Invitation to Apply
The World Council of Churches (WCC) invites qualified consultants to apply for the position of Research and Fieldwork Consultant within the RE-SPHERE Project, focusing on North Macedonia and Albania.
The RE-SPHERE project is a Horizon Europe–funded interdisciplinary initiative that brings together academic institutions, civil society organisations, cultural actors, and policymakers to examine and support the governance of Shared Holy Places (SHPs) across Southeastern Europe and Ukraine.
Rooted in commitments to peacebuilding, cultural heritage protection, and inclusive dialogue, the project develops innovative, participatory, and evidence-based approaches to managing shared religious spaces, particularly in regions shaped by historical tensions and diverse identity claims.
The selected consultant will contribute to research, coordination, and fieldwork activities, ensuring that local perspectives, especially those of marginalised communities, are meaningfully integrated into the project’s outputs.

Purpose of the Consultancy:
The consultancy aims to support the implementation of research and fieldwork activities in North Macedonia and Albania.
The consultant will generate high-quality empirical data on Shared Holy Places (SHPs), contributing to a deeper understanding of their social, cultural, religious, and political dynamics. The role includes mapping, site visits, qualitative research, stakeholder engagement, and analytical reporting, ensuring alignment with the project’s comparative and interdisciplinary framework.

The contractor is expected to deliver the following:

Research and Mapping Reports
• Mapping and Case Study Report: A comprehensive report documenting identified Shared Holy Places (SHPs), including spatial, historical, and contextual data, as well as the selection and justification of case studies. 
Analytical Reports
• Country-Level Analytical Report (North Macedonia and Albania): A report presenting in-depth analysis of findings from each country, including governance dynamics, patterns of use, challenges, and good practices related to SHPs. 
• Comparative Insights Report: A report contributing to cross-country comparison, highlighting similarities, differences, and emerging themes between North Macedonia and Albania within the broader RE-SPHERE framework. 
All the deliverables should be written in English.

Qualifications and Experience
Applicants should demonstrate:
• A minimum of 2 years of academic and applied research experience in the fields of religious studies, anthropology, cultural heritage, or related disciplines. 
• Enrolment in, or completion of, a PhD programme in Social Sciences, Religious Studies, or a closely related field, with a research focus relevant to religion, politics, cultural heritage, or conflict-sensitive contexts. 
• Demonstrated experience in qualitative research methods, including ethnographic fieldwork, interviews, oral history collection, and narrative analysis, as well as experience in mapping and documentation of cultural and religious sites. 
• Proven experience in academic research projects and research institutions, including participation in funded research programmes and collaboration with university-based research teams. 
• Strong experience in fieldwork in culturally and religiously diverse and sensitive environments, including direct engagement with communities in the Balkans and broader regions. 
• Experience in data collection, documentation, and analysis, including contribution to research outputs such as academic publications, reports, and conference presentations. 
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and community interaction, including work with vulnerable groups, minority communities, and intercultural settings. 
• Familiarity with digital tools and cultural heritage documentation practices, including experience in projects involving mapping, digital humanities, or cultural informatics. 
• Advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Office and research-related digital tools for documentation, analysis, and reporting. 
• Demonstrated understanding of religious dynamics, interfaith relations, and socio-political contexts in Southeast Europe and the Balkans. 
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to conduct independent research and contribute to interdisciplinary projects. 
• Experience in organizing and moderating academic discussions, workshops, or teaching activities, including engagement with students and research participants. 
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required; knowledge of Greek and other regional languages is considered an asset. 
• Previous experience with academic, research, or culturally-oriented programmes is preferred.
Duration: 6 months, from mid-June 2026 to mid-December 2026

Deadline for application: 10 June 2026

Among candidates who meet the nomination criteria, participants will be selected with a view to achieving regional, gender and denominational balance.