding/Programming: Make coding and programming an obligatory subject in primary education to introduce students to these essential skills at an early age.

Emphasize Soft Skills Development: Incorporate soft skills development into all education and training processes to ensure well-rounded professionals.

Support for Vulnerable Groups: Implement specific measures and quotas to support vulnerable groups in IT training and employment, fostering inclusivity.

Enrolment of Students with Disabilities: Introduce affirmative policies to enrol students with disabilities in tertiary education, providing equal opportunities.

Engage Ukrainian IT Companies: Emphasize the involvement of Ukrainian IT companies in the ICT community to facilitate the exchange of ICT skills.

Tailored Training Programs: Offer training programs that address the skills required by the job market, strengthening collaboration between education and the private sector.

Incentives for a Better Working Environment: Provide incentives for both vulnerable groups and companies to create a more inclusive and supportive working environment.

Early Development of ICT Skills: Encourage the development of ICT skills from an early age through primary and secondary education, focusing on soft skill development through project work.

Internships and Apprenticeships: Facilitate more internships and apprenticeships to provide practical experience and bridge the gap between education and employment.

Promoting Diversity: Promote diversity in the ICT workforce to bring in a wider range of skills and perspectives, fostering innovation.

By implementing these comprehensive strategies, the ICT sector in Montenegro can be strengthened, bridging the skills gap, and ensuring a highly skilled, diverse, and inclusive workforce that will thrive in the dynamic technological landscape of the future.

RECONOMY is an inclusive and green economic development program of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), implemented by HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation in partnership with Help—Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe and others in the Eastern Partnership and the Western Balkan countries.

ICT Cortex Analysis: IT sector in Montenegro is one of the fastest-growing industry

The Analysis of the Montenegrin IT sector for the needs of ICT Cortex was conducted by CEED Consulting in the frame of RECONOMY. RECONOMY is a program of is a regional inclusive and green economic development program of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), implemented by HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation in partnership with Help and others in the Eastern Partnership and the Western Balkans

The aim of the analysis was to provide a deeper understanding of the current state of the IT sector in Montenegro, its contribution to the GDP, key barriers to its faster development, and the potential of IT as a promising sector for the country’s economy.

The findings revealed that the ICT sector in Montenegro is one of the fastest-growing, with a significant increase in the number of companies, financial revenues, and community interest. The analysis covered 1,049 companies in the sector for the year 2022, with a comprehensive consideration of the period from 2019 to 2022.

The total revenue of the Montenegrin ICT sector in 2022 amounted to 602 million Euros, a 23% increase compared to the previous year. The telecommunications sector generated the highest revenue, followed by IT services and products and the trade of IT equipment. Net earnings also saw significant growth, increasing by 102% compared to 2019. Notable companies contributing to this growth included M-tel, Crnogorski Telekom, One, Kodio, Comtrade, and Coinis.

The analysis focused on 725 IT companies operating in local and international markets, with the majority engaged in computer programming and IT consulting. There has been a remarkable increase in the number of companies, with a 46% increase compared to 2021 and a staggering 109% increase compared to 2019. The IT services and products sector showed the most progress in terms of revenue, net results, and employee numbers.

Total revenues in the IT services and products sector increased by 45% compared to 2021, while net results increased by 87%, and both figures increased by 450% compared to 2019. The number of employees in the sector also followed the growth in revenue, with a 61% increase compared to the previous year and a 161% increase compared to four years ago.

The ICT sector’s share of Montenegro’s economy has grown significantly over the years. In 2012, the total revenue of the sector accounted for nearly 4% of the GDP, while in 2022, it reached 10% of the total GDP. The ICT industry is one of the most promising economic sectors in Montenegro and has the potential to become a strategic branch for the country’s development.

