Over the years, with the continuous volunteer work of our members, we have been in charge of implementing projects and organizing activities throughout Kosovo. Our projects include activities in the field of economic development, rule of law, regional security and anti-corruption, sustainable development and other social issues. All of these projects have the same purpose which is to bring change to the community by giving our alumni the chance to give back by sharing their experience gained in the U.S.
Each year, through mid-scale projects, KUSA engages in projects that seek to support Kosovo's education system and increase the quality of teaching and learning by innovation and technology. 2020 KUSA Project aims to support the higher education system by creating an innovative coding platform for computer science professors and students.
Today, students aspiring to become programmers have to undergo paper-based exams. In times of tremendous advancement in technology, delivering paper-based exams for to-be programmers is impractical.
Computer engineering students in many countries take their exams in platforms similar to their coding environment and result in better coding skills. Through Omnescode, professors can create tests to examine the students' abilities in programming languages in a web application analogous to the setting they exercise, thus ending the old method of pen and paper exams.
KUSA is very proud to bring this solution to the education system in Kosovo by developing a product that answers the needs of the students and professors, and that opens the door to the digitization of the paper-based exams for all departments as it includes a word processor that allows students to write text, math formulas, and other specific tasks.
Once exercises and exams are digital, it will ease students' writing code tasks and intensify their productivity. On the other hand, Omescode will save professors time and effort in printing out exams, which will be replaced with the web application.
On days like these, it is very important for each of us to contribute to the betterment of our health and our community. KUSA in collaboration with other partner organizations has produced the video “1 for All - All for 1”.
The main purpose of this initiative is to urge people to stay at home and curb the spread of the virus while enjoying the benefits of this situation for our self-improvement.
We want to thank the participants of the video for helping us spread this message, our partner organizations for participating in this campaign, and a special thanks to the team GjirafaVideo for putting this video together.
The National Museum of Kosova, in collaboration with ZERO1, U.S. Embassy Pristina, Kosovo, and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, is pleased to announce the open call for participants in American Arts Incubator - Kosovo.
AAI — Kosovo consists of a series of art and technology workshops taught by visiting American artist Lori Hepner focused on addressing youth empowerment, the development of collaborative team project prototypes, and an open house to share participant creations with the public. Participation in the incubator is free of charge. Participant teams will receive small grant funding to develop their collaborative project prototypes. The program will be held at the National Museum of Kosovo from March 6 - 29, 2020.
More information about the project and application, you can find on the link:
https://kosovomuseum.wixsite.com/aaikosovo?fbclid=IwAR3383rgowh3QDpRnRfs1Zk3RQ2pxivb_1fQqnT_KNO86aqXMOaV8Zp3jGU
Each year, KUSA aims to create an engaging environment for our Alumni and encourage them to contribute towards civil society involvement and development with regards to Kosovo’s reform efforts in economic, social and cultural spheres. One activity that fosters this principle is Alumni Talks.
Alumni Talks is an annual activity, held four times during the year. It is designed with the idea of providing our Alumni members a platform to voice their thoughts, opinions or concerns with the U.S. Embassy. Based on the topic, participants will meet with representatives of different sectors of the Embassy. For instance, if the topic is Education, participants will discuss with policymakers from that sector.
In 2020, KUSA talks will be organized during the months of March, June, September, and December. Each month will have a different thematic. The topics for this year are organized as follows:
Education
Depolitization and Institutionalization
Environment and Energy
Kosovo Security Sector
If you have something to say in relation to the topics mentioned above, you are welcome to join our Alumni Talks sessions. This is a great opportunity for Alumni to network with different sectors of the Embassy, as well as meet Mr. Philip S. Kosnett, the US Ambassador to Kosovo.
HOW TO APPLY?
To become a participant of Alumni Talks, you have to fill out an application form where you state your:
Contact information
The study program
Field of interest
Short description of the issues you want to discuss related to the topic.
We host up to 10 Alumni for each session. All alumni are eligible to apply regardless of your program. Alumni will be chosen based on the quality of their idea they will present on the application form.
Through this grant, the National Gallery of Kosovo tried to engage the young people in productive and artistic activities. Being part of this club gave them the chance to perform a number of activities that often are not included in the school curricula in our schools. The participants were exposed to many forms of creative arts such as photography, art installations, video art, lectures, zine, and visits to art exhibitions. All of these activities gave the young artists the chance to express themselves and to get more information about the visual arts that are applied today.
