Call for Application – Regional Social Academy “Agile Organisational and Project Management”

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Call for Application – Regional Social Academy “Agile Organisational and Project Management”

After two successful Regional Social Academy of IRIS Network, held in Belgrade and Tirana we are announcing the Call for participants of the Regional Social Academy, which will be held online from 26th to 28th October 2020.

The Academy offers participants further support in organizational development – changing the paradigm: moving from a traditional organization working as a “machine” to the new organisation working as “organism”. This year Academy will focus on new knowledge and skills of CSOs management and senior staff in agile organizational and project management – impact strategy design and management, agile project management, budgeting, agile leadership, and team management, leading the agile organisation, impact measurement, and management methodologies and practices.

Participants will attend 3-day tailor-made training consisted of online lectures and workshops. The Academy program will enable further improvements and optimization to the needs, interests, and constraints of the target groups and their institutional and organizational environments.

All information and application procedure you can find here.

The deadline for the application is 14th October 2020 at 17 p.m.

The final participant list will be announced on the IRIS Network website (www.iris-see.eu) no later than on 16th October.

Successful participants will obtain certificates, and enter Academy Alumni. Upon the training, each of the participants will have the opportunity to participate in a Follow-up check-point session which will be held on the 9th of November 2020, online.

Regional Social Academy is part of the regular IRIS program activities, organized annually.

Photos and impressions from First Regional Social Academy you can see here.

Photos and impressions from Second Regional Social Academy you can see here.

For additional questions contact iris@iris-see.eu.

IRIS Network survey for CSO’s: Social services – Covid19 pandemic

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IRIS Network considers important to assess the situation, challenges and difficulties its members as well as others CSO’s that are facing in the provision of social services and their everyday work as a result of the current COVID 19 pandemic.

We have responsibility towards its members as well as to other parties to have a detailed overview of their current situation and to provide this information to the EC, as the donor. This will be conducted through a questionnaire CSO’s can fill in on link below.

Therefore, the objective of the questionnaire is to assess the current situation and consequences caused by COVID 19 pandemic on the provision of social services to beneficiaries provided by IRIS Network members in their local communities. The results of the questionnaire will be used for developing a Report on Social Services in South East Europe under the COVID 19 pandemic and will include the following countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia and North Macedonia. The Report will be used to assess the actual challenges that civil society organizations providers of social services face in working with beneficiaries and to map the assistance models.

The Report will also be used as an instrument in advocating for policies and measures of national/regional/ EU Institutions which focus on service providers during and after the crises.

Please provide detailed information in the questionnaire and include all information you consider relevant. Also, please include your projections and the assessment of the consequence caused by the crises that will affect your services and the whole social protection system.

For all interested CSO’s providing social services – you can fill in the questioner on the link below .

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScYtxkZHFt2ZdZ89_F-IVVyIDYzH3bxToH4T5ybdcNrnLgQoA/viewform?usp=sf_link

Please feel free to contact us through National Coordinators and / or Network Secretariat.

Stay well and healthy.

Balkan caravan – Journey through the Western Balkan region

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The IRIS network organized the Balkan Caravan from 8- 13 July, 2024 in six countries of the region – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo*, North Macedonia and Serbia.

The purpose of the Balkan Caravan is the promotion and exchange of good practices in the field of human rights and social inclusion in the Western Balkans. In each of the countries, a Mini Festival of Human Rights is organized by the host organizations and partners of the IRIS network.

The Balkan Caravan traveled through six countries of the region, hosted by our members:

  • Bosnia and Herzegovina – Center for psihological support SENSUS and LIR CD
  • Montenegro – SOS Nikšić and Alfa Centar
  • Albania – Useful to the community and CLR
  • North Macedonia – Center for youth activism KRIK and CDI
  • Kosova* – Down Syndrome Kosova and Center for independent life
  • Serbia – Association of Psychologists Novi Pazar and ASB

The Balkan Caravan consisted of the following organizations: Association Altruist Mostar, Volunteers of Montenegro, Association Halfway there, Defending the rights of people with disabilities – Medpak, Real act of kindness and Jesuit Refugee Service Serbia.

 

  1. Day of Balkan Caravan in Mostar: A Day of Creativity and Education

The first day of the Balkan Caravan was spent in the city of Mostar, hosted by “Psychotherapy Sensus”. Event was warmly opened by our grantee, “Ray of Hope” who conducted a brooch-making workshop, bringing creativity to the participants. Following this, hosts guided participants through their photo exhibition and conducted a workshop on Human Rights and Mental Health.

 

In addition to these activities, there were held presentations from our guests from the association “Halfway There” and “Volunteers of Montenegro”, who showcased their projects and contributions. The first day of the Balkan Caravan was filled with creativity, education, and collaboration.