The research analysis highlighted positive trends in the ICT sector, including the constant growth in the number of companies, revenues, and employment, particularly in the IT services and products segment. The presence of foreign companies in Montenegro indicates favourable conditions for the sector’s development. The study emphasized the importance of creating a business environment that encourages foreign companies to stay and supports domestic and emerging IT companies. The ICT industry has witnessed significant progress in the past four years, making Montenegro an attractive destination for IT investments and digital nomads.

The analysis also pointed out the large number of newly established companies that will likely play a significant role in the future of the Montenegrin ICT sector. Given the obtained results, the information and communication technology sector is expected to continue growing and become a strategic component in the country’s economic development.

The study can be downloaded here.

The content of this analysis is the sole responsibility of the authors and does not reflect the views of ICT Cortex or RECONOMY.

RECONOMY is a regional inclusive and green economic development program of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) implemented by Helvetas in partnership with Help in the Eastern Partnership and Western #Balkan countries.

The study can be downloaded here

The content of this analysis is the sole responsibility of the authors and does not reflect the views of ICT Cortex or RECONOMY.

Ukrainian children enjoyed the beauty of the north of Montenegro and socializing

3.07.2023

Ukrainian children, refugees who found safety from the war in Montenegro, visited Bjelasica, the Durmitor Ring, and Biogradska Gora last week, during a three-day trip.

Jovana Đuričković, the tour leader from Help, said that the children enjoyed socializing and being in nature.

“On the first day, we went to the 1600 ski resort, where we rode horses, took the cable car to the top, and enjoyed the silence. The children found it very interesting to ride the tubing track at the ski resort. On the second day, we visited the Biogradska Gora National Park and walked through the primeval forest around the lake. It was interesting that it started raining, but because of the dense forest, ‘not a drop reached us.’ On the third day, we visited the Durmitor National Park. We visited the visitor center, where the children could see all the animals that live in the park. After that, we took a walk to the Black Lake. The children used their free time at the lake to run, jump, and play pantomime. Laughter echoed. The girls took the opportunity at the ethno-village in Durmitor to pick bouquets of wildflowers from the meadow. They were very grateful to Help and its partners for organizing the excursion and said that they enjoyed the natural beauty of Montenegro and especially enjoyed socializing”

The mothers accompanying the children brought Ukrainian and Montenegrin flags on the trip.

Help, in collaboration with the Ukrainian volunteer organization “Dobro djelo” and with the financial support of the network of German organizations for disaster relief, Aktion Deutschland Hilft, strives to facilitate the stay of Ukrainian refugees in Montenegro, especially children whose childhood was abruptly interrupted by the war over a year ago due to the Russian aggression in Ukraine.

#westandwithukraine #helpmontenegro #helpgermany #aktiondeutschlandhilft #dobrodjelo

Tender – Market System Analysis in the Eastern Partnership region

Tender Notice

Market System Analysis in the Eastern Partnership region, specifically in Moldova, Georgia, and Armenia, with the possibility of including Ukraine

Tender Reference No: P-SOE-12-23-23-01

Help, for its project “Inclusive jobs in ICT”, funded by Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation, invites all qualified and specialized contractors to participate in the tender for a Service Contract for Market System Analysis in the Eastern Partnership region, specifically in Moldova, Georgia, and Armenia, with the possibility of including Ukraine.

With World Refugee Day – Help in the action of providing hope far from home

June 20, 2023

Every year, on June 20, the world celebrates the strength and courage of people who were forced to leave their home, to avoid conflict or persecution, and, according to UNHCR, this year’s theme of World Refugee Day, is – “hope far from home”.

Many, as last week’s disaster on the shores of the Mediterranean brutality reminds us, when a vessel with 750 women, men and children sank near the Greek coast, never reach their dream and reach that hope for a better tomorrow – far from home.

However, Montenegro has once again (to many to count) times in the past more than three decades, opened its doors for those who are fleeing – this time for Ukrainian refugees from the war – and Help, as before, helps in its efforts to settled down and supporting these people.

