Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF), in coordination with the Institute of International Education (IIE), has established the Albanian Diaspora Fellowship Program called Research Expertise from the Academic Diaspora (READ) Program. READ is a 7-year project that will connect Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Albania with the Albanian scientific diaspora and their respective academic institutions. The program is built on AADF’s strategic priorities in education, especially in the higher education system. As diaspora engagement initiatives have been sporadic, AADF will play a leading role in establishing a well-structured path for channeling contributions of the scientific diaspora in ways beneficial to the Albanian HEIs. The READ Fellowship Program will benefit from the existing networks of AADF and other initiatives in higher education such as CleanScore, Center for School Leadership, and Junior Achievement of Albania. 

This program offers a unique opportunity to address the untapped potential of the Albanian intellectual diaspora in ways that would enhance capacities and bring about structural changes in the Albanian higher education system. The READ Fellowship Program will address this gap by setting up a catalytic model for Fellows and Albanian HEI alike to benefit from creative collaborations. On the one hand, READ will allow diaspora scholars to make a meaningful contribution to Albania. On the other hand, the program will strengthen the capacities of Albanian HEIs by making full use of the valuable skills and experiences of the diaspora. 

READ provides support for Albanian Resident Scholars to request the visit of an Albanian Diaspora Scholar to pursue capacity-building collaborative research projects at eligible Albanian HEIs. READ supports this collaboration through four main activities: 

- Collaborative Research,

- Joint supervision of PhDs,

- Curricula and course development, and/or

- Co-teaching.

Shabaka is a values-driven, diaspora led consulting and research organisation focused on diaspora’s humanitarian preparedness, response, and recovery engagement.

We were established in 2014 to help fight the injustices that leave entire communities disadvantaged and shut out from socio-economic and political progress. We see this clearly in the throes of the coronavirus pandemic; ‘business as usual’ is now more than ever not good enough. We should not lose any more time to bring about equitable change. Furthermore, diasporas – people living outside their countries of heritage – are overlooked by important actors in strengthening existing humanitarian architecture. 

We seek to work and collaborate with individuals and organisations on a range of areas, including event organising, research and communication projects. For further details please email us at info@shabaka.org.

We Are Hiring!

We are currently looking for three paid apprentices as part of our partnership with Multiverse. Two of these apprenticeships are for software engineers and one for a digital marketeer.

For the former, you will work and study to develop your skills as part of the Multiverse apprenticeship programme, leading to an industry-recognised Level 4 qualification in Software Development at the end of the apprenticeship. 

For the latter, you will work and study to develop your skills as part of the Multiverse apprenticeship programme, leading to industry-recognised qualifications at the end of the apprenticeship, including a Level 3 qualification in Digital Marketing Level 3, an introduction into coding and marketing principles, and Google Analytics IQ. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia has launched a new initiative for the Estonian diaspora community; to help in contributing to the preservation of the homeland’s identity, while strengthening ties to the country.

The project, which is in cooperation with the Integration Foundation will also increase awareness of diaspora activities in Estonia.

In line with this, a call for project proposals has been opened for Estonians around the world.

Funding will be provided for these projects; from a total budget of €55,000, with a maximum of €5,000 being allocated to each project.

Only one submission is permitted per applicant, with priority of the project support program given to activities aimed at youth and young people.

In a statement about the initiative, Head of Compatriots Service at the integration Foundation, Kaire Cocker said: “We’ll be supporting activities that boost the sense of belonging between foreign Estonian communities and their homeland. They could be anything from cultural, business and research projects to a wide range of events as well as increasing the awareness of diaspora activities in Estonia.”

Similarly, 22 projects received funding from the call for proposals for own-initiative projects last year.

Historically, there have been three waves of emigration from Estonia recorded, which also accounts for its large diaspora community numbers namely; events of the mid-19^th century, events of the second world war, as well as the restoration of Estonia’s independence and accession to the European Union.

Estimates from government records show that there are up to 200 000 people of Estonian origin worldwide, with 80 per cent of them desiring to stay informed about life in Estonia, contribute to the development of the country’s society while promoting its good image worldwide. As of 2021, the largest Estonian communities were based in Finland, Russia, United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden and North America.

