I. The GS Foundation – About Us

The GS Foundation is a German non-profit organization dedicated to building effective, accountable and democratic security sector institutions in countries affected by instability or conflict. Our vision is to support our partners in ensuring their national security and stability. The German government’s 2019 Inter-Ministerial Strategy to Support Security Sector Reform forms the basis of our work.
Our project activities range from advising on national reforms and security strategies, capacity building and training and equipping security forces, to facilitating dialogue between security institutions and society. We are actively engaged in multiple international projects within the realm of security sector reform, fostering close collaboration with local partners, stakeholders, and prominent international entities including the German Federal Foreign Office, UNDP, and UNITAR. Our teams around the world include former senior police officers and commissioners, along with a diverse range of experts hired for their specialized knowledge in various fields.
We prioritize international human rights standards across all facets of our operations. Central to this commitment is our dedication to promoting human security and addressing the diverse security needs of all citizens, with a particular focus on advancing gender equality. Emphasizing transparency, accountability, and community engagement across all initiatives, we prioritize inclusivity and sustainability. Recognizing diverse perspectives and the enduring impact of our work, we remain steadfast in achieving our goals.

II. Context of the Project

Ukraine and Moldova, both former Soviet Union states, face significant security sector challenges. Both countries face heightened mine threats, albeit to varying degrees. Both Moldova and Ukraine are on a similar path towards EU integration, with Moldova commencing negotiations in December 2023 and Ukraine beginning its own process in June 2024. Given these similarities, the geographic proximity, and similar demining structures and equipment, there is potential for cross-border knowledge and resource exchange. This highlights the need for coordinated international cooperation in demining efforts. Both countries rely on support from international organizations and donor nations to eliminate mine risks and ensure public safety.
Germany is supporting Moldova in its efforts to achieve long-term stabilization and development through sustainable reforms that promote democracy and the rule of law. Moldova, particularly the Transnistrian region, continues to face challenges such as the presence of mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) dating back to the 1990s conflict. These remnants pose a significant threat to public safety and hinder economic development. Despite these challenges, Moldova’s demining efforts are constrained by a small and under-equipped demining unit.
Meanwhile, Ukraine is directly impacted by Russian war of aggression. Moldova, due to its proximity to Ukraine and Russia, remains vigilant amidst the regional tensions. The Russian invasion has led to extensive land contamination, making Ukraine the most mined country globally. As of February 2024, over 1100 civilians have been killed in mine incidents. This exacerbates the humanitarian crisis and poses long-term obstacles to economic and social development. Key challenges include identifying and marking minefields, training and equipping demining specialists, and raising public awareness. Consequently, support for demining operations is crucial for a successful Ukrainian recovery.
The project implemented by GS Foundation aims to address the specific circumstances of each country and provide adequate support to strengthen the structures and capabilities of their security agencies.

III. Objectives of the Project

Since 2022, GS Foundation has been implementing more and more projects in Moldova on behalf of the German Foreign Office. Since then, we have successfully implemented projects with the Border Police and the General Police Inspectorate and the Moldovan National Police in border security, crisis prevention and crime fighting as well as cross-cutting issues such as gender. In Ukraine we have been active since 2023, supporting the National Guard as well as the Ukrainian National Police among other things in the investigation of war crimes and Ministry of Interior in the advancement of women in security sector, in accordance with Germany’s feminist foreign policy.

The primary objective of this project is to enhance the capabilities of security agencies in Ukraine and Moldova in the area of improvised explosive devices (IED), specifically those that fall under the jurisdiction of civil security authorities. To strengthen the overall structure of IED units in both countries, significantly improving civil safety, reducing hazards, and advancing EU integration efforts, this project is based on the principle of local ownership and aims to enhance the capabilities of our partners through initiative and collaboration. Current conditions reveal committed police forces and ministries operating with inadequate technical resources. The project will drive progress through training and knowledge exchange, contributing to the stabilization of police structures and increasing public trust in national security agencies, rule of law, and democracy, and will enable them to respond effectively to current and future challenges.
Thus, long-term objectives include:

• Capacity building for law enforcement.
• Sustained improvement in the quality of public security services.
• Strengthening and enabling authorities to enhance community safety.
• Alignment with EU standards.

By working to increase operational efficiency in handling explosive threats, the project will sustainably bolster responsible security agencies, specifically strengthening police officers, EOD/IED personnel, and security agency leadership. For that purpose, we are looking for a team of consultants to carry out two needs assessments in Moldova and Ukraine as described below.