In the past year and four months, Help, with the support of donors and in cooperation with the Ukrainian volunteer organization Good deeds (Dobro djelo), has been trying to give “hope far from home” to Ukrainian refugees who left their homes in the face of Russian aggression, which began on February 24 last year.

Having in mind the number of inhabitants, Montenegro is at the top of the European countries that have opened their doors to Ukrainian refugees in the past period, just as it was in 1999, at the time of the NATO intervention and the war in Kosovo, when it received more than 120,000 refugees and the displaced people.

It was exactly back then when Help started its humanitarian mission in Montenegro, helping those who, fleeing the horrors, left behind their homes, usually without anything.

We provided and continue to provide support to Ukrainian refugees- of whom about 10 thousand currently reside in Montenegro- in various ways: from aid packages to summer camps for children, language classes, sports activities, school equipment, clothes and other necessities.

In providing “hope far from home”, Help is assisted by the German Network of Humanitarian Organizations for Rapid Action – Aktion Deutschland Hilft (ADH), the Belgian King Baudouin Foundation and the Montenegrin Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare.

We are currently helping with Montenegrin language classes for easier adaptation, and we are also preparing a series of trips for Ukrainian children this summer:

We are here and will continue to stand by the Ukrainian refugees – Glory to Ukraine!

New program: Increasing socio-economic inclusion for vulnerable groups with tailored made assistance

24. 08. 2023

Over the next 12 months, Help will implement a new project to support children and families at risk of separation, funded by the EU through the Montenegro-EU Program for Employment, Education, and Social Welfare.

The enhancement of socio-economic inclusion for vulnerable groups will be carried out in accordance with an innovative method – individualized tailored made assistance.

Dijana Anđelić, the Director of Help Montenegro, stated during the signing of the contract that this is another program that continues Help’s longstanding work with the most vulnerable communities and groups in Montenegro, with the aim of improving their socio-economic status and providing protection for the most sensitive groups.

According to Anđelić, this project will place special emphasis on supporting children at risk of separation from their families, which we have identified as a specific need in our previous work with vulnerable citizen groups.

The support for families and children at risk will be carried out in the municipalities of Berane, Bijelo Polje, Nikšić, and Podgorica over the next 12 months, in collaboration with social welfare centers, the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, as well as other relevant institutions.

Help’s partner in the project is the NGO Family Center Kotor.

During this period, support is planned to be provided for around 50 families at risk in the mentioned four municipalities.

MNE 173

Montenegrin language classes for refugees and RE population

14.06.2023

For Ukrainian refugees in Podgorica and Budva, as well as children and adults in Konik, learning the Montenegrin language has been made possible thanks to the project “Language as Support for the Inclusion of Vulnerable Communities in Montenegrin Society,” funded through the Belgian King Baudouin Foundation under the motto “Working Together for a Better Society.”

As part of the ongoing support provided by Help to Ukrainian refugees in Montenegro since the beginning of the Russian aggression in Ukraine, language classes are among the priority needs of these individuals who sought refuge from the war here. Currently, around 60 of them attend Montenegrin language classes in Budva and Podgorica, which will facilitate their adaptation to new circumstances.

Professor Dr. Marijana Terić, who teaches several groups of Ukrainian refugees in Podgorica, says she is satisfied with the progress they are making and the interaction she has with these people.

“Learning is a two-way process,” according to Professor Terić. “I teach them the basics of our language, and they teach me how to maintain spirit and cheerfulness in the most difficult situations and life circumstances, such as those unexpectedly faced by these people who found refuge from the war in Montenegro.”

Learning the language eases daily communication for these Ukrainians and enables many of them to assist their children, who had to enroll in local schools, which is not a small challenge.

The second group supported by this project consists of children and adults from the Roma-Egyptian community in Konik who have difficulties with knowledge of the official language. Their teacher, Ivana Vujošević, has divided them into several groups and helps children of different ages, but certainly of school age, to catch up on missed education and better master the Montenegrin language twice a week for a period of six months. This will also make it easier and faster for them to grasp the rest of the school curriculum.

