SIGMA BMC

Projects

Behavioral Science for Municipal Governance

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To facilitate a series of Behavioral Harvest Workshops for municipal officials in Kosovo, applying social and behavioral sciences principles to governance, and to contribute to the continuous improvement and adaptation of the workshop methodology through post-workshop analysis and reporting. The specific objectives included:

  • To co-facilitate and subsequently lead the facilitation of the five Behavioral Harvest Workshops.
  • To effectively engage municipal officials (Mayors and civil servants) from various municipalities in Kosovo (Prizren, Prishtine, Suhareke, Vushtri, and Gjilan), totaling 75 participants, around the application of social and behavioral sciences to governance.
  • To introduce relevant activities and nuanced adjustments to the workshop sessions, leveraging behavioral science expertise to enhance the participant experience and outcomes.
  • To jointly conduct post-workshop analysis and reporting with the USAID Social Contract Activity (SCA) team to inform continuous improvement and adaptations of the workshop design and delivery.

Year

May 2022 – June 2022

Country

Kosovo

Type of Activity

Behavioral Science Consulting, Public Sector Consulting, Capacity Building, Training and Facilitation, commissioned by USAID Social Contract Activity in Kosovo.

Activities:

Facilitate Behavioural Harvest Workshops.

Engage municipal officials, including Mayors and civil servants from 5 main Kosovo municipalities including Prizren, Prishtine, Suhareke, Vushtri, and Gjilan to centre around the theme of applying social and behavioural sciences to governance.

Integrate relevant activities and nuanced adjustments into the workshop sessions, drawing upon their behavioral science expertise to optimize the learning experience and outcomes for participants.

Collaborate with the USAID SCA team to conduct post-workshop analysis, contributing to the reporting process for each session.

Results:

Successful facilitation of five Behavioral Harvest Workshops for 75 municipal officials in Kosovo.
Increased awareness and understanding among municipal officials regarding the application of social and behavioral sciences to governance.
Enhanced engagement and participation of municipal officials in the workshops through tailored activities and adjustments.
Comprehensive post-workshop analysis and reports generated in collaboration with the SCA team.
Identification of key learnings and areas for improvement in the workshop design and delivery methodology.
Contribution to the continuous adaptation and enhancement of future Behavioral Harvest Workshops within the USAID Social Contract Activity.
Potential for municipal officials to apply behavioral insights in their governance practices.

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Deposit Return Scheme

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To conduct comprehensive market research, develop a robust business case, and design a viable institutional framework for the implementation, management, monitoring, and enforcement of a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Kosovo, drawing on international best practices and addressing existing institutional capacities. The specific objectives included:

  • To conduct thorough market research and provide relevant data to inform the development of a comprehensive Business Case for a DRS.
  • To review the existing institutional set-up of relevant public institutions, analyzing their mandates, organizational structure, and staffing levels regarding DRS requirements, and to examine international institutional models for DRS.
  • To develop a detailed institutional framework for DRS implementation and monitoring, including identifying suitable models, relevant competences and capacities, enforcement roles and responsibilities, and necessary technical capabilities.
  • To address knowledge gaps and provide concrete recommendations on the processes and steps required to establish the institutional framework for setting up, managing, monitoring, and enforcing DRS in Kosovo.

Year

September 2021 – November 2022

Country

Kosovo

Type of Activity

Environmental Consulting, Waste Management and Circular Economy, Public Sector Consulting, Policy Consulting, commissioned by GIZ, working on behalf of a government program “Sustainable Municipal Services”.

Activities:

Conduct market research and provided relevant data for the development of the Business Case for the Deposit Return Scheme in Kosovo.
Review the existing institutional set-up (mandates, organizational structure, and staffing levels) of relevant public institutions in Kosovo to set up, implement, monitor, and enforce DRS.
Analyze international institutional set-up experiences for DRS to identify models that could be replicated and adapted to Kosovo’s context.
Develop the institutional framework for DRS implementation and monitoring, including the identification of models, relevant competences and capacities, enforcement roles and responsibilities, and technical capabilities to implement the DRS scheme.
Address knowledge gaps and provid concrete recommendations on the processes and steps required to establish the institutional framework for setting up, managing, monitoring, and enforcing DRS in Kosovo.

Results:

Comprehensive market research data providing a foundation for the Deposit Return Scheme’s Business Case in Kosovo.

A detailed analysis of the existing institutional landscape in Kosovo relevant to DRS implementation, alongside insights from international best practices.

