On 20 July 2020, upon request from the Ministry of Local Self-Government, the Council for Cooperation with and Development of the Civil Society announced an open call for participation of civil society representatives in joint working groups for IPA III Cross-Border Cooperation Programmes (2021-2027).
The joint working groups are comprised of representatives from national institutions, ministries, regional development centres, business community and civil society, and they are responsible for decision-making in respect to IPA III programming for cross-border cooperation in the period 2021-2027, as follows:
-IPA III Cross-Border Cooperation Programme between the Republic of North Macedonia and the Republic of Albania 2021-2027;
-IPA III Cross-Border Cooperation Programme between the Republic of North Macedonia and the Republic of Kosovo 2021-2017;
-IPA III Cross-Border Cooperation Programme between the Republic of North Macedonia and the Republic of Serbia 2021-2027;
-INTERREG IPA III Cross-Border Cooperation Programme between the Republic of North Macedonia and the Republic of Bulgaria 2021-2027; and
-INTERREG IPA III Cross-Border Cooperation Programme between the Republic of North Macedonia and the Republic of Greece 2021-2027.
The joint working groups are tasked to ensure effectiveness and quality strategic planning and programming for implementation of the next Cross-Border Cooperation Programme for the period 2021-2027.
Candidates for civil society representatives (member and deputy members) in joint working groups for IPA III Cross-Border Cooperation Programmes (2021-2027) need to be supported by civil society organizations registered in compliance with provisions from the Law on Association and Foundations at least three years prior to announcement of this open call, to have a statute that establishes activities and objectives in the area of operation for which they nominate candidates and their work and operation to be greater towards the broader public and the community interests. Candidates for civil society representatives should fulfil the following criteria: to have at least three years of working or volunteering experience in the civil society, with focus on the area for which they are nominated; to hold expertise on issues pertaining to the civil society in the area for which they are nominate (number of implemented projects, published publications, participation in working groups, initiation and participation in advocacy processes, etc.); to have active command of the English language; not to be members of political party bodies; not to be elected or appointed officials, and not be employed at state administration bodies.
Deadline for submission of applications is 28 July 2020, by 12:00 p.m.