 

 

 

  1. Day of Balkan Caravan in Nikšić: Empowering Women and Raising Awareness

On the second day, Balkan Caravan arrived in Nikšić where it were welcomed by partners from Alfa Center Nikšić and grantees from Montenegro, SOS Nikšić and SOS Podgorica.

SOS Podgorica showcased their project “Together for better services for women and children”  through presentation, while SOS Nikšić organized an event in the main city square. At this event, they promoted their online service for victims of stalking, directly informing the women of Nikšić on how to recognize stalking and how to seek help.

Following these activities, participants had an opportunity to visit mural – “OsnaŽENE – vidljive”, featuring Frida Kahlo and Judith Heumann. These women are portrayed not only as symbols of feminism but also as women with disabilities, emphasizing their empowerment and resilience.

 

 

 

 

  1. Day of Balkan Caravan in Elbasan: Raising Awareness and Empowering Rural Women

Balkan caravan spent the third day in Elbasan, Albania with hosts CLR and grantees – Psycho social center Vatra and Useful to the Community. There was organized raising awareness campaign in the main square where grantees informed citizens about their work and presented the handmade products of their beneficiaries.

Moreover, Balkan caravan visited center from organization Useful to the community, where were organized dialogue between local decision-makers and members of this organization about issues and challenges that rural women faces in their daily lives.

Final activity of this day was meeting in the Municipality of Elbasan with local organizations and representatives from the Department of Social Services of the Municipality of Vlora and the Directorate of Social Services of the Municipality of Elbasan. Participants discussed and exchanged their practices and challenges which lead to common conclusions in improving the services offered to citizens.

 

 

  1. Day of Balkan Caravan in Skoplje: Art, Music, and Inclusion

Balkan caravan arrived to Skopje at the Center for Youth Activism KRIK. We were joined by our grantee HERA and our partner from Macedonia, CDI Macedonia.

Participants had the opportunity to explore their facilities, admire artistic paintings and products made by beneficiaries, and enjoy in talk with colleagues from other countries. There were organized a dialogue between local institutions, local organizations and participants where they discussed situations in each country and shared the possible solutions for similar problems that they are facing. Additionally, participants gained a gift which are T-shirts that beneficiaries printed. They learned a printing process from workshops that were held through IRIS grants.

 

 

 

  1. Day of Balkan Caravan in Pristina: Advocating for Disability Rights

The fifth day Balkan Caravan spent in Prishtina with host, Down Syndrome Kosova. With representatives from public institutions, civil society, and members of Down Syndrome, participants had the opportunity to discuss issues related to the rights of individuals, with a special focus on disabilities and exchanging ideas and good practices.

Participants were particularly delighted by a musical performance by one of their talented beneficiaries. Additionally, there were presented artworks from the beneficiaries, including beautifully crafted greeting cards. Hosts showed participants their space and presented their work in order to transmit their good practices to others.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Day of Balkan Caravan in Novi Pazar

The last day of Balkan caravan was spent in main park and hosted by the Association of Psychologists in Novi Pazar. The day featured open-space events with presentations from 20 organizations, offering a variety of workshops, exhibitions, and showcases of their work.

In addition to the outdoor stands, there were presentations of projects and initiatives by Iris grantees, including the Altruist Association from Bosnia and Herzegovina, NVO Medpak from Albania, the Jesuit Refugee Service from Serbia and the Evo Ruka Association from Serbia. The association “Halfway There” also held a quiz for youth on internet safety, engaging and educating participants on this important topic.

 


This activity, Balkan Caravan is held in the framework of the EU-funded project “Strengthening capacities and policy engagement of community service providers – IRIS PROGRESS”, funded by the EU. Project partners on the project are ASB (Germany), Center for Labour Rights (Albania), CDI (North Macedonia), Alfa Center (Montenegro), Center for Independent Life (Kosovo*) and LIR CD (Bosnia and Herzegovina).

TENDER FOR PROVISION OF SERVICES FOR LOGISTIC SUPPORT OF BALKAN CARAVAN – HR/SOCIAL INCLUSION PRACTICES PROMOTION – Tender ref.no.: IDC-IRIS 2022/ SER T6

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We are informing you that on June 17, 2024. the organization Initiative for Development and Cooperation is opening the procurement for provision of services for logistic support of Balkan Caravan – HR/Social Inclusion Practices Promotion, reference number IDC – IRIS 2022 SER T6, within the project “Strengthening capacities and policy engagement of community service providers – IRIS PROGRES” funded by the European Union, represented by the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Serbia.

All interested bidders may send a request for the tender documentation to the e-mail procurement@idcserbia.org .

The deadline for submitting offers is June 25, 2024. at 12:00 hours.

We remain at your disposal for any additional information.

Balkan Caravan – Call for participants

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In the framework of the EU-funded project “Strengthening capacities and policy engagement of
community service providers – IRIS PROGRESS”, IRIS Network is organizing Balkan Caravan and is opening a call for participants.