A well-defined institutional framework for the Deposit Return Scheme in Kosovo, outlining suitable models, required capacities, enforcement mechanisms, and technical needs.

Concrete recommendations and a clear roadmap for the processes and steps necessary to establish a functional institutional framework for the DRS in Kosovo.

Enhanced understanding among stakeholders regarding the requirements and processes for establishing a Deposit Return Scheme in Kosovo.

A robust foundation for the Government of Kosovo and relevant institutions to move forward with the implementation of a Deposit Return Scheme.

 

Strategic Planning and Business Model Crafting

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To develop and implement comprehensive strategic plans and tailored business models for the news media agencies KosovaPress and KosovaLive, aligning with Internews’ overarching objectives and vision, and enhancing their organizational efficiency, service delivery, and overall operational effectiveness. The specific objectives included:

  • To lead the development and formulation of comprehensive strategic plans for KosovaPress and KosovaLive.
  • To evaluate the current organizational structures of KosovaPress and KosovaLive and propose and implement structural enhancements.
  • To craft tailored service delivery models for both KosovaPress and KosovaLive, detailing processes and identifying areas for improvement and innovation.
  • To organize and conduct specialized training sessions and workshops for the teams at KosovaPress and KosovaLive to embed the new strategic initiatives, organizational adjustments, and service delivery methodologies.

Year

28 March 2023 – 31 May 2023

Country

Kosovo

Type of Activity

Media Development Consulting, Strategy Consulting, Management Consulting, commissioned by Internews, USAID BMAP Forward

Activities:

Lead the development and formulation of comprehensive strategic plans ensuring they align with overarching objectives and the vision set forth by Internews USA.

Evaluate the current organizational structures of KosovaPress and KosovaLive.

Propose and implement structural enhancements to strengthen efficiency, collaboration, and overall operational effectiveness.

Craft tailored service delivery model for both KosovaPress and KosovaLive.

Organize and conduct specialized training sessions and workshops for the teams at KosovaPress and KosovaLive to embed the new strategic initiatives, organizational adjustments, and service delivery methodologies, ensuring staff proficiency and alignment with the new directives.

Results:

Comprehensive strategic plans developed and formulated for both KosovaPress and KosovaLive, aligned with Internews’ vision.

Enhanced organizational structures implemented at KosovaPress and KosovaLive, leading to improved efficiency, collaboration, and operational effectiveness.

Tailored service delivery models crafted for KosovaPress and KosovaLive, optimizing client experience and operational flow through identified improvements and innovations.

Teams at KosovaPress and KosovaLive trained and proficient in the new strategic initiatives, organizational adjustments, and service delivery methodologies.

Improved strategic alignment and operational capacity of both KosovaPress and KosovaLive.

Enhanced ability of KosovaPress and KosovaLive to achieve their objectives and contribute to the broader media landscape.

 

Restructuring of the EARK for Improved Services

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To provide expert support to the Employment Agency of the Republic of Kosovo (EARK) in its restructuring efforts aimed at enhancing the quality of its services and effectively implementing the Youth Guarantee Scheme, aligning with national development strategies and European best practices for Public Employment Services (PES).

The specific objectives included:

  • Map stakeholders & support fact-finding for EARK restructuring.
  • Analyze EARK’s situation based on key documents.
  • Support an international consultant in developing the EARK restructuring proposal (structure, legislation, training).
  • Define EARK processes and develop a new organizational structure.
  • Facilitate coordination for EARK restructuring.
  • Support the preparation of the Youth Guarantee Scheme.
  • Assist in drafting the EARK restructuring report and action plan.
  • Develop EARK’s customized Competency Framework and Implementation Plan (aligned with national & European standards).

Year

May 2022 – March 2023

Country

Kosovo

Type of Activity

Public Sector Consulting, Organizational Development (OD) Consulting, and Public Administration Reform, commissioned by Fit4Jobs, GIZ.

Activities:

Mapped stakeholders and co-led fact-finding (interviews with EARK staff, stakeholders, MFLT).
Conduct situational analysis (laws, reports, manuals).
Provide local insight and support international consultant in developing EARK restructuring proposal (structure, legislation, training).
Identify EARK processes and co-develop a new organizational structure.
Coordinate with MFLT, EARK management, and GIZ.
Support the coordination of the Youth Guarantee Scheme task force.
Draft the EARK Restructuring Report and Implementation Action Plan.
Develop EARK’s Customized Competency Framework and Implementation Plan (aligned with national & European standards).