At the end of the project, an exhibition with all the artwork from the young people was held. There everyone showed the enthusiasm that has followed the project on every step and the happiest were the ARTEEN Club members, whose artistic creations left everyone in awe.
Since the approval of the “Law on the environmentally endangered zone of Obiliq and its surroundings”, it has been little discussed about the process of the implementation of the law.
In order for the inhabitants of Obiliq to know the rights this law brings to them, this small grant launched an informatory webpage called ligjiperobiliqin.info and organized round table panel discussion.
Through the establishment of the open-data webpage, the local communities and CSO can get informed in detail about all the aspects of the policies under this law and are provided with visual and simplified information on the 12 Articles deriving from the Law of Obiliq. This platform now can be used as a window where you can read or share your opinions, complain or ask any question related to the Law of Obiliq.
A round table panel discussion was also organized, where were present local decision-makers and representatives of institutions responsible for the implementation to talk about the challenges of the implementation of the articles that come out of this law.
The Directorate of Education in the Municipality of Prishtina has come to a decision for Primary Schools to spend 30% of their curriculum to extracurricular school activities. Therefore, with KUSA’s experience in Primary School Clubs from the project “Alumni Engagement through Extracurricular School Activities,” the Directorate and KUSA have reached an agreement to collaborate for the implementation of this project.
With this in mind, KUSA will organize a fair where the club’s organizational structure will have the chance to meet KUSA Alumni and different companies operating in Kosovo. The organizational structure is made up of 20-25 students, i.e. the club coordinator who is a full time professor at the school, the president and the vice president who are selected from the students. KUSA alumni will share their experience and expertise, whereas, the companies will share their work as well as the expertise that their company needs and values. Moreover, the clubs that will be established or re-activated are Art, Outdoor Activities, Technology and Debate Club. Therefore, through this fair, the schools will have a chance to develop a curricula for the club which they will follow throughout the school year.
The fair will be organized in the following weeks and KUSA’s help for the schools to develop these clubs will continue throughout the year.
On Monday, Keep it Green hosted a round-table discussion as part of the monitoring of the implementation of "The Law on the hazardous environmental zone of Obiliq and surrounding areas".
The round-table consisted of discussions and debates regarding the environmental legislature in Kosovo and the steps to be taken towards proper implementation.
An online platform was also presented during the event. Citizens will be able to use Ligjiperobiliqin.info regarding their law-guaranteed rights in the upcoming info-sessions in the community.
This project was funded by KUSA as part of the Alumni Small Grants Program and aims to reduce law-breaking and encourage transparency by raising information levels of general public and CSOs in Obiliq about their rights guaranteed by the recently approved law.
This project aimed to establish a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Club in one of the schools of Prishtina. By performing creative and fun activities and games, the children had the opportunity to learn and to get inspired by many women role models that were part of the club gathering through their lectures. These lectures by women who are engaged in STEM careers, brought the children closer to the idea of a woman engineer, scientist, computer programmer, astronaut etc.
The activities of the project included visits in different companies related to the STEM field and educational institutions, which gave to the children the chance to see innovative and creative environments and inspired them to approach STEM choices for their future studies and careers.
At the end of the project a science exhibition was organized within school to showcase the as the creative ideas of all the children and to get to share with everyone what they have learnt during this project.
The Girls in ICT conference was held on Friday, the 26th of April, on the campus of RIT Kosovo and gathered around 300 girls interested in the field of ICT, influential actors of the field, inspiring speakers, and seventeen companies of the field offering hiring opportunities to the girls.
The speakers told their inspiring stories about their studies and their interesting jobs. In this conference, the girls had the opportunity to network with the speakers, guests, and their peers. Workshops opened afterward and participants followed their chosen workshops. After the participants successfully completed their workshop, they were granted certificates in the respective workshops.
At the end of the day, a job-fair was held where fourteen local companies and businesses met with the young girls and discussed hiring or internship opportunities, and the open positions at their companies.
During the conference, the girls got a chance to listen to talks to change-makers and get inspired first hand to bring technological innovation to Kosovo, participate in the workshops and learn practical new skills, network with other skilled people in their field and open the doors for future collaborations, and meet the representatives of the companies working in Kosovo, giving them a chance to apply for open positions and put their skills to life.
Kosovo Slam Poetry gathered dedicated poets to exercise and then perform their original poem in front of the audience and a professional jury. The poems most often tackle social issues in Kosovo and through this activity they were offered a chance for their creators to express their worries and dreams about the community.