 

ABOUT BALKAN CARAVAN

Balkan Caravan is an eight-day event which purpose is to promote and exchange best human rights and social inclusion practices in Western Balkan countries. Balkan Caravan will visit each of the Western Balkan countries participating in Iris Progress project (Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Kosovo*, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina). In each of the countries a Mini Human Rights Festival will be organized by host organization and partners of Iris network.

The duration of the whole Balkan Caravan will be 6 days (plus 2 days for travel to the Balkan caravan
and return) – 1 day in each city / country. It will take place from 8 – 13 July 2024. The 6 selected
participants for the Balkan Caravan will be divided into 2 groups. Group 1 will travel through BiH,
Montenegro and Albania in the duration of 3 days and Group 2 will travel through North Macedonia,
Kosovo* and Serbia in the duration of 3 days.

The Balkan Caravan route is as follows: Mostar (BiH), Niksic (Montenegro), Elbasan (Albania), Skopje
(North Macedonia), Pristina (Kosovo*) and Novi Pazar (Serbia)

ABOUT CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS

Through this Call for Balkan Caravan participants from 6 Iris Network member
organizations will be selected. The selected participants will travel with the Balkan Caravan through
Western Balkan countries mentioned above and participate in the Mini Human Rights Festival,
organized in each country, by presenting a best practice from their organization in form of a 10 minute
video to the festival participants.

 

What do we expect from you?

· To prepare a 10 minute video about your organization’s best practice(s) in the provision of
social services and protection of human rights of vulnerable groups. The selected participants
will present their video at the Mini human rights festivals as part of Balkan Caravan. The video
should be in your native language.
· Willingness to learn about and exchange best practices with Iris Network members and other
CSOs in WB countries
· Recognize the need to increase professional capacity in provision of social services to
vulnerable groups, protection of human rights and transfer know how to your organization
· Willingness to travel as part of the Balkan Caravan through WB countries (Albania, North
Macedonia, Kosovo*, Montenegro, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina)

 

How to apply

If you are interested in participating in the Balkan Caravan please send:
· 10 minute video about the best practice(s) of your organization
· your CV (1 page)
· 1 page cover letter that clearly states your motivation and your objectives/learning outcomes
from the Balkan Caravan
· Recommendation Letter from your current employer – IRIS Network member
to iris@iris-see.eu by 21 June 2024

 

Assessment of applications

The assessment will be based on the application submitted by the candidate. Please clearly indicate
in the motivation letter of your application:
· How the participation in the Balkan Caravan will impact your professional and your
organization’s capacities

Terms and conditions

The following costs will be covered:
· Travel costs to the city where the meeting point of the Balkan Caravan participants will be,
travel during the Balkan Caravan and return travel costs to your city
· Accommodation costs
· Meals – breakfast, lunch and dinner during the Balkan Caravan

 

Please note that this Call is open only to staff members and/or volunteers of IRIS Network member
organizations.

Granting facility of IRIS Progress – Newsletter 2024.

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In the past period, IRIS Network awarded 13 small grants to its members to improve their social service provision and enhance local initiatives for advocacy in the social sphere.

 

This newsletter presents stories of our members, their innovative projects, and steps towards achieving our common goal – advancing social inclusion and providing support to the most vulnerable groups in our community.

Newsletter is available here – Granting Facility of IRIS PROGRESS

 

This Newsletter is realized within the framework of the project “Capacity strengthening and policy engagement of community service providers – Iris Progress”, funded by the European Union

TENDER FOR PROVISION OF MENTORING FOR LICENSING AND INCREASING QUALITY STANDARDS SERVICES – Tender ref.no.: PDT BOS 2303-001

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We are informing you that on 29.03.2024. the organization LIR Civil Society is opening the procurement for provision of mentoring for licensing and increasing quality standards services, reference number PDT BOS 2303-001, within the project “Strengthening capacities and policy engagement of community service providers – IRIS PROGRES” funded by the European Union, represented by the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Serbia.

 

All interested bidders may send a request for the tender documentation to the e-mail lircd@blic.net.

 

The deadline for submitting offers is April 15, 2024. at 12:00 hours.

TENDER FOR PROVISION OF MENTORING FOR LICENSING AND INCREASING QUALITY STANDARDS SERVICES – Tender ref.no.: 2022/441-183-P3

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We are informing you that on 29/03/2024 the organization NGO Alfa Centar is opening the procurement for provision of mentoring for licensing and increasing quality standards services, reference number 2022/441-183-P3, within the project “Strengthening capacities and policy engagement of community service providers – IRIS PROGRES” funded by the European Union, represented by the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Serbia.

 

All interested bidders may send a request for the tender documentation to the e-mail alfacentar@t-com.me .

 

The deadline for submitting offers is April 15, 2024. at 12:00 hours.