IV. Tasks and Responsibilities

Reporting line
The consultants will be administratively managed by the CEO and in close collaboration with the COO and the two responsible Project Managers for Moldova and Ukraine.

General tasks

• Develop a comprehensive work plan outlining the needs assessment process, including timelines, methodologies, and resource requirements.
• Conduct a preliminary review of the socio-political and economic context of each country to tailor the assessment approach accordingly.
• Identify and understand any regional differences and specific issues pertinent to Moldova and Ukraine.
• Coordinate with local stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community leaders, to ensure alignment and collaboration.
• Assess and mitigate potential risks associated with conducting fieldwork in each country, ensuring the safety and security.
• Contribute and ensure timely reporting and information flow.
• Support the establishment of long-term positive relations with local organizations in line with the GS-Foundations approach to SSR.
• Undertake any other related tasks as necessary.

Scope of Work

The consultants will use consultative and participatory approaches to carry out the following:

Needs Assessment Moldova:

• Data collection: Conduct 1 (one) field visit to gather data to undertake in-depth analysis of key stakeholders among Moldovan civil security agencies and their respective structures.
  • Survey of the initial situation for the defusing department of the Moldovan National Police including the structure of the department
  • Assess other relevant agencies in the civil defusing departments in Moldova and their respective capacity and expertise vis-a-vis their mandate, as well as other stakeholder activity and other relevant institutions (e.g. donors and civil society)
  • Maintain regular communication with key stakeholders to ensure their perspectives and needs are incorporated into the assessment.
  • Analysing the needs of the defusing departments and evaluating them from a technical perspective and against the background of the current structure
  • Analysing what is essential for the further development of the defusing department (needed structures, needed personnel, needed trainings etc.)
  • If feasible: List a comparable defusing department from an EU country that could serve as an example of good practice
• Analyze collected data to identify key needs, gaps, and priorities. Based on this, prepare 1 (one) detailed strategic assessment report which summarizes these findings, highlights critical issues, and provides actionable recommendations for the further development.
  • Ensure reports are clear, concise, and accessible to a broad audience, including non-technical stakeholders.
  • Document best practices, lessons learned, and challenges encountered during the process.

Needs Assessment Ukraine:

• Data collection: Conduct 1 (one) field visit to gather data to undertake in-depth analysis of key stakeholders among Ukrainian civil security agencies and their respective structures.
  • Assess relevant agencies and their respective capacity and expertise vis-a-vis their mandate.
  • Maintain regular communication with key stakeholders to ensure their perspectives and needs are incorporated into the assessment.
  • Assess stakeholder activity and other relevant institutions (e.g. donors and civil society).
• Analyze collected data to identify key needs, gaps, and priorities. Based on this, prepare 1 (one) detailed assessment report which summarizes these findings, highlights critical issues, and provides actionable recommendations.
  • Ensure reports are clear, concise, and accessible to a broad audience, including non-technical stakeholders.
  • Develop evidence-based recommendations for addressing identified needs (including trainings) and gaps to strategically improve the capacity of the Ukrainian institutions.
  • Document best practices, lessons learned, and challenges encountered during the process.

V. Necessary Skills and Qualifications

Mandatory

• Successful completion of university studies in engineering or criminal justice or law enforcement or criminology or public safety or a related field;
• Several years (minimum 5 years) of professional experience in the field of IED, threats and countermeasures;
• Analytical skills and ability to conduct a needs assessment, along with excellent drafting and reporting skills;
• Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills, flexible, creative, and open-minded concerning gender issues combined with a deep respect for the key principle of local ownership;
• International experience, particularly in crisis areas with multinational and international organisations;
• Ability to act professionally and flexibility to engage with government officials, development partner representatives and the private sector;
• High standards of professionalism and ethics, demonstrating consistency in upholding and promoting do no harm;
• Fluent knowledge of written and spoken English (C1). Knowledge of Romanian, Ukrainian and/or German language would be desirable;
• A highly self-motivated and proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives;
• Proficiency in the use of contemporary tools for office management and communication.

Optional

• Sound knowledge in the field of civilian crisis prevention and security sector reform, including international instruments, policies and principles;
• Sound knowledge of the region and its political and socio-cultural background;

VI. Start Date/ Contract Duration/Duty Station

Contract Period: as soon as possible – 31 December 2024
Location: Remote, with trips to Ukraine and Moldova
Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant´s qualifications and experience.

VII. Application

Interested parties must submit the following documentation to hr@gs-foundation.com until August 9, 2024:

1. Curriculum vitae
2. Cover Letter
3. Certificates and references