The project consisted of two workshops where the applicants were able to get trained and ready for the main event of the spoken poetry. The final competition gathered around 100 people who were entertained by the performances of slam poetry.
Kosovo United States Alumni is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the position of “Program Manager”.
Position: Program Manager
Grade: 8
Opening Date: 20-Apr-2022
Closing Date: 5-May-2022
Work Hours: Full-time; 40 hours/week
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO): KUSA and U.S. Embassy in Prishtina provide equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation.
KUSA is a nonprofit association, established in 2007 with the help of the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo and several committed alumni of the U.S. government exchange program. The association has more than 1500 members that had the opportunity to participate in U.S. government-funded exchanges and education programs. KUSA operates as a democracy that values its members who are making significant contributions by sharing skills and best practices acquired during their U.S. exchange experience with colleagues and communities across Kosovo. KUSA is also responsible for the administration and monitoring of numerous U.S. Government grants.
The Program Manager will be responsible for overseeing the achievement of program goals. S/he will coordinate efforts between different projects that fall under their portfolio without executing them directly. Instead, s/he will lead the overall program with solid attention to strategy, implementation, and delegation.
Strategize, implement, and maintain program initiatives that adhere to organizational objectives.
Implement program assessment protocols for evaluation and improvement.
Maintain organizational standards of satisfaction, quality, and performance.
Ensure program goals are reached.
Oversee budget and expenditures to ensure they fulfill program objectives.
Work closely with project sponsor, and staff to plan and develop scope, deliverables, required resources, work plan and timeline proposal, and budget for new initiatives.
Work with other program managers to identify risks and opportunities across multiple projects within the organization.
Analyze, evaluate, and overcome program risks, and produce program reports for management and donors.
3+ years experience in an advanced management role (preference given to those with program management experience).
Exceptional leadership, time management, facilitation, and organizational skills.
Excellent English speaking and writing skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Proven leadership experience.
Proven proposal writing experience.
A current CV.
Scanned documents of all professional certificates and/or degree(s).
Contact information of 2 recommenders.
Scanned ID or Passport.
All applicants must send their application documents to the following Email address: info@kusalumni.org.
The email subject heading must read:
Application for the position: Program Manager, [Name and Surname]
NOTE: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted!
Kosovo United States Alumni is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the position of “Outreach Officer”.
Position: Outreach Officer
Opening Date: 09-Nov-2021
Closing Date: 12-Nov-2021
Work Hours: Part-time; 30 hours/week
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO): KUSA and U.S. Embassy in Prishtina provide equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation.
KUSA is a nonprofit association, established in 2007 with the help of the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo and several committed alumni of the U.S. government exchange program. The association has more than 1500 members that had the opportunity to participate in U.S. government-funded exchanges and education programs. KUSA operates as a democracy that values its members who are making significant contributions by sharing skills and best practices acquired during their U.S. exchange experience with colleagues and communities across Kosovo. KUSA is also responsible for the administration and monitoring of numerous U.S. Government grants.
The Outreach Officer will provide communication and administrative support to the KUSA team. S/he will be responsible for providing support for different programs. The Outreach Officer will spend a significant amount of time on the ground, assisting and monitoring the overall activities, but will also work office-based a few hours a week.
Outstanding organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks.
Able to thrive in a high-volume, deadline-driven work environment.
Fluency both in written and spoken English.
Excellent communication skills.
Working experience in the related fields.
Highly motivated with a strong work ethic.
Qualified candidates should send:
A current CV.
Scanned documents of all professional certificates and/or degree(s).
Scanned ID or Passport.
All applicants must send their application documents to the following Email address: info@kusalumni.org.
The email subject heading must read:
Application for the position: Outreach Officer, [Name and Surname]
NOTE: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted!
Kosovo United States Alumni is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the position of “Junior Graphic Designer” beginning on April 1st, 2021.
Position: Junior Graphic Designer
Opening Date: 19-Mar-2021
Closing Date: 26-Mar-2021
Organization Background
KUSA is a nonprofit association, established in 2007 with the help of the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo and several committed alumni of the U.S. government exchange program. KUSA is an association of more than 1500 members that had the opportunity to participate in U.S. government-funded exchanges and education programs. KUSA operates as a democracy that values its members who are making significant contributions by sharing skills and best practices acquired during their U.S. exchange experience with colleagues and communities across Kosovo. KUSA is also responsible for the administration and monitoring of numerous U.S. Government grants.
