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 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 (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:
• Minimum 2 years of academic and applied research experience in relevant fields (e.g. religious studies, anthropology, cultural heritage) 
• Bachelor on Otoman history or Turkish language or related fields, and experience in archives.
• Strong qualitative research and analytical skills 
• Experience with fieldwork, documentation, and data management 
• Familiarity with Balkan regional contexts (especially Albania and North Macedonia) 
• Experience working in culturally and religiously diverse environments 
• Ability to engage with stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools 
• Experience in translation/interpretation (asset) 
• Contribution to academic or cultural outputs (asset) 
• Fluency in English, Albanian, and Turkish

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.