Introduction
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Project Context and Scope
Despite improvements and reforms in the region over the past decade, structural challenges and socio-economic hardships continue to drive an increasing number of people to leave Western Balkan (WB) in search of better opportunities. Labour market issues, gender dimensions, and demographic changes further exacerbate the situation, impacting key sectors like healthcare, education, and ICT where labour shortages are now common. As a result, one-fifth of the population of the region now lives abroad, mostly in the European Union (EU). At the same time, the diaspora can significantly contribute to the development of the Western Balkans by leveraging their skills, knowledge, and resources to support sustainable economic growth, innovation, and social development in their countries of origin.
As to Albania, Migration governance remains a top priority for the country. Despite the progress achieved in this area through the implementation of the National Strategy on Migration (2024-2030) and Action Plan (2024-2026), Albania continues to invest efforts to make further advancements in this area, especially considering ongoing EU accession negotiations that commenced in July 2022, imposing additional requirements on the Government of Albania and its institutions to meet EU standards in governing migration. Past efforts, including an EU fellowship scheme by IOM, has proven effective in leveraging diaspora expertise for Albania's EU accession.
As an important document that serves as a roadmap providing for legal acts, measures, and institutional changes within the framework of Acquis approximation, technical assistance and increased capacities will be provided to enhance the monitoring of the National Plan for European Integration (NPEI), ensuring a qualitative assessment and reporting system is in place.
The Minister of State and Chief Negotiator (MSCN) has one of its primary responsibilities as the technical management related to EU Acquis approximation and the negotiation process, by providing technical leadership of the negotiations, ensuring internal coordination of the country's accession process to the European Union, and developing capacities of the administration to generate capabilities towards accession. The Department of Policy and European Integration (DPEI), in the Prime Minister’s Office, which serves as the EU Secretariat, provides technical support to the Minister of State and Chief Negotiator and the entire negotiation process, including the approximation of national legislation with the EU Acquis.
The Government of Albania has reiterated the need for support in implementing tools and processes to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and skills from Albanian diaspora professionals. This support is crucial for the ongoing processes of negotiations, gradual European integration, accelerated development, and convergence with European standards.
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
The project "Leveraging the potential of Diaspora to advance EU accession and labour mobility in the Western Balkans” funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation and implemented by IOM in Albania.
The engagement focuses on Albania’s priority areas as defined within Negotiation Positions for each cluster/chapter, EU Common Positions for each cluster, Albania’s National Strategy on Development and EU Integration 2022-2030, Albania’s National Programme for Accession to the EU 2024-2030 and the National Plan for European Integration 2024-2026, encouraging Albanian diaspora professionals to contribute with their knowledge and field expertise across different areas to aid negotiations, gradual EU integration, accelerated development, and convergence.
The Albanian diaspora experts engaged by IOM Albania will work closely with the Department of Policy and EU Integration/National Unit for EU Approximation within the Prime Minister’s Office and where necessary with other Albanian institutions in the above priority sectors and domains to provide strategic guidance, develop tools and frameworks, deliver capacity-