Basic Functions
We are seeking a part-time Junior Graphic Designer, who is full of creative ideas and eager to contribute in increasing KUSA’s visibility. The Junior Graphic Designer will work directly with KUSA staff to expand and improve the organization’s social media strategy. The candidate will undergo a probation period that will last 3 months.
Job Responsibilities
Fully support the organization’s promotion strategies and execute them
Create and curate engaging content in visual form for the various projects administered by the organization
Utilize KUSA’s social media and website
Create and execute promotional strategies in collaboration with the supervisor
Be responsive to assist as requested by the supervisor
Qualifications
Strong desire to learn along with professional drive
Solid understanding of social networks (Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn)
Excellent communication skills
Knowledge of Illustrator
Knowledge of WordPress is a plus
Currently enrolled/ recent graduate in a related university field
Application Docs
Qualified candidates should send:
A current CV
Portfolio
Scanned ID or Passport
How to apply?
All applicants must send their application documents in the following email address: info@kusalumni.org
The email subject heading must read: Application for the position: Junior Graphic Designer, [Name and Surname]
NOTE: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted!
The United States-Kosovo Education Exchange Board (USKEB) is accepting applications for Board Member positions!
The applications for USKEB board member positions representing Academia are open and will be available until December 28th, 2020.
Program Description:
The United States-Kosovo Educational Exchange Board (USKEB) is a non-legal Advisory Board, founded for the purpose of advancing relations between the people of the United States and Kosovo through educational exchange programming.
The United States-Kosovo Educational Exchange Board (USKEB) is supported by The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), The U.S. Embassy in Kosovo, and Kosovo’s Ministry of Education and Science, and is implemented by American Councils for International Education and Kosovo United States Alumni (KUSA).
Term: The position is an unremunerated, two-year term.
Each board member has a vital role in determining the success of exchange programs that fall under the board’s advisory capacity. Members of the board will have the opportunity to work closely with fellow board members, the government of Kosovo, and U.S. Embassy representatives in suggesting beneficial strategies for educational exchange programming. Furthermore, USKEB members will have an active role in selecting upcoming grantees for the Fulbright Programs as well as in the promotion of exchange programs.
USKEB Members are expected to:
- To oversee the general direction of United States-Kosovo educational exchange programming, including the U.S. bound: Fulbright Foreign Student Program (Master’s Degree), Fulbright Faculty Development Program(FFDP), Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program (FVSP), and the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program; and Kosovo-bound: Fulbright Specialist Program, Fulbright U.S. Student Program, and Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program, and any future programming as may be deemed appropriate by the founder(s) of the Board.
- To assist in setting strategic priorities for United States-Kosovo educational exchange programming.
- To actively raise awareness on behalf of United States-Kosovo educational exchange programming.
- To actively support educational initiatives and institutions that aim to foster understanding between the United States and Kosovo.
- To provide a forum for academicians from the United States in Kosovo and Kosovo academicians with interest in the United States to identify, discuss, and pursue matters of mutual interest.
- To suggest and develop programs that will raise the profile of the Fulbright program in Kosovo.
To qualify as a Board member representing Academia, a person must:
- Have at least five years of professional experience in the field of higher education.
- Have professional or personal experience with programs of The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State (preferable).
- Not be affiliated with any political party.
- A growth mindset and excellent networking abilities.
For questions or concerns, contact us at educationalexchangeboard.ks@americancouncils.org.
Being one of the most culturally diverse countries in the World, the United States is praised for having ethnically diverse campuses. As of 2020, there are over 1 million international students studying in U.S. Colleges.
If you choose to study in the United States, you can take advantage of this diversity and connect with cultures from across the world.
University campuses in the U.S. are one of a kind. They are known for having their own identities. Each campus is structured similarly to a small town and they often organize activities in which you can participate and socialize with other students.
All campuses include various of facilities meant to offer students a relaxing and entertaining time while they are not in class or involved in assignments and study. You can grab a burger (and at a cheap price too), go on a picnic, take yoga classes for free and by all means, join the super-fun student parties.
The skills you earn at a U.S. University include easy interaction with different cultures, advancement of English language, as well as general and field-related knowledge.
Hiring companies will see you as a candidate with an international mindset with a unique approach to challenges.
U.S. universities offer in-campus services to assist international students inside and outside of the classroom.
Most schools have offices dedicated to international student services. These offices are equipped with information regarding English-language courses, visa issues, financial aid and even cultural adjustment while you study abroad in the U.S.