Results:

Comprehensive Analysis & Restructuring Plan.

New Procces-oreinted Organizational Structure and concrete Implementation Action Plan.

Customized Competency Framework and an Implementation Plan for EARK leadership and middle management staff, aligned with national and European standards.

 

OD and Capacity Building in Kosovo’s Water Sector

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To provide specialized organizational development expertise and capacity building support to key governmental institutions in Kosovo’s water sector, including the Ministry of Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure (MESPI), Environmental Agency, National Regulatory Water Authority, Hydro-Meteorologic Institute, and MESPI Water Department and Division, within the framework of the SDC and GoK’s Integrated Water Resources Management in Kosovo (IWRM-K) Program. The specific objectives included:

  • To assess the service delivery model and training services of the Kosovo Institute of Public Administration (KIPA), including trainer facilitation skills, and provide recommendations for improvement.
  • To conduct a comprehensive GAP assessment of Human Resources policies and practices within the target water sector institutions, identify areas for improvement, and develop a Human Resource Improvement Strategy & Action Plan.
  • To support the implementation of a country-wide Integrated Water Resources Management Training Programme, including the coordination of trainers and training workshops for civil servants.
  • To design and deliver specific organizational development workshops.

Year

May 2023 – November 2023

Country

Kosovo

Type of Activity

Organizational Development (OD) Consulting, Capacity Building, Human Resources (HR) Consulting, and Training and Development Consulting commissioned by SDC and GoK Program: INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT IN KOSOVO (IWRM-K), Phase 1, May 2020 – April 2024

Activities:

Conduct a GAP assessment of the Kosovo Institute of Public Administration (KIPA) service delivery model and training services, including a skill assessment of trainers’ facilitation skills, and provided recommendations for improvement.

Conduct a GAP assessment of the Human Resources including identification of policies and practices of the HR division, comparison with industry best practices, identification of areas for improvement, provision of recommendations and action planning.

Facilitated an Orientation Session and coordinated ten (10) engaged trainers for the “Support to implementation of a Country-wide Integrated Water Resources Management Training Programme” (May-July 2023).

Results:

Enhanced understanding of organizational development principles and best practices within the targeted institutions.

Increased capacity of trainers involved in the IWRM Training Programme through coordination and potential feedback.


Coordinated four (4) rounds of trainings, comprising 32 training workshops for 185 civil servants from central/local government, in cooperation with KIPA.

 

Staffing Solutions for Energy Projects

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Provide O&G Consulting AB with qualified and vetted engineering and operations personnel from the Balkan region to meet the staffing demands of their onshore and offshore energy sector projects in Sweden and Norway, ensuring projects were supported by competent professionals adhering to stringent industry standards and regulations.. The specific objectives included:

  • To effectively outreach, recruit, and vet skilled trades personnel from the Balkan region with expertise in engineering, operations, and project management relevant to the energy sector.
  • To source and deploy qualified individuals for key required roles.
  • To manage all administrative, logistical, and financial requirements associated with the mobilization and deployment of personnel from Kosovo to project sites in Sweden and Norway.
  • To ensure all deployed personnel meet the technical qualifications and safety certifications required by the client and comply with local labor and safety regulations.
  • To provide continuous project oversight and maintain effective communication between Balkan-based staff and project sites to ensure alignment with project requirements.

Year

March 2013 – September 2014

Country

Sweden, Norway

Type of Activity

Talent Acquisition Consulting in Energy Sector (Oil&Gas) for O&G Consulting AB, SÖDERBY, Sweden.

Activities:

Conduct outreach and recruitment campaigns within the Balkan region to identify suitable candidates.
Rigorously vett candidates to ensure they met the required technical qualifications and safety certifications for energy sector roles.
Manage the processing of Work Permits and ensured compliance with labor and safety regulations in Sweden and Norway.
Coordinate travel arrangements, accommodation, and on-site orientation for deployed personnel.
Facilitate communication between the Balkan-based staff and the refinery/project sites.
Facilitate Work Permits to ensure regulatory compliance.
Maintain continuous project oversight and quality assurance of staffing services.
Manage administrative, logistical, and financialss related to the mobilization and ongoing support of the personnel.

