EED Country Consultant Montenegro - Civil Society — Columbus
Traveler-Friendly Insight
This role requires the consultant to be physically based in Podgorica, Montenegro — it is explicitly location-tied and cannot be performed remotely from another country. For digital nomads or location-independent workers, this is not a suitable opportunity in its current form.
That said, the part-time nature of the contract offers some schedule flexibility. Since it involves monitoring, outreach, and liaison work within Montenegro's civil society ecosystem, the work is relationship-driven and likely requires regular in-country presence for meetings, field visits, and logistical support during EED Secretariat missions.
Visa considerations: EU/EEA citizens can reside in Montenegro relatively easily, as Montenegro has a broadly open visa policy (90 days visa-free for many nationalities, with options to extend). However, to legally work as a paid consultant long-term, you would need to arrange a residence and work permit. Montenegro is an EU candidate country, which may make the process smoother for EU nationals.
Cost of living context: Podgorica is one of the more affordable European capitals. Compared to Lisbon or Warsaw, living costs are notably lower — a comfortable lifestyle can be maintained on €800–€1,200/month. This makes the part-time consulting fee potentially viable as a primary or supplemental income if you are already based in the region.
If you seek fully remote or nomadic work, look instead for EED or similar democracy-sector roles that do not specify a mandatory country residency requirement.
Background
The European Endowment for Democracy (EED) is a grant-making organisation established by the European Union Member States and EU institutions to foster and encourage democratisation and deep and sustainable democracy. EED operates as an independent private law foundation headquartered in Brussels.
While EED statutes do not foresee the setting up of regional offices in countries within its geographical mandate, EED maintains a network of consultants in key countries to provide its Secretariat with knowledge consultancy services, technical assistance, and logistical support — including outreach, monitoring, and evaluation. Montenegro is one of the countries within the EED geographic mandate.
Profile
EED is looking for a consultant to enhance the support mechanism for its operations for Montenegrin civil society and independent media for a period of 12 months, with the possibility of extension. The consultant should be based in Podgorica, Montenegro.
The consultant will be selected on the basis of their reputation and experience, their knowledge and understanding of political developments in the country, and their in-depth understanding of the pro-democracy sector in the country (including CSOs — both established and recent — emerging political/social movements, independent media outlets, etc.).
The consultant may belong to a civil society organisation or other form of group, but would not qualify to receive EED support during the period in which they are carrying out services to the EED Secretariat. This limitation applies both to requests submitted at the individual level and on behalf of the organisation or group the consultant belongs to.
Duties
- Background checks: Carry out background checks on persons or associations applying for EED support and make recommendations accordingly.
- Grant proposal assessments and processing: Contribute to the assessment of grant requests (submitted in Montenegrin/Serbian/Croatian/Bosnian and English), including content assessment, information verification, and reference checking. Coach applicants to help refine their proposals where needed.
- Knowledge consultancy: Maintain contact with the donor community and provide EED with updates on donor support to Montenegrin civil society and independent media. Provide analysis of ongoing European integration processes and their impact on democracy support and democratisation efforts.
- Monitoring and Technical Assistance: In coordination with the EED Secretariat, monitor EED-supported initiatives, providing regular feedback and assessment. Provide technical assistance to beneficiaries if needed and appropriate.
- Logistical support: Provide logistical support for EED Secretariat missions to Montenegro and direct engagement with grantees, including setting up meetings.
- Outreach: Identify and approach actors whose work could be relevant to the EED mandate, in close coordination with the EED Programme Team.
- Narrative reports: Assist in the assessment of narrative reports submitted to EED by grant beneficiaries.
Communication and Reporting
The consultant will work under the direct guidance of the EED Programme Manager and under the general supervision of the EED Director of Programmes.
Terms of Contract
An initial consultancy contract shall be concluded for a period of twelve months, with a possibility of extension. The contract is part-time, and the consultancy fee rate shall be based on a competitive salary depending on the level of experience.
Required Expertise
- Relevant professional experience, for example working with civil society;
- Thorough knowledge of Montenegrin/Serbian/Croatian/Bosnian and English;
- Ability to maintain full confidentiality about all assigned tasks and related documentation, and to exercise discretion and tact when dealing with diverse groups of people;
- Ability to develop strong working relationships internally and externally at all levels;
- High personal and professional standards;
- Ability to work in a multicultural environment;
- References as to suitability for the performance of duties.
How to Apply
Should you be interested in this position and meet the criteria, please submit your CV, a motivation letter, and contact information for two referees. Applications should be made by clicking on "Apply now" on this page. After successfully submitting your application, you will receive an automatic email confirming receipt. Please no phone calls/emails/letters.
The application deadline is 3 December 2026 at midnight Brussels time.
Unfortunately, we cannot respond to every application; only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview. The information provided in applications is subject to EU legislation on protection of personal data and confidentiality of information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this role fully remote or does it require on-site presence in Montenegro?
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