Background Information
Initiated by the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and the Ministry of Education and Science of Kosovo, the United States-Kosovo Educational Exchange Board (USKEB) aims to increase mutual understanding and advance intercultural relations between the people of the United States and Kosovo through educational exchange programming. This board, advisory in nature, will set priorities and oversee the general direction of the U.S. government-funded exchange programs in Kosovo. As the initiative prepares to launch, we need your talent and creativity in designing a logo that will represent the USKEB.
Entry Requirements
● Open to all KUSA alumni
● Multiple entries are welcomed
Design Criteria
● Must be an original design
● Must reflect USKEB’s intent—the spirit of educational exchange programming
● Incorporate USKEB’s name
● Consider colors representing U.S. and Kosovo flags
● Should not have any overpowering elements.
Submission
All entries must include:
● A logo for use in print in vector PDF format with 300 dpi output resolution.
● A color scheme of the logo.
● The rationale of the logo (100-300 words).
● A brief CV of the author and contact information.
By submitting, participants agree to the copyright of the entry to be transferred to USKEB. USKEB retains the right to adjust if and as deemed necessary. The selected logo will receive compensation.
Submission Deadline: November 27, 2020
All submissions should be emailed to info@kusalumni.org and Cc: educationalexchangeboard.ks@americancouncils.org.
For any questions or inquiries contact: info@kusalumni.org. If necessary, Zoom calls can be scheduled for informational purposes only.
Kosovo United States Alumni invites all prospective bidders to apply for eligibility bid for the:
Name of the project: Developing new KAA (Kosovo Accreditation Agency) platforms.
Bid Number: BID2-2020/US20GR4
Bid Due Date: 23-Oct-2020
Project Information: The project aims to develop the following components:
Development of a new website for KAA.
Development of a platform for certification for accredited institutions.
Development of a platform for reporting violations of standards of Higher Education Institutions.
Contract Limit: 12,705.00 EURO
Contract Duration: Two (2) months, one (1) year post-award support
Bid Documents: Plans, specifications, and bid documents may be obtained from KUSA’s office via email (info@kusalumni.org) upon request.
Procurement will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures in accordance with 'KUSA Procurement and Payment Regulations.'
Kosovo United States Alumni is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the position of “Grants Coordinator” beginning on November 1st, 2020.
Position: Grants Coordinator
Opening Date: 09-Oct-2020
Closing Date: 16-Oct-2020
Salary: Market-based compensation
Organization Background
KUSA is a nonprofit association, established in 2007 with the help of the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo and several committed alumni of the U.S. government exchange program. KUSA is an association of more than 1400 members that had the opportunity to participate in U.S. government-funded exchanges and education programs. KUSA operates as a democracy that values its members who are making significant contributions by sharing skills and best practices acquired during their U.S. exchange experience with colleagues and communities across Kosovo. KUSA is also responsible for the administration and monitoring of numerous U.S. Government grants.
Basic Functions
We are seeking a Grants Coordinator, who is organized, detail-oriented, and willing to contribute to the organization, to manage our grant writing, reporting, and research. The ideal candidate will be an excellent writer with a proven ability to track and meet multiple deadlines, and with attention to detail. The coordinator will work directly with their supervisor to coordinate the organization’s grant management procedures.
Job Responsibilities
Write and submit grant applications and reports.
Track grant awards, deliverables, metrics, and deadlines.
Communicate grant requirements to supervisor.
Lead grant huddles to align teams for successful grant outcomes and reporting.
Assist with special event planning and execution as necessary.
Qualifications
Education in related field or applicable experience in project management.
Excellent professional and persuasive writing skills in English and Albanian language.
Good knowledge of Serbian language.
Experience managing multiple assignments remain on deadlines.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders.
Application Docs
Qualified candidates should send:
A current CV.
Scanned documents of all professional certificates and/or degree(s).
Contact Information for at least two professional references.
Scanned ID or Passport.
How to apply?
All applicants must send their application documents in the following email address: info@kusalumni.org
The email subject heading must read: Application for the position: Grant Coordinator, [Name and Surname]
NOTE: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted!
On days like these, it is very important for each of us to contribute to the betterment of our health and our community. KUSA in collaboration with other partner organizations has produced the video “1 for All - All for 1”.
The main purpose of this initiative is to urge people to stay at home and curb the spread of the virus while enjoying the benefits of this situation for our self-improvement.
We want to thank the participants of the video for helping us spread this message, our partner organizations for participating in this campaign, and a special thanks to the team GjirafaVideo for putting this video together.
