Team Leader (F/M/D) 100% – based in Pristina, Kosovo

Helvetas is an organization specialized in development cooperation and humanitarian response, anchored in Switzerland, and operating in over 35 countries across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. Our vision is a just world in which all people determine the course of their lives in dignity and security, using environmental resources in a sustainable manner

We are looking for a result-oriented and innovative driven Team Leader.

Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation is preparing a bid for the Women’s Inclusion for Growth and Sustainability (WINGS) project in Kosovo, funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The project aims to increase women’s participation in Kosovo’s labour market by addressing structural and social barriers, improving labour market conditions, and strengthening the responsiveness of the private sector. It applies a systemic and facilitative approach that enables policy dialogue, enhances the capacities of key actors, and supports gender-inclusive business practices and support services. The project builds on principles of Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE), labour market development, and private sector engagement within an Inclusive Systems Development framework. The Inception Phase is foreseen from May 2026 to January 2027, followed by Phase I from February 2027 to January 2031, with a potential second phase thereafter.

YOUR MAIN TASKS

  • As Team Leader, you will provide overall strategic and operational leadership for the Women’s Inclusion for Growth and Sustainability (WINGS) project in Kosovo. You will ensure high-quality implementation of both the Inception Phase and Phase I through effective planning, guidance of the project team, and compliance with SDC and Helvetas standards. Your core responsibilities will include:
  • Leading the overall strategic direction of the project and ensuring alignment with the approved Theory of Change, national gender equality frameworks, and Swiss cooperation priorities.
  • Steering all inception-phase activities, including stakeholder mapping, consultations, analytical studies, baseline work, risk assessments, and preparation of the full Project Document in line with SDC requirements.
  • Ensuring effective engagement with the private sector to promote gender-inclusive hiring practices, workforce development, and business-led solutions that support women’s participation in the labour market.
  • Overseeing the development and use of a robust monitoring and results measurement (MRM/MEL) system, including baseline indicators, systemic change tracking and mechanisms for adaptive management.
  • Leading operational and financial management, ensuring efficient use of resources, transparent reporting, and full compliance with SDC guidelines.
  • Managing and coaching the project team, strengthening staff capacities in facilitation, gender equality, systemic analysis and stakeholder engagement.

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

  • Higher-level education in a relevant field (e.g. social sciences, economics, gender studies, public policy, development studies); additional professional training in project management is an asset.
  • At least 10 years of professional experience relevant to the project, with a strong track record in women’s economic empowerment, private sector development, labour market interventions, and/or addressing structural and social barriers to women’s participation.
  • Demonstrated experience in leading and coordinating mandates of comparable size and complexity, including strategic planning, operational management, financial oversight, human resources management, and team coaching.
  • Proven experience in policy dialogue, facilitation of multi-stakeholder processes, and effective engagement with the private sector and public institutions.
  • Strong capacity for result-oriented management, problem-solving, forward-looking planning, and adaptive management in dynamic contexts.
  • Deep understanding of gender equality, social inclusion, and governance, with practical experience mainstreaming these dimensions into programme design and implementation.
  • Knowledge of Kosovo’s political economy and labour market context; experience in Kosovo or the Western Balkans is a strong asset.
  • Excellent interpersonal, intercultural and communication skills, with ability to steer teams, mentor staff, and maintain constructive relationships at all levels.
  • Excellent command of English; knowledge of Albanian and/or Serbian is a strong asset.
  • High professional integrity and reputation, with no political or other affiliations that could negatively affect the project.
  • Availability for at least 60% presence in-country; a higher presence rate is considered an asset.

OUR OFFER

At Helvetas, you will be part of a purpose-driven organization where your work creates meaningful global impact. We foster a caring and collaborative culture built on trust, flexibility, and accountability. You will grow in a professional environment that values integrity, empathy, and continuous learning. → We care. We commit.

Attractive working conditions in a dynamic and mission-driven international organization.

Multi-year contract aligned with the project duration.

Competitive salary and benefits package according to Helvetas’ international or regional HR policies.

READY TO APPLY?

Please submit your complete application (motivation letter, CV, and certifications) via our online portal by November 26, 2025. For any questions related to this position please contact Anastasia Bekish, (anastasia.bekish@helvetas.org) Regional Economy Portfolio Manager or visit our website www.helvetas.org.

Note: Kindly be aware that the recruitment for this position is part of the tender process and is conditional upon Helvetas being awarded the mandate. The preferred start date is 1 May 2026. The position is open to international and local applicants, with contractual conditions applied according to the respective international or local scheme.

To learn more about Helvetas and our mission & vision, visit our website http://www.helvetas.org
Connect with us on LinkedIn: Helvetas LinkedIn Page and Follow us on Instagram @Helvetas_ch

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