Open regional call for engagement of a geopolitical analyst, no later than January 26, 2024.
Within the framework of the project “Western Balkans Anti-Disinformation Hub Exposing Malign Influences through Watchdog Journalism”, Metamorphosis Foundation is opening a Regional Call for engagement of a geopolitical analyst as part of its ongoing activities on debunking and mapping the flow of disinformation, misinformation and propaganda trough the region of Western Balkans (WB).
The geopolitical analyst – an individual expert or team of experts – will assist the ongoing efforts that include conducting media monitoring, analysis and debunking of disinformation to analyze trends, synthetize findings from a geopolitical perspective and provide early-warning recommendations for action on national and regional level about the harmful influence of disinformation campaigns in the individual Western Balkans countries (North Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro) and the region as a whole.
1.Objective
The overall objective of this engagement is to investigate, summarize, synthetize, map, and compare the disinformation flow and patterns in the Western Balkans region for the period January 2023 – December 2023.
The abovementioned findings should be presented in a research report. The research report should be drafted in English.
2. Tasks and Responsibilities
- Conducing an analysis resulting in writing a research report based on the provided information and data from monitoring reports, information from the database with results of daily media monitoring in the countries of the WB, and all other relevant sources of knowledge, including own research and publicly available research results and assessments produced by relevant third parties.
- Proposing a structure and content for the research report, including aspects of presentation of data and presentation in textual and graphics formats, in order to best reflect the needs for understanding the current phenomenon of disinformation and related malign influences aiming to undermine democracy in the WB region and individual countries, leading to early warning recommendations and their most effective presentation indifferent formats.
- Presentation of the research report.
2.1 Provided materials and project support
The expert(s) will be provided with materials gathered throughout the year by the partners implementing the project. Moreover, the selected applicant will be given access to a Knowledge Hub Database containing data input by national media monitors, documenting the coverage of key issues related to the spread of disinformation.
The expert will coordinate with the Metamorphosis Foundation and its partners throughout the process and will jointly define the steps of the research. Metamorphosis Foundation will support the expert with all available resources and contacts during the engagement timeframe.
3. Qualifications Experience and competencies:
- Background and/or in-depth knowledge in geo-politics, with focus on the Western Balkans;
- Knowledge of disinformation patterns and flows on the Western Balkans;
- Previous work in the field of geopolitical and/or media research (preferably with focus on disinformation);
- Fluent knowledge of written English language;
- Knowledge of Macedonian, Albanian and/or Serbian/Bosnian/Montenegrin/Croatian will be considered an asset.
4. Applications and Evaluation Process
The experts may apply individually, or in a team of maximum 4 members. If the second case, the team should assign a team leader that will submit (a) the professional resumes of all team members, (b) the scope of work for each team member, (c) a timeline of planned activities and (d) financial offer and the manner in which the remuneration should be transferred to the respective team members.
Interested experts need to submit the following documents to info@metamorphosis.org.mk no later than January 26, 2024:
- CV of the expert to demonstrate subject matter expertise;
- A short concept of the research-analytical engagement and the report (structure, content, and work plan &deadlines for the research report);
- General research plan and Methodology*;
- Financial Offer with costs in a separate document named as Attachment 1: Financial Offer (in a table format according to the following model – Attachment 1 – Financial Offer).
*Methodology:
A. Research methods
- Desk Research: This involves reviewing existing literature, reports, academic papers, and publications related to the Western Balkans. Desk research helps build a foundation of knowledge and provides historical context.
- Expert Interviews: Conduct interviews with subject-matter experts, policymakers, academics, and regional stakeholders. These interviews can offer valuable insights into the geopolitical dynamics, recent developments, and future trends in the region.
- Surveys and Questionnaires: If necessary, surveys and questionnaires can be administered to gather quantitative data or opinions from a broader range of stakeholders. This can help quantify public opinion or specific trends.
- Case Studies: Analyze specific events, conflicts, or political developments in the region by conducting in-depth case studies. This qualitative approach allows for a deep understanding of individual issues within the geopolitical context.