As KUSA grows with new members annually, so does the scope of our activities. As an organization, our goal is to be able to offer each member the benefits you get from being registered as Alumni in KUSA.
For this reason, it is very important for us to have updated information on our members. We are currently working on updating our database and your contribution is appreciated. We want to kindly ask you to fill out the KUSA membership form on the link below, to update us with your current information:
The link can be found under the ABOUT section on our webpage, a button MEMBERSHIP FORM.
The application form is fairly easy, and only takes a few minutes of your time. Please keep in mind to use your email instead of your work email when applying.
Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!
On December 20th, 2019, the annual “KUSA Networking Event” took place in Prishitna to gather all KUSA members and partners. Everyone that was once part of the U.S.Government – funded programs and has turned back to Kosovo can be a member of our vast community.
At the end of every year, KUSA Networking Event serves as a networking and socializing platform for our members and partners to discuss what they have been up to during the year.
The Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Prishtina, Nick Jacobbe, spoke at the opening of the event. He emphasized the importance U.S. Alumni engagement in their communities.
“For some of you, this is through volunteering and direct involvement in community activities. For others, making a difference means working to make the government institutions more transparent, and helping deliver services to citizens more efficiently. Other alumni are developing new technology, building a better business environment, and improving the education system. Whatever alumni are doing, and wherever they are in the world, they are applying the experience they gained in the United Sates to finding creative solutions for challenges at home.” Said Chargé d’Affaires Jacobbe.
Through different KUSA activities and projects, the Alumni could get involved and apply their U.S. experience in their communities.
For showing great engagement in various KUSA projects, Nora Latifi Jashari was awarded with the KUSA Alumni of the Year Award and Erblin Hoxha with the KUSA Emerging Leader. We are happy to mark yet another successful year for KUSA!
Kosovo United States Alumni is seeking for eligible and qualified applicants for the position of “Project Assistant” beginning on November 1st, 2019.
Position: Project Assistant
Opening Date: 11.10.2019
Closing Date: 21.10.2019
Work Hours: Part-time; 20 hours/week
Organization Background
KUSA is a nonprofit association, established in 2007 with the help of the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo and several committed alumni of U.S. government exchange program. KUSA is an association of more than 1400 members that had the opportunity to participate in U.S. government-funded exchanges and education programs. KUSA operates as a democracy that values its members who are making significant contributions by sharing skills and best practices acquired during their U.S. exchange experience with colleagues and communities across Kosovo. KUSA is also responsible for the administration and monitoring of numerous U.S. Government grants.
Basic Functions
The Project Assistant will provide programmatic, communications, and administrative support to the KUSA team. S/he will be responsible for data collection, analysis, management, and interpretation for grant programs, tracking and collecting project information, and assisting in monitoring performance against budgets and indicators.
The incumbent will draft and prepare necessary project documentation for activities, apply communications expertise (e.g. conducting web-based outreach, creating program profiles, summarizing lessons learned from data/research findings, and utilizing multi-media applications, such as social media, blogs, photography, and video streaming) to assist the team in communicating successes broadly and sharing results to specific audiences.
Qualifications Required
Applicants must address each required qualification listed below:
Working experience in the related fields.
Fluency both in written and spoken English.
Highly motivated with a strong work ethic.
Outstanding organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks.
Able to thrive in a high-volume, deadline-driven work environment.
Applying
Qualified candidates should send:
A current CV.
Scanned documents of all professional certificated and degree(s).
Contact Information for at least two professional references.
Scanned ID or Passport.
Submit ALL application materials to:
Email Address: kusacenter@gmail.com
The email subject heading must read:
Application for the position: Project Assistant, [Name and Surname]
NOTE: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted!
On September 27, 2019, KUSA hosted students from all over Prishtina at the “Prishtina School Clubs” fair, where KUSA alumni, local companies, students and parents discussed what activities are possible at the new afterschool Technology, Debate, Art, and Outdoors clubs. The curriculum and club guideline developed by KUSA members and experts of the field was distributed to the teachers who were thrilled to start implementing it.
Makerspaces such as Bonevet and FARA Workshop were the main attraction of the fair, with young tech enthusiasts eager to learn more about AI, robots, 3D printers, and Computer Numerical Control (CNC).
Sponsored by the U.S. Embassy, the “Prishtina School Clubs” project established extracurricular school clubs in all Prishtina area primary schools, based on KUSA alumni’s own experience on exchange in the U.S., where extracurricular activities and afterschool clubs are woven into the fabric of everyday student life.
