OPEN CALL FOR DIASPORA MENTORS 
Terms of Reference
Germin invites diaspora professionals to apply as mentors for the mentoring sessions for businesses in Kosovo that will be taken under the HOME project of Caritas Switzerland. Germin is a local partner of Caritas Switzerland under the HOME Project funded by the Government of the Principality of Liechtenstein.

 About the HOME Project and the “Diaspora Link to Kosovo's Economy” Component

The  Holistic Opportunities for Migrant and Diaspora Engagement (HOME) project aims to contribute to well-managed migration processes by 2028 by strengthening the role of migrants, refugees, and diaspora communities in promoting socio-economic development and social cohesion at the local level. The project works closely with national and local institutions, relevant agencies, repatriated persons, asylum seekers, refugees, other migrants, the private sector, diaspora communities, and civil society organizations to create sustainable opportunities for engagement, inclusion, and community development.
The Diaspora Link to Kosovo's Economy project aims to strengthen economic ties between Kosovo and its diaspora by creating structured opportunities for collaboration between diaspora businesses and local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Implemented by Germin under the HOME programme, the project focuses on identifying and registering diaspora businesses into the Kosovo B2B Platform, transforming informal networks into a verified and accessible pipeline for partnership, trade, and investment. In parallel, the project mobilizes diaspora professionals to provide targeted mentorship and technical support to local SMEs, helping them improve their investment readiness, governance, and access to international markets. Through a combination of platform-based matchmaking and practical know-how transfer, the project seeks to generate concrete business linkages, strengthen SME capacities, and contribute to sustainable economic development in Kosovo.

 The purpose of the call

The purpose of this call is to identify and engage five diaspora professionals who are willing to contribute their knowledge, experience, and professional expertise as mentors for businesses registered in Kosovo within the framework of the project “Diaspora Link to Kosovo’s Economy”.
The program aims to create bridges of cooperation between diaspora professionals and the private sector in Kosovo, enabling the transfer of knowledge, international experiences, and the most advanced business practices. Through mentoring, diaspora professionals will support the beneficiary businesses, members of the Kosova Chamber of Commerce, in addressing their challenges, identifying opportunities for growth and developing capacities in various professional fields.
The selected professionals will have the opportunity to contribute in various areas, with a particular focus on:

Research and finding partners in the diaspora;
Equity sharing as a form of attracting investments in business;
Preparation and presentation of offers for investment and commercial cooperation;
Negotiation and conclusion of commercial contracts.

 
As well as other areas relevant to the needs of participating businesses. Through this program, mentors will have the opportunity to make a direct contribution to the development of the private sector in Kosovo, by sharing the experiences and knowledge gained in international markets.

 Duration and Modality


The mentoring programme will take place between July and November 2026.
Each selected mentor is expected to support a group of selected businesses up to six weeks.
Mentoring will primarily take place online, with possible in-person sessions in Kosovo


 Expected Role of Mentors

Selected diaspora mentors are expected to provide practical and targeted support to businesses based on their sector, market needs, and growth potential. Their role may include:

Supporting businesses in identifying relevant diaspora partners, clients, investors, or commercial cooperation opportunities;
Advising businesses on investment readiness, including potential models such as equity sharing or other partnership-based investment approaches;
Assisting in the preparation and presentation of investment, export, or commercial cooperation offers;
Providing guidance on negotiation processes and the conclusion of commercial agreements;

Sharing sector-specific expertise, international market knowledge, and practical experience to strengthen business readiness, export potential, governance, digitalization, or innovation capacity.5. Eligibility Criteria and Required Qualifications for Diaspora Professionals 

Currently reside and work outside Kosovo, preferably in an OECD country or in a market relevant to the needs of participating businesses;
Have at least seven years of professional experience in one or more relevant areas, including business development, investment, export promotion, entrepreneurship, innovation, international trade, commercial cooperation, negotiation, or partnership development;
Demonstrate proven expertise in supporting businesses, entrepreneurs, start-ups, or SMEs through mentoring, leadership, advisory work, market access, investment readiness, or business development;
Have sector-specific knowledge and international market experience relevant to the participating businesses;
A background in business, economics, finance, law, management, technology, or a related field is considered an advantage, but is not required.


 Benefits for Selected Mentors


Opportunity to contribute directly to Kosovo’s private sector development.
Visibility as part of a structured diaspora engagement initiative.
Networking with businesses, institutions, and other diaspora professionals.
Recognition by GERMIN, Caritas Switzerland, and project partners.
Honorarium for the mentoring engagement.


 Deadline & Submission of Documents 

Diaspora professionals can apply via the Engaging Diaspora Professionals (EDP) platform by submitting their CV online. 
The review and selection process will be conducted by an evaluation committee comprising representatives of GERMIN, KCC, and Caritas Switzerland. Only applicants selected for participation will be notified.
 Steps to apply: 


Register HERE.   
Confirm your email.  
Create your profile on this platform HERE.   
Visit this call and click the APPLY button. 


 

Application deadline: Jun 24, 2026