Project Background: KIPRED already has a well-established intern programme with many international students. They require interns for at least 3 months and can accommodate interns for 12 months. Anything less than 3 months is not worth it for both the intern and KIPRED. The working language is English and all the policies are written in English. They work on an array of different policies as a Kosovan political think-tank. KIPRED’s aims are:

• To support the consolidation of democracy within public institutions and political parties in Kosovo;
• The development of independent public policy research in the field of governance, the development of political parties, and the development of inter-ethnic, regional and international relations;
• To influence processes in the creation of public policy;
• To offer forums for the discussion and exchange of experiences in institution and democracy building;
• To increase research capacities for students and young researchers;
• To offer resources for scientific and public policy research.

KIPRED’s mission is to promote and strengthen democracy and democratic values in Kosovo and the region. KIPRED is organized around two main pillars: a) policy research and b) training of political parties and government.8 Location: KIPRED is located in Sunny Hill, which is approx 2 -3 km outside Pristina centre. A taxi costs about €1.60 each way.

Accommodation: There are plenty of hostels that people can stay in for approx €10 per night based on three people sharing at Guesthouse Velania. Velania is the affluent housing district of Pristina and is very safe with plenty of international police and embassies in very close proximity. It may also be possible to stay in a flat/apartment in Sunny Hill making the office walking distance. When talking to the current intern this cost approximately €300 per month.

Numbers: KIPRED require a CV and letter of motivation. Besides the initial recommendation and general assistance with the planning of the trip, the governance resides with KIPRED. Due to the length of time required it might be better to aim this at individuals looking to take a gap year during their studies/year abroad. Alternatively it could be advertised to final year students looking to do a year of work experience in policy creation, drafting and editing.

Skill base of the volunteer required: The student would have to have had experience or at least a strong interest in policy or experience in public or parliamentary affairs. KIPRED are ideally looking for MA students rather than undergrads but if the right student comes along then they are more than willing to review the application.

Activities in the project: Suggesting policy for the Kosovan government and parliament. The intern we spoke to researched and investigated other countries’ fiscal and monetary policies and from that research he created a report suggesting what he thought the Kosovan Government should pursue, with regards to their economic policy. There is a high level of contact between KIPRED and government authorities. It is not limited by any means to financial policy. KIPRED is contracted by various institutions and government departments to create and amend policies. Therefore, the intern may not know exactly what area of policy they will be investigating until they are accepted.

Development and future opportunities: KIPRED want to develop policy that is in line with EU regulation and want to create concrete policy that affects citizens. There are currently gaps in the secondary legislation in Kosovo so this is an area that interns could research. KIPRED are looking at commissioning a security studies report in order to develop their policy.

Possible security and safety concerns: Due to the high level of support from the other employees and the proximity to Pristina there seem to be few safety and security concerns.

Note: The language of the public servants/politicians will more than likely be Albanian, producing a barrier to access information. But there are supporting staff that can help if any of the interns face a language barrier: the intern will have a high level of support.

Last updated: April 26th, 2009