Journalism Department of the University of Prishtina inaugurated MediaLab, which will be a space for journalism students to practice theoretical lessons and have the opportunity to use all the necessary equipment on pursuing their future carriers as professional journalists.
Representatives of the U.S. Embassy in Prishtina, The Dean of University of Prishtina, professors, students and media were all present at the establishment of MediaLab to witness the beginning of a new area for the UP, as students from now on can use this special classroom to further their education.
This project is part of the University Support Grant Program funded by the U.S. Embassy in Pristina and administered by KUSA.
Members of Art Club had a special visit at the National Gallery of Kosovo. They were able to see two exhibitions that are currently being exhibited in the National Gallery. The pupils from different schools of Ferizaj, Kaçanik and Shtërpcë were curious and showed great interest in the Bauhaus Imaginista exhibition as they popped many questions regarding the artwork.
This activity is part of the “Alumni Engagement through Extracurricular School Activities” project.
KUSA thanks the National Gallery of Kosovo for its willingness to contribute on this activity.
The preparations for the Prishtina School Club Fair have begun!
Today KUSA met with the management staff and professors of all Primary Schools in Prishtina, who have shown keen interest in finding out more about “Prishtina School Clubs.” Through this meeting, KUSA representatives shared their experience and strategy with established or re-activated school clubs in four schools in Prishtina, Ferizaj, Shterpce and Kacanik. Moreover, KUSA also had the chance to share its plan for the fair including the clubs, as well as their organizational structure.
All schools agreed to allow KUSA to act as a consultant throughout the establishment or re-activation of the following clubs: Art, Debate, Technology and Outdoor Activities Club.
Yesterday, Faculty of Education, University of Prishtina, held an award ceremony for the teachers who attended the “Training of Inquiry Based Science Education Trainers serving the Science Teachers”.
The IBSE training was offered to FE science staff by professors from the Indiana University with the purpose to improve the education system in Kosovo.
This project was part of the University Support Grant Program.
On Monday, Keep it Green hosted a round-table discussion as part of the monitoring of the implementation of "The Law on the hazardous environmental zone of Obiliq and surrounding areas".
The round-table consisted of discussions and debates regarding the environmental legislature in Kosovo and the steps to be taken towards proper implementation.
An online platform was also presented during the event. Citizens will be able to use Ligjiperobiliqin.info regarding their law-guaranteed rights in the upcoming info-sessions in the community.
This project was funded by KUSA as part of the Alumni Small Grants Program and aims to reduce law-breaking and encourage transparency by raising information levels of general public and CSOs in Obiliq about their rights guaranteed by the recently approved law.
Developing and implementing common course evaluation instrument for all CES (Center for Energy and Sustainability) and having Professor Jonathan Fink as a speaker, were the activities of the project “Building Institutional Capacity in the New UP Center for Energy and Sustainability” which is part of University Support Grant Program funded by U.S. Embassy in Prishtina.
Professor Fink, having an impressive carrier as a researcher in various well-known universities in the United States, currently is a leading scientist and practitioner of sustainability and he offered a seminar on “The Science and Practice of Sustainability”.
This activity gathered over 70 participants including management of the UP, members of Center for Energy and Sustainability, professors, students etc.
Members of Debate Club from Ferizaj welcomed Ms. Teuta Jaha as a guest speaker in this week's debate club gathering. Ms. Jaha coming from an architecture background, shared her journey of becoming one. Kids were thrilled to listen to her as she advised them about their future careers as an architect.
After an exciting debate with guest speaker, pupils continued with usual activities of the Debate Club. They were introduced to a new topic and taught by their coach Mr. Erblin Hoxha on how to form a constructive argument no matter their personal beliefs.
Today, KUSA representative Ms. Riza has signed a memorandum of understanding with Directorate of Education, Municipality of Prishtina. The purpose of this agreement is to implement the project "Prishtina School Clubs", funded by the U.S. Embassy in Prishtina.
The project "Prishtina School Clubs" aims to establish extracurricular school clubs in all primary schools in Prishtina area. The clubs will revolve around the theme of art, debate, outdoor activities and technology that tend to persuasively spur creativity, critical thinking, discussion proficiency, environmental awareness, technological influences, and so forth. The core objective in influencing the development of education through technology and innovative systematic approaches will intensively be addressed through the inclusion of alumnus and various workshops.