The adults, divided into two groups, are also catching up on missed education due to various reasons, most commonly due to poor financial status and the inability to receive education at the appropriate time. For many of them, this is also a stepping stone that will enable them to take the Montenegrin language exam to obtain citizenship.

IMG-6d073605d38dc1c91df62d80eaf26fcd-V-1

IMG-19e1c2e5d3e4173cb5e649ad8a40cdd0-V-1

Logate’s ChargeGate with mobile application

Montenegro capital – Podgorica, got its first two new innovative chargers for electric vehicles that work with the support of a mobile application.

For the development of this innovative technology, Montenegrin Institute for Information Technologies – Logate was supported by Help, through the RECONOMY program implemented by Switzerland Helvetas and Sweden Sida.

The new method is available through mobile applications and is presented as one of eight innovative solutions for the future from the Western Balkans.

RECONOMY is a regional inclusive and green economic development program of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), implemented by HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation in partnership with Help — Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe in Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus and the Western Balkans.

Help and Phiren Amenca won EU awards for Roma integration

3. 05. 2023

For the 5th time European Commission together with the Roma Active Albania has been organizer of the event #EU Award for Roma Integration in the #WesternBalkans and #Türkiye!

European Commission awarded outstanding projects and people dedicated to promoting Roma inclusion in the Digital and Green Economy as part of the #RomaWeek.

Among 14 winners from the region of Western Balkans and Turkiye for their effort in Roma inclusion on April 27 in Brussels was Roma youth organization Walk with us- Phiren Amenca and Help Montenegro.

The EU is working to improve the social integration of Roma into society and to provide tangible results on the ground. The European Union is also providing substantial funds for social integration measures through the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance.

The IPA beneficiaries have adopted Strategies and related action plans on Roma integration that are being renewed to adapt to the new EU 2020-2030 Roma Strategic Framework. Important work is done through public authorities, national and local CSOs and individuals/activists.

Honouring these efforts, since 2014, the DG NEAR Award on Roma Integration in the Western Balkans and Turkey has been raising the visibility both of challenges facing Roma in the Western Balkans and Turkey, and of the important work of some dedicated players in support of Roma integration. The Award offers recognition, publicity and support to positive models showing tangible results in the area of Roma Integration.

Help won second prize for Montenegro

Biljana Jovićević PR and media officer, represented Help Montenegro on the ceremony where Help won second prize. As she said in the video that has been produced by EU Delegation for the purpose of the award ceremony, having in mind Help’s constant and consistent support to Roma people (implemented 43 RE projects in 24 years) – we figured out that education and vocational trainings are the key for getting out from poverty.

„For that reason, Roma people, especially youth and women are included in all our program and projects which are now focused on sustainable development and green digital agenda – it doesn’t matter if the main targets are RE communities or not. Developing digital skills today is a must for everything, from finding appropriate job with decent living wage, to developing any kind of business strategies. Roma Youth with whom we are working are more than happy to be part of this projects because it usually leads to finding a good job for them. Through the projects for building capacity, monitoring and mentoring of Roma NGO organizations we provide support for all green agenda activities – recycling, waste management and other… Youth Roma organization that we are supporting are very aware of importance of this issue, and new opportunities that are opening for the communities”.

Often we manage to help people from Roma communities whose part time jobs for feeding their families is in recycling to advance their business in more productive and sustainable manner, said Jovićević.

“During our projects about RE mediators, all participants that are now working in state provided services on local level had acquired digital skills and conducted their job in digital, rather than hard copy manner: databases, research about community needs and other, basically everything had been digitalized.

Having appropriate education and acquiring skills that are required on the job market are base for rising above the poverty line are the key, for all vulnerable categories including Roma communities. It is also necessary to change a narratives that Roma people are only able to work low paid jobs – we want and I believe we menage to prove that in many cases.“

The winner of the first prize for Montenegro is Roma youth organization Phiren Amenca – with whom we had successfully implemented one of the previous projects.