The deadline for submission of this year’s application is on 5^th September 2022 at 11:59 PM Estonian time.

Apply HERE.

ADEPT is looking for a consultant to support the renewal of its training offer aiming at strengthening the capacities of African Diaspora organizations and individuals based in Europe.

Fluency in English and French required.

With the support of ADEPT technical team to identify and connect to resource persons/organisations and documents, the expert is expected to perform the following tasks :

• Prospective review (mapping) of existing capacity building schemes including training offers, elaborated by and/or for the African diaspora in Europe or in Africa. These schemes can be offered by organisations in Europe or outside Europe. Short interviews could be conducted with a limited number of resource persons.
• Elaborate a survey and conduct interviews with diaspora organisations, and especially members of ADEPT, to collect information on :
  • their capacity building needs, and especially training needs o their training offer, if applicable
  • their idea of what ADEPT should offer in terms of capacity building and especially trainings
•  Make suggestions for a new training strategy for ADEPT taking into account the existing activities and the findings of this new study,
• Present a concise and relevant concept note, including a financial component or suggestions to move towards economic sustainability, with the aim to attract potential partners

Status: The expert(s) must be able to work under a freelance status / independent consultant.

Invoicing: The expert(s) must provide a VAT number if applicable and submit a commercial invoice. According to the internal procedures of ADEPT (reverse charge of VAT), only the amount free of taxes will be paid to the provider, ADEPT being responsible for declaring and paying the VAT to the tax authorities.

Availability: February – April 2022 (exact dates to be defined)
 

Global envelope available: The maximum envelope available is 5 600€ TTC with a daily rate fixed at 400€ TTC. The financial proposal will have to take into account this envelope and include all the expenses charged to the completion of the mission.

General Information

Name of host institution: National Water Affairs Regulation Authority (NWARA)

Address of host institution: Dar-ul-Aman Road, Sanatorium, Kabul City, Afghanistan

Background Information about Host Institution

The National Water Affairs Regulation Authority (NAWAR) formerly known as the Ministry of Energy and Water (MEW) was established in early 2020 based on a presidential decree whose mandate is to manage and control water resources, establish and improve water resources infrastructures, provide maintenance and service to existing water resources structures in the country.
In accordance with the Water Law, NWARA is responsible for the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), feasibility studies, technical surveys, design, supervision and construction of all hydraulic structures including dams, main canals, intakes, drains, canal linings and rivers embankments across the country. At the same time, using the principles of IWRM, the establishment of water resources management institutions and geographical divisions of the country into five (5) main River Basins (RBs) and 35 sub RBs, maintenance of new structures and facilities including traditional systems, are the main tasks of this authority.

Vision:

Water resources are developed and managed through the IWRM approach in the country in such a way that sustainable economic and social development is achieved through continuous use of water resources, improved living standards, reduced poverty and safe water for present and future generations of the country is guaranteed.

Mission:

• Leading the water sector of the country.
• Establishment of general policies and determination of strategic axes.
• Develop and establish laws and regulations about water resources management.
• Design and implement national programs for the development and management of water resources.

Position Information

Title of Position: Integrated Water Resources Management Expert

Organizational unit/ Department: General Directorate of Water Management

Duration of assignment: 3 months

From: April 2021 until July 2021

Objectives of Assignment

The main objectives of the assignment are:

• Assessment of Legal framework of International RBOs
• Organizational set – up and bodies of International RBOs and its applicability for Afghanistan
• Mandate of RBOs
• Financing Mechanism of RBOs
• Data and information Management mechanism of RBOs
• Mechanism for joint operation of economic projects on shared waters of RBOs.

Output/Deliverables

• Create an educational manual of bilateral, trilateral and International River Basin Organizations (RBOs)
• Develop mechanism for data management and sharing
• Develop mechanism for organizational set – up of RBOs
• Develop mechanism for financing of the RBOs
• Develop benefits /costs sharing mechanism for RBOs.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Responsible for the review of international RBOs policy documents
• Create methodology for the assessment of legal frameworks of international RBOs
• Analysis the benefit / cost sharing mechanism of international RBOs
• Propose capacity building programs/initiatives for the staff of the directorate.
• Any other task assigned by the Water Allocation Director.