Debate Club had a guest speaker on this week’s gathering. Ms Vjosa Spahiu Gola talked to the pupils of Kaçanik about her experience as a journalist. Her interesting job awakened the curiosity of the young students who popped many questions to Ms Spahiu about her everyday job as a radio journalist, her various interviews of well-known personalities and the programs she conducts live on radio.
Students that are part of this club also continued the activities that aim to improve their argument forming abilities and other skills that help them become better debaters. The Debate Club Coordinator Mr Erblin Hoxha lectured them on developing their confidence in presenting positions and arguments.
Debate Club gathers students from grades 6 to 9 to learn more about the rules and styles of debating.
Through Debate Club, we aim to enhance the students' critical thinking skills. This is achieved by choosing different topics which are of interest to their age; therefore, encouraging them to challenge each other with questions and opinions.
For this phase of the project, the Debate Club Coordinator is our Alumni, Erblin Hoxha, who has been working with different debate teams for 10 years. Mr. Hoxha has experience in teaching the methods of debating to high school students; thus, he volunteered his time to modify these lectures for middle school students. The lectures include lessons on critical thinking skills, debating skills, researching, different forms of debating etc.
Part of the Extracurricular School Activities is the Technology Club, which is developed in cooperation with our alumni coordinators and school coordinators. This club provides students with hands-on learning, which puts into practice what they study in class.
For this club, we select our best and most experienced alumni to lecture the students on the field of Technology. With their help, we have formed a lecture, "Software and Hardware Essentials," which extends their knowledge on the basis of IT. Moreover, our alumni share their experience gained in the U.S., and show students the wide array of professions that Technology provides.
Last week, this lecture was taught to the middle school students in Shterpce, Kaqanik and Ferizaj!
Our activity for Art Club in all three municipalities, Shterpce, Kacanik and Ferizaj included around 70 students from 6th grade to 9th grade.
For this activity each school had different set of projects in mind, and KUSA coordinators complied with their requests.
One school in particular, "Nazmi Osmani" in Ferizaj, Elezaj have included five students from the special class in the Art Club. Through this activity, the club marked the World Down Syndrome Day.
The final projects are now part of the schools’ gallery.
This activity came to be as part of "Alumni Engagement through Extracurricular School Activities."
Various KUSA projects have the purpose and goal of raising awareness, changing public attitudes and behaviors to drive positive social change while encouraging action towards a particular phenomenon or issue within our society. They are predominantly designated to educate our society through generating awareness and positively influencing the public opinion to drive societal transformation and change attitudes towards a particular anomaly. One particular issue KUSA wants to bring to the limelight is the neglected role of women in our society as the critical social support structures. It is crucial to emphasize the significant role of women in our society and reflect upon their influential capabilities and the roots of their meteoric rise through encouraging them to voice their thoughts, ideas and opinions. As a result, Shkendije Himaj, KUSA Member, initiated the project “Removing Ceiling for Equal Opportunities” with the focus on removing some of the impediments related to various barriers regarding gender diversity in Kosovo as well as promoting equal opportunities for women in numerous decision-making processes within the society.
The project was lastly celebrated through a Certification Award Ceremony with regards to the professional development training programs conducted for a selected group of women coming from various professional backgrounds. Therefore, on March 18th, KUSA together with Ms. Shkendije Himaj hosted the certification ceremony “Acknowledge my CV” for the closing of the project as a sign of revering the women who participated and celebrating the completion of a successful project. Attendees had the chance to recognize all the women who participated in such a training program, whose aim was to facilitate a pathway for women in leading positions and/or management roles.
The imperative role of women in our society was also amplified by the United States Ambassador Mr. Philip Kosnett, whose presence honored the entire event. Through a powerful speech, the US Ambassador talked about women empowerment in the workplace as well as the necessary actions and activities Kosovo should undertake to further promote equal opportunities.
Recognizing the importance of this project as a critical advocate for equipping women with leadership skills and training programs that hereinafter motivate women to flourish in the society as equally as men, the Founder and Chair of the Board of Directors Ms. Atifete Jahjage also joined us on our celebration of the achievement of these women. Through a captivating language of speech, Ms. Jahjaga inspired our women to continue thriving and contributing to our society while facing and overcoming any barrier that comes along the way.
Online Registry of all certified trainees, can be found here:
Applications for Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2019 are now open. For more information about AEIF 2019, and application procedures click here: http://bit.ly/AEIF2019.
Kosovo United States Alumni is a nonprofit association, established in 2007 with the help of the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo and its founding board.