Apart of video about Help and others works EC as the organizer produced an publication about winners and the mission.

You can find a link here: file:///C:/Users/User/Downloads/Roma-Awards-Publication-2023%20(1).pdf

The EU Roma award is recognition of Help’s hard work for decades- but also proof that we are in the right direction with developing strategies for supporting inclusion of RE communities, and that we should continue in the same direction.

Other winners are: for Albania – Roma Gate for Integration and Roma Versitas Albania, for Bosnia and Herzegovina – College of Tourism and Management Konjic and Association “Euro Rom” Tuzla, for Kosovo – Office for Good Governance, Human Rights, Equal Opportunities and Anti-Discrimination, Office of the Prime Minister and Organization for Socio – Economic Stability, for North Macedonia REDI Recycling and Romalitico, for Serbia – Forum Roma Serbia and REDI Serbia, and for Turkiye – Hemra Nida Kose, Roma Youth Education Culture and Solidarity Associatio0n.

343731820_1291379028404062_4864007639287454907_n-1920x1280

343731822_245748411449696_8107927076124216388_n

343762836_116921524716708_183410485030031515_n

343768224_247653141051623_5943347912774542889_n

343790948_1672215953248458_7221201882397142912_n

343911512_988985845803696_2939450711578540077_n

343938441_762064775580507_4855506879162840872_n

343741689_913579639864423_8945019028293249081_n

In addition to award, during the visit to Brussels, all winners – regional activist had participated in a few events organized by EC and Roma Active Albania in framework of Roma Week and title – New Solutions to Old Problem.

Especially interesting was an introductory panel about new grant schemes called – Socially Responsible Public Procurement, that EU and EBRD planning to implement in the future.

Support to UIKS, in reconstructions, self-sustainability and training for employees and prisoners

The pig farm in the prison in Spuž is one of several agricultural and food assets that help this institution to be partially self-sustaining. Help, thanks to the financial support of the German Government through the project “Socio-Economic Empowerment of the Western Balkans”, helped the reconstruction of the farm, within the framework of extensive and long-term cooperation with UKIS.

The project renovated the existing ruined barn of 400 m². The reconstruction of the pig farm was one of the most extensive jobs, with the total value of EUR 87,509.80, which began in August 2021 and was completed in early February 2022.

In addition to the reconstruction of the pig farm in UIKS, a machine was also purchased – a wrought iron knitting system worth 23,000 Euros; the roof of the mechanic’s workshop was reconstructed in the value of 5,975 Euros; and training was provided for 4 prisoners, who received a certificate for the profession of chef, 10 prisoners received is licensed training for the profession of welder, which opens up the opportunity for them to find a job more easily after leaving prison during the period of convalescence.

In addition to the prisoners, Help also organized a three-day training for 15 employees of the prison in Spuž within the framework of the project, with an expert in the field of psychology and communication, dr. Radoje Cerović, with whom the participants – the prison staff- were exceptionally satisfied, because they are facing different types of pressure and stress in their work every day.

When it comes to reconstructions, in addition to Spuž, another large-scale reconstruction was also carried out in the prison in Bijelo Polje, where the over 70-year-old roof was restored. The total value of the works on the reconstruction of the prison roof in Bijelo Polje was 36,180.00 Euros. In April 2021, a memorandum was signed between Help and UIKS, which specified that this institution, for its part, finances the total support to this institution with a 50 percent participation. All activities in the Western Balkans were implemented within the framework of a program worth 3.35 million euros, with the support of the German Government, entitled “Socio-economic empowerment of the Western Balkans”.

Vocational training with work and a path to employment

EDEX is one of the successful private companies from the poorer north of Montenegro that is constantly expanding. Help’s employment program with on-the-job training is welcome for the EDEX to find the necessary workforce. One of the users of this program is Amra Beganović.