Results:

Successfully sourced, recruited, and deployed qualified engineering and operations personnel from the Balkan region for O&G Consulting AB’s energy sector projects in Sweden and Norway.
Provided competent individuals filling key roles such as Foremen/Supervisors, Work Permit Coordinators, and specialized Operators.
Efficiently managed all administrative, logistical, and financial aspects of personnel mobilization from Kosovo, ensuring smooth deployment.
Ensured all deployed personnel possessed the necessary technical qualifications and safety certifications, complying with relevant regulations.
Maintained effective communication and project oversight, contributing to the successful integration of Balkan-based staff into project teams.
Demonstrated Sigma BMC’s capability to provide end-to-end staffing solutions tailored to the specific demands of the energy sector.

 

Digital Transformation Strategy & Implementation Support

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To empower selected Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Kosovo to strategically embrace and effectively implement digital technologies by providing tailored assessments, developing comprehensive digital transformation strategies, and offering hands-on support during the initial implementation phase. This initiative aims to enhance the operational efficiency, market competitiveness, and overall growth potential of these businesses within the evolving digital landscape, while also promoting equitable practices in their digital transformation journeys through the development of Gender Equality Policies. The specific objectives included:

  • To conduct comprehensive pre-assessments of prospective companies to inform their selection for the “Digital 4 Business” program.
  • To perform in-depth Digital Maturity Assessments for selected companies, generating detailed evaluative reports.
  • To formulate tailored digital transformation strategies for each client company, including short-term and long-term objectives with measurable KPIs.
  • To develop Gender Equality Policies focused on promoting equitable practices in digital transformation for client companies.
  • To provide proactive support and supervision during the initial 6-month implementation phase of the digital transformation strategies.
  • To assess the progress of digital transformation initiatives post the 6-month implementation phase, documenting findings and updating strategies for independent execution.

Year

April 2023 – May 2024

Country

Kosovo

Type of Activity

Digital Transformation Consulting, commissioned by ESNAF & GIZ’s “Digital 4 Business” component of the Digital Transformation Centre at the Innovation and Training Park (ITP)

Activities:

Performed comprehensive pre-assessments for two prospective companies, documenting key findings and providing strategic recommendations to ESNAF.
Executed in-depth Digital Maturity Assessments, culminating in the creation of detailed evaluative reports.
Formulated tailored digital transformation strategies, inclusive of defined strategic objectives for short-term (6 months) and long-term horizons, accompanied by measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Authored Gender Equality Policies with a focus on equitable practices in Digital Transformation for both client companies.
Proactively supported and supervised the initial 6-month phase of the digital transformation strategy deployment for both companies, including consistent on-site engagement with visits conducted at least monthly.

Results:

Increased revenues and growth through new business models, E-commerce plafroms and digital marketing.

Streamlined workflows with integration of digital tools and cloud based solutions.

Improved customer experience and enhanced customer services through chatboors and CRM systems providing personalized customer support.

Successful support and supervision of the initial 6-month implementation phase of digital transformation strategies for companies.

 

VET Reform Consulting

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To update the existing Occupational Standard (OS) and develop a comprehensive, modular, competence-based curriculum and accompanying Teaching and Learning Materials (TLM) for the Electrical Engineering Technician Profile at Level 5 of the National Qualification Framework (NQF) in Kosovo. Additionally, to build the capacity of Vocational Education and Training (VET) teachers and instructors in the delivery of this new curriculum. The specific objectives included:

  • Review the existing Occupational Standard for the Electrical Engineering Technician profile and provide recommendations for its update and improvement.
  • Develop a modular, competence-based course structure for the Electrical Engineering Technician profile at Level 5, aligning with the updated Occupational Standard and NQF requirements.
  • Create comprehensive Teaching and Learning Materials (TLM) and Instructional Manuals to support the delivery of the newly developed curriculum.
  • Enhance the pedagogical and technical capacities of 20 teachers and instructors from five VET schools in Kosovo for the effective implementation of the new curriculum and TLM.

Year

April – December 2023

Country

Kosovo

Type of Activity

Education and Training Consulting, Vocational Education and Training (VET) Reform, Curriculum Development, Capacity Building/Teacher Training, commissioned by Lux Development on behalf of Project KSV/801

Activities:

Reviewed the existing Occupational Standard for the Electrical Engineering Technician profile and provided recommendations for its update.

Developed a modular, competence-based course structure for the Electrical Engineering Technician profile at Level 5, referencing the updated Occupational Standard and adhering to NQF requirements.

