TERMS OF REFERENCE
Local Creative and Digital Skills Consultant
Increasing Youth Employability in the Creative Economy Sector: VFX, Animation and Games Development
ABOUT THE BRITISH COUNCIL
The British Council is the United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. Its purpose is to build engagement and trust for the UK through the exchange of knowledge and ideas between people worldwide. It seeks to achieve its aims by working in education, science, governance, English and the arts.
Established in 1934 and incorporated by Royal Charter in 1940, the British Council is registered as a charity in England and Wales (charity no. 209131).
PROJECT BACKGROUND
The British Council’s Creative Economy programme in the Western Balkans aims to strengthen the region’s creative and digital industries as key drivers of innovation, youth employment, and international collaboration. Globally, the programme focuses on policy, research, and capacity building for creative professionals and policymakers. By working with governments and sector leaders, it ensures that conditions are in place for creative individuals and organisations to thrive and contribute to sustainable economic and cultural development.
In the Western Balkans, these objectives are pursued through sector development events, policy dialogues, and exposure to UK expertise in areas such as gaming, film, music, design, fashion, and creative heritage. The programme promotes regional cooperation and reconciliation through creative economy collaboration, in line with the UK’s wider engagement in the region.
This project stems directly from the Meeting of Western Balkans Ministers of Culture, held in Kotor, Montenegro, on 28 May 2025, under the auspices of the Berlin Process. At that meeting, the Culture Ministries of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, together with the UK Special Envoy to the Western Balkans, Dame Karen Pierce, adopted a Joint Declaration that places the region’s creative economy at the centre of its economic and European future.
The Declaration commits participating governments to embed creativity in national growth agendas, strengthen cooperation among culture, education, and economy ministries, and develop skills and innovation as pillars of sustainable development. The United Kingdom has long championed this agenda, recognising the creative economy as a driver of inclusive growth, social cohesion, and regional cooperation.
Building on these commitments, the British Council is launching the project “Increasing Youth Employability in the Creative Economy: VFX, Animation and Games Development.” The initiative aims to identify skills gaps, map existing education and training provision, and propose pathways to strengthen youth employability in fast-growing creative digital sectors. It will inform the development of a Western Balkans Creative Skills Roadmap, supporting the implementation of the Ministers’ Joint Declaration and advancing the goals of the Berlin Process.
RELEVANT PROJECT OUTPUTS TO BE SUPPORTED THROUGH THIS ASSIGNMENT
This consultancy contributes primarily to Output 1, Output 2, and Output 4 of the project:
- Output 1: Conduct interviews with 15 relevant businesses in each Western Balkans country using a standardised questionnaire, and produce a short summary of key findings.
- Output 2: Map existing training and education provision in Higher Education (HE), Vocational Education and Training (VET), and non-formal learning sectors, compiling curricula data into a shared database.
- Output 4: Advise the UK Lead Consultant on steps for the potential implementation of a recommended model in each country.
PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The purpose of this consultancy is to generate evidence-based data and insights to inform a regional feasibility study on how best to enhance employability and youth participation in animation, VFX and games development sectors in the Western Balkans.
SCOPE OF WORK
The Consultant will undertake the following tasks:
- Identify 15 key employers or sector representatives in-country and conduct structured interviews with them.
- Write up and submit interview summaries using a provided standard format.
- Map all existing skills providers in HE, VET, and non-formal education, including curriculum content (in English).
- Contribute contextual insights on feasibility and implementation of the proposed model at national level (regulatory and institutional readiness, timeframes, partnerships).
- Participate in a one-day online kick-off meeting and subsequent dissemination event(s).
- Maintain regular coordination with the UK Lead Consultant and Western Balkans Project Manager.
EXPECTED DELIVERABLES
- List of 15 confirmed employers for interview – November 2025
- Completed interview summaries and consolidated country report – January 2026
- Database of HE/VET and non-formal providers with curricula content – February 2026
- Short advisory note on model implementation (country-specific) – March 2026
- Participation in national dissemination event – March 2026
QUALIFICATIONS
- Strong knowledge of the creative and digital industries (particularly VFX, animation, and gaming) in Montenegro.
- Understanding of the education and training systems, including HE, VET, and non-formal learning.
- Minimum five years’ experience in the creative, digital, or education sectors.
- Proven experience conducting qualitative research, mapping, or stakeholder consultations.
- Experience with qualifications frameworks or skills recognition an advantage.
- Excellent command of written and spoken English.
DURATION AND LEVEL OF EFFORT
- Estimated level of effort: up to 20 working days.
- Indicative timeframe: End of October 2025 – End of March 2026.
REPORTING
The consultant will report to Milan Lucic, Western Balkans Head of Arts, British Council.
LOCATION
The assignment will be conducted primarily online and in-country, with potential participation in one local dissemination event.
TIMESHEETS AND PAYMENT
At the end of each month, the consultant will submit a timesheet with the number of days worked and a brief description of tasks completed. Payments will be made upon submission and approval of timesheets by the Programme Lead and Senior Responsible Owner.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
The British Council is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of its work. We particularly encourage applications from individuals who identify with underrepresented groups in the creative and digital sectors. The British Council is also committed to safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults who we work with.
CLIMATE AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMITMENT
The British Council seeks to minimise environmental impact across all its programmes. Consultants are expected to conduct meetings and research primarily online, avoid unnecessary travel, and minimise printing and material waste.
PRIVACY POLICY
The British Council is committed to maintaining the confidentiality of personal information and undertakes not to divulge any applicant’s personal information to any third party without prior consent.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Interested candidates should submit their CV in English highlighting relevant experience to Jovana Bjelakovic at Jovana.Bjelakovic@britishcouncil.org by Tuesday, 28 October 2025, using the subject line: “Application for Local Creative and Digital Skills Consultant – [Consultant Name]”.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.