Following the needs of the market in all areas, with program “Socio-Economic Empowerment of the Western Balkans” – project financed by the German Government through the “professional training of the unemployed” program implemented by Help, we are helping socially sensitive categories of the population, especially young people and women in the less developed north of Montenegro, to getting employment.

Help has been applying this model for years, which connects the unemployed and employers – and which includes a six-month on-the-job training with employers, during which Help also provides financial compensation to beneficiaries. Upon completion of the training, those employers who retain or employ trained workers for at least one more year also receive an incentive in valuable equipment.

The focus of this regional project of the German government was on activities in all countries of the Western Balkans, creating new jobs through the establishment of new businesses and providing support to existing ones affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Support is provided to socially vulnerable groups: women, youth, persons with special needs, prisoners and local communities, through economic empowerment that includes building personal and professional skills.

Strengthening Civil Society to Support Sustainable Socio-Economic Development in Montenegro

MNE – 167

TITLE – Strengthening Civil Society to Support Sustainable Socio-Economic Development in Montenegro

DONOR – European Union

IMPLEMENTATION – January 2023 – June 2025

BUDGET– 608,503.60 Euro

The project description:

The project focuses on strengthening civil society’s roles in supporting the social & economic development of Montenegro by supporting local interventions that address a range of issues from youth employment & digital skills & informal education & vocational training of youth to local youth participation & dialogue as well as supporting small business development & cultural & tourism initiatives. Its specific priority will be to support local CSOs to contribute to local development by building their organisational & project development capacities through training programmes, individualised mentoring support & tailored technical assistance & by increasing civil society’s ability to be key players in local development through subgrants for local socio-economic initiatives & programmes. The Action will build the effectiveness of civil society’s programmes through networking & engagement with relevant stakeholders.

This Action will focus on the northern region of Montenegro. For decades the Montenegrin economy has been marked by large regional disparities that have negatively affected the socio-economic development of the north of the country. Regional disparities have a deep impact on the socio-economic conditions of the local population as reflected in a range of indicators such as low growth rates & high rates of unemployment. An unbalanced economy leads to the population in northern region having lower standards of living, there are fewer employment opportunities especially for women & youth. This support to civil society will contribute the local development of the northern region building a stronger more inclusive economy which has more skilled employment for vulnerable groups & supports the growth of small rural businesses.

The Action will be in alignment & have synergy with the national strategies for sustainable development & tourism development which foresee a key role for civil society as well as strategies which focus on employment & skills & youth. The Action will be an exemplar of civil society in action advancing the socio-economic inclusion of vulnerable groups living in remote rural areas, particularly youth & women. It will also have synergy with other national & regional initiatives to improve socio-economic conditions in rural communities in Montenegro & Western Balkans which are being implemented by national & international NGOs with EU, UN, foreign government & other donor support.

The goal is to empower and support:

Civil society organizations, NGOs focused on local communities, vulnerable categories of citizens (young people and women), small associations of farmers and agricultural producers, local municipalities with a focus on the north, institutions for adult education, youth services, regional development agencies.

Grant schemes will be implemented in two cycles: Category 1: min 5000 max 10,000

Category 2: min 20,000 max 25,000

The following activities will be supported: promotion of female entrepreneurship, organization of events and promotion of eco and mountain tourism, business advice for the development of agriculture -tourism, training for women and young entrepreneurs, strengthening of the capacity of small farms through training on modern methods in agriculture and market placement, organizational training for market opening for traditional craft products (Made in Montenegro), support for village initiatives for recycling and organic compost schemes, mobile and internet career counseling services, career counseling in schools, career training in digital fields – freelance work, advisory service for professional training, services for psychological support for starting work, support for the development of creative skills, training and basic activities for women and young people, a program of on-the-job training.

The project is being implemented by Help in cooperation with Juventas, in the time frame from January 2023 to June 2025, i.e. 30 months.

It is financed by the EU within the European Aid – Support to Civil Society Organizations project and the European Instrument for Human Rights and Democracy (EIDHR) in the amount of 608,503.60 Euro