Developed comprehensive Teaching and Learning Materials (TLM) to support the delivery of the new curriculum.

Developed Instructional Manuals to guide teachers and instructors in the effective use of the curriculum and TLM.

Provided capacity development training to 20 teachers and instructors from five VET schools on the content, methodology, and implementation of the new curriculum and TLM.

Results:

An updated and improved Occupational Standard for the Electrical Engineering Technician profile, serving as a relevant and current benchmark for skills and competencies.

A fully developed, modular, competence-based curriculum for the Electrical Engineering Technician profile at Level 5, aligned with the updated OS and NQF.

Comprehensive and practical Teaching and Learning Materials (TLM) readily available for use by students.

Clear and user-friendly Instructional Manuals to guide teachers and instructors in delivering the new curriculum effectively.

Enhanced pedagogical and technical skills of 20 VET teachers and instructors, improving their ability to deliver competence-based education.

Increased relevance and quality of the Electrical Engineering Technician program at Level 5, better meeting the needs of the labor market.

Improved alignment of VET education with the National Qualification Framework in Kosovo.

 

Business Growth & Sustainability for Balkan Media Outlets

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To provide tailored business development advisory and consultancy support to selected media outlets in Kosovo and Albania, aiming to enhance their market position, strengthen their financial sustainability, and foster innovation in their operations.
The specific objectives included:

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive “Go To Market” strategy for Koha, strengthening its position as a leading news source in the Albanian media landscape and the region.
  • Develop and implement strategies and innovations, including marketing integration, for A2 CNN to enhance its market presence.
  • Conduct a thorough GAP Assessment of Marketing and Sales for Success for KosovaPress, identifying areas for improvement and growth.
  • Develop strategies for building a sustainable future for non-profit independent media outlets, including Kosovo 2.0, Faktoje, ACQJ, and Citizen Channel.

Year

April – June 2024

Country

Kosovo

Type of Activity

Media Development Consulting, Business Development Consulting, Sustainability Consulting, commissioned by Internews, USAID BMAP Forward

Activities:

Developed and implemented a “Go To Market” strategy for Koha.

Developed and implemented strategies and innovations, including marketing integration, for A2 CNN.

Conducted a GAP Assessment of Marketing and Sales for Success for KosovaPress.

Provided consultancy for building a sustainable future for non-profit independent media outlets, including Kosovo 2.0, Faktoje, ACQJ, and Citizen Channel.

Results:

Enhanced business development capacity within the supported media outlets.

Identification of new revenue generation opportunities and diversification strategies.

Improved marketing and sales effectiveness for participating organizations.

Increased resilience and sustainability of independent media in Kosovo and Albania.

 

IT skills deficit and retention strategy

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To support the Government of Kosovo (GoK) in developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy to address the critical IT skills deficit and improve the retention of IT professionals within government institutions, ultimately strengthening the GoK’s e-governance capabilities. The specific objectives included:

  • To assist the Digital Transformation Unit (DTU) in formulating a holistic “IT skills deficit and retention strategy” applicable across all Government of Kosovo institutions.
  • To support the DTU in analyzing relevant laws, current motivation systems, and potential flexible working conditions to modernize ICT staff recruitment practices within the GoK.
  • To collaborate with the DTU and the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) Department for the Management of Public Officials to explore and map the possibilities of introducing a performance-based HR management system specifically tailored for ICT roles within the GoK..

Year

April – September 2024

Country

Kosovo

Type of Activity

Public Sector Consulting; Digital Transformation/e-Governance Consulting; Human Capital Management (HCM) Consulting; Organizational Development, commissioned by USAID.

Activities:

Development of an “IT skills deficit and retention strategy” for the entire Government of Kosovo.
Analysis of applicable laws, current motivation systems, and possible flexible working conditions to modernize ICT staff recruitment.
Mapping the possibilities of introducing a performance-based HR management system for ICT roles.

Results:

A comprehensive “IT skills deficit and retention strategy” developed and ready for implementation across the Government of Kosovo.

An analysis of existing laws, motivation systems, and flexible working conditions, providing insights for modernizing ICT staff recruitment within the GoK.

A clear mapping of the possibilities and potential framework for introducing a performance-based HR management system specifically designed for ICT roles within the GoK.

Enhanced understanding within the DTU and relevant GoK institutions regarding strategies to attract and retain IT professionals.

Increased capacity within the DTU and GoK to address IT skills shortages and improve employee retention in the long term.