Competencies

a. Behavioural

• Problem solving.
• Able to Communicate effectively.
• Responding sensitivity.
• Competency of Self-improvement.
• Decision-Maker.
• Creative thinking.

b. Technical

• Training and Development.
• Data Management and analysis.
• Analytical thinking.
• Programming Language skills.

Education and Experience

• A Master’s degree in Integrated Water Resources Management, Water Resources Engineering and Environmental economics. A PhD degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in RBOs development and in water resources management
• Knowledge of GIS is required.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English is required.

General Information

Name of host institution: National Water Affairs Regulation Authority (NWARA)

Address of host institution: Dar-ul-Aman Road, Sanatorium, Kabul City, Afghanistan

Background Information about Host Institution

The National Water Affairs Regulation Authority (NAWAR) formerly known as the Ministry of Energy and Water (MEW) was established in early 2020 based on presidential decree whose mandate is to manage and control water resources, establish and improve water resources infrastructures, provide maintenance and service to existing water resources structures in the country.
In accordance with the Water Law, NWARA is responsible for the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), feasibility studies, technical surveys, design, supervision and construction of all hydraulic structures including dams, main canals, intakes, drains, canal linings and rivers embankments across the country. At the same time, using the principles of IWRM, the establishment of water resources management institutions and geographical divisions of the country into five (5) main River Basins (RBs) and 35 sub RBs, maintenance of new structures and facilities including traditional systems, are the main tasks of this authority.

Vision:

Water resources are developed and managed through the IWRM approach in the country in such a way that sustainable economic and social development is achieved through continuous use of water resources, improved living standards, reduced poverty and safe water for present and future generations of the country is guaranteed.

Mission:

• Leading the water sector of the country.
• Establishment of general policies and determination of strategic axes.
• Develop and establish laws and regulations about water resources management.
• Design and implement national programs for the development and management of water resources.

Position Information

Title of Position: Water Allocation Specialist

Organizational unit/ Department: Water Allocation Directorate

Duration of assignment: 3 months

Objectives of Assignment

The main objectives of the assignment are:

• Help the Water Allocation Directorate to enhance its capacity for transforming its service delivery from a traditional irrigation to a water resources distribution that holistically mange water resources.
• Establish a detailed roadmap for the essential activities of Water Allocation Directorate.
• Establish a guideline mechanism for the analysis of economic return of irrigation water resources.
• A situational analysis of demand and supply for irrigation water.
• Carry out situational analysis for domestic water pricing and allocation services.
• Establish plans, procedures, and mechanisms for water tariffs in different water usage sectors.
• Establishment of data bank for supply and demand of irrigation water.

Output/Deliverables

• Water allocation modelling of a sub-river basin for irrigation, preferably using WEAP model.
• Develop reservoir operation model for better water allocation practices considering IWRM principles.
• Conduct a pilot study for water allocation of a sub-river basin, prepare guidelines and reports.
• Perform optimization modelling for irrigation water allocation in a selected sub-river basin.
• Analyse water allocation scenarios for different water years (wet, dry, and normal water year).
• Develop measures to improve water use efficiency in irrigation sector and in agricultural production.
• Propose water allocation models that best fit for Afghanistan.
• Develop guideline and carry out analysis for minimum environmental water requirement.
• Provide capacity building for newly hired staff in water allocation methods, models, guidelines, and procedures.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Responsible for the overall planning, designing, preparation and analysis of water allocation activities.
• Assist Water Allocation Director with data analysis for water allocation for various sectors including domestic, irrigation, industrial, hydropower, mining, and environment.
• Devise water allocation/re allocation, water distribution and water use policy and guidelines for river basins.
• Employ new water allocation methodologies and concepts for river basins.
• Monitoring and mapping water resources of the river basins.
• Propose capacity building programs/initiatives for the staff of the directorate.
• Any other task assigned by the Water Allocation Director.

Competencies

a. Behavioral

• Problem solving.
• Able to Communicate effectively.
• Responding sensitivity.
• Competency of Self-improvement.
• Decision-Maker.
• Creative thinking.

b. Technical

• Training and Development.
• Data Management and analysis.
• Analytical thinking.
• Programming Language skills.

