Development of Financial and Organisational Sustainability of the Alumni Network for the Zoran Djindjic Internship Programme
Funding
Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia and Germany
2024
Higher Education I Private-public Partnerships & Multi-stakeholder Platforms I Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions
Funding I Alumni Relations I Public Private Partnerships
Introduction
Paeradigms was engaged to support the financial and organisational sustainability of both the Zoran Djindjic Alumni Network and the Internship Programme of German Business for the Countries of the Western Balkans. In close collaboration with the alumni, Paeradigms ensured that both the network and the internship programme would continue to thrive beyond the funding phase.
Objectives
Paeradigms was brought in to:
1) Developing two key guides:
a) A guide for companies on supervising interns (encadrement).
b) A "digest" guide on the Competency-Based Approach (CBA) for industry professionals teaching at the ISEPs.
2) Providing capacity development for ISEP staff through a train-the-trainer approach on internship management and competency-based teaching.
3) Organising a one-week study trip to Morocco with ISEP staff to learn best practices in vocational education and internship management.
4) Building the leadership capacity of ISEP directors to strengthen ties with the private sector and support dual education models.
5) Advising ISEP Mbacké’s senior leadership on the development of a sustainability strategy for the Green Campus, supported by a study tour and best practices in green campus management.
Background
As the funding phase for the Zoran Djindjic Alumni Network and the Internship Programme of German Business for the Countries of the Western Balkans was nearing its end, there was an urgent need to ensure the long-term sustainability of both. The alumni network was crucial for fostering continued collaboration, knowledge sharing, and supporting future alumni-led initiatives, while the internship programme needed new funding strategies to ensure future young professionals could benefit from the same opportunities. The challenge was to develop sustainable structures that would secure the financial and organisational stability of both the alumni network and the internship programme.
Approach
Paeradigms’ methodology involved:
Engaging alumni in workshops to co-create the legal and organisational framework for the alumni network, empowering them to shape its future.
Developing funding models to secure the long-term financial sustainability of both the alumni network and the internship programme.
Engaging in change communication strategies to improve engagement with key stakeholders and ensure smooth transitions during organisational changes.
Outcome
Paeradigms successfully delivered:
A sharpened mission and vision for the alumni network, aligned with the goals of the internship programme.
A model for the legal and organisational setup of the alumni network, ensuring a sustainable structure.
Identified and developed funding streams to support both the alumni network and the internship programme.
An implementation roadmap and a model of change communication to accompany the process and ensure smooth stakeholder engagement.