- Comparative Analysis: Compare the Western Balkans to other regions or countries facing similar geopolitical challenges. Comparative analysis can highlight unique features and patterns.
- Mapping and Visualization: Create maps and visual representations of geopolitical data. This can include mapping border disputes, ethnic demographics, infrastructure, and historical events to provide a visual context for the analysis.
- And all other research techniques that geopolitical analyst will find them useful to conduct the analysis.
B.Data Sources suggested by Metamorphosis but not limited to:
- Media Monitoring Reports prepared and published by Metamorphosis Foundation;
- Knowledge Hub Database maintained by Metamorphosis Foundation;
- antidisinfohub.net The Anti-Disinformation Network for the Balkans (ADN-Balkans);
- Official Government Reports: Government publications and reports from countries within the Western Balkans and international organizations can provide valuable data on political, economic, and security developments.
- International Organizations: Data from organizations such as the United Nations, the European Union, NATO, and the World Bank can offer insights into regional trends, development indicators, and conflict resolution efforts.
- Think Tanks and Research Institutions: Reports and analyses from think tanks and research institutions focused on the Balkans or international relations can provide expert insights and data.
- Media Sources: News articles, broadcasts, and online media can offer real-time information on current events, political discourse, and public sentiment.
- Academic Research: Academic studies and papers may contain valuable historical and analytical data relevant to the geopolitical analysis.
- Geospatial Data: Geographic information systems (GIS) data can provide spatial information about the region, including maps, topography, and infrastructure.
- Official Statistics: Data from national statistical offices within the Western Balkans can provide information on demographics, economic indicators, and social factors.
- Trade and Economic Data: Trade statistics, economic reports, and financial data from sources such as the World Trade Organization and financial institutions can help analyze economic relationships in the region.
- Surveys and Polls: Data from public opinion surveys, conducted by organizations or research firms, can provide insights into the views and attitudes of the population.
- Historical Records: Historical archives, documents, and records can be valuable for understanding the historical context of geopolitical issues.
- Diplomatic and Policy Documents: Diplomatic cables, policy papers, and official documents released by governments or international organizations can provide insight into diplomatic negotiations and strategies.
- Social Media and Online Forums: Analyzing social media discussions and online forums can help gauge public sentiment and grassroots movements.
- And all other data sources that geopolitical analyst will find them useful to conduct the analysis.
4.1 Selection criteria
The assessment of the applications will be done in the following manner, adding up to 100 points in total:
– Subject matter expertise, demonstrated through CV or CVs of applicants (20 points);
– Short concept of the research-report engagement and the report (27 points);
– General research plan and Methodology (26 points);
– Financial offer (27 points).
5. Timing
The research will commence during January 2024 and the report should be finalized by the end of April 2024. The precise timeline will be determined through agreement of the expert(s) and Metamorphosis team.
6.Deliverables
- Prepared research report;
- First draft-report for the engagement (Metamorphosis Foundation reserves the right to make changes to the content of the report as a co-author of the publication);
- Final Report for the engagement (Metamorphosis Foundation reserves the right to make changes to the content of the report as a co-author of the publication);
- Presentation of the research report in front of the regional partners and/or donors.
7. Reporting and Communication
During the engagement, the expert(s) will be expected to be in regular communication with assigned representatives of Metamorphosis Foundation team in every phase related to the process and its partners.
8. Appendices
Sample report – Geopolitical Perspective Of Disinformation Flows In The Western Balkans, Skopje 2023
For any additional info, please contact us at info@metamorphosis.org.mk.
The project “Western Balkans Anti-Disinformation Hub Exposing Malign Influences through Watchdog Journalism” is implemented by Metamorphosis Foundation (North Macedonia) in partnership with Faktoje (Albania), International and Security Affairs Centre – ISAC (Serbia), Center for Democratic Transition – CDT (Montenegro), Sbunker (Kosovo) and UGD Zašto ne / Why Not (Bosnia and Herzegovina).
The project is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