Education and Experience

• A Master’s degree in Water Resources Engineering, Irrigation Engineering, Water Supply Engineering, Water Resources Management or related fields. A PhD degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in water resources allocation practices/projects or irrigation water allocation projects is required.
• Full knowledge of GIS and WEAP modelling is required.

Language Requirements

Fluency in English is required.

General Information

Name of host institution: National Water Affairs Regulation Authority (NWARA)

Address of host institution: Dar-ul-Aman Road, Sanatorium, Kabul City, Afghanistan

Background Information about Host Institution

The National Water Affairs Regulation Authority (NAWAR) formerly known as the Ministry of Energy and Water (MEW) was established in early 2020 based on presidential decree whose mandate is to manage and control water resources, establish and improve water resources infrastructures, provide maintenance and service to existing water resources structures in the country.
In accordance with the Water Law, NWARA is responsible for the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), feasibility studies, technical surveys, design, supervision and construction of all hydraulic structures including dams, main canals, intakes, drains, canal linings and rivers embankments across the country. At the same time, using the principles of IWRM, the establishment of water resources management institutions and geographical divisions of the country into five (5) main River Basins (RBs) and 35 sub RBs, maintenance of new structures and facilities including traditional systems, are the main tasks of this authority.

Vision:

Water resources are developed and managed through the IWRM approach in the country in such a way that sustainable economic and social development is achieved through continuous use of water resources, improved living standards, reduced poverty and safe water for present and future generations of the country is guaranteed.

Mission:

• Leading the water sector of the country.
• Establishment of general policies and determination of strategic axes.
• Develop and establish laws and regulations about water resources management.
• Design and implement national programs for the development and management of water resources.

Position Information

Title of Position: Water Tariff Specialist

Organizational unit/ Department: Water Allocation Directorate

Duration of assignment: 3 months

Objectives of Assignment

The main objectives of the assignment are:

• Economic return analysis of water in different sectors.
• Establish a detailed roadmap for the essential activities of Water Allocation Directorate.
• Establish a guideline mechanism for the analysis of economic return of irrigation water resources.
• A situational analysis of demand and supply for irrigation water.
• Carry out situational analysis for domestic water pricing and allocation services.
• Establish plans, procedures, and mechanisms for water tariffs in different water usage sectors.
• Establishment of data bank for supply and demand of irrigation water.

Output/Deliverables

• Prepare guidelines and mechanisms for water tariffs for domestic, industrial and irrigation water use.
• Establish a roadmap for the implementation of a water tariff policy.
• Develop and establish a data bank for demand, supply, and allocation of water for irrigation for a river basin in terms of priorities and economic logic.
• Carry out economic return analysis of irrigation water in a sub-river basin.
• Develop and prepare guidelines for the economic return analysis of irrigation water.
• Provide necessary water tariff related capacity building programs for the Water Allocation directorate staff.
• Develop and establish guidelines for the economic return analysis processes for irrigation water.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Responsible for the overall planning, designing, preparation and analysis of tariffs for water in different consumable sectors.
• Assist Water Allocation Director with data analysis for water allocation for various sectors including domestic, irrigation, industrial, hydropower, mining, and environment.
• Provide capacity building programs for the Water Allocation Directorate staff for water pricing, water markets, and on economic return analysis of irrigation water.
• Any other task assigned by the Water Allocation Director.

Competencies

a. Behavioral

• Problem solving.
• Able to Communicate effectively.
• Responding sensitivity.
• Competency of Self-improvement.
• Decision-Maker.
• Creative thinking.

b. Technical

• Training and Development.
• Data Management and analysis.
• Analytical thinking.
• Programming Language skills.

Education and Experience

• A Master’s degree in Water Resources Engineering, Economy, Water Supply Engineering, Irrigation Engineering or related fields. A PhD degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in water resources allocation practices/projects, economic analysis of water resources and irrigation projects and water supply projects.
• Full knowledge of GIS and WEAP modelling is required.

Language Requirements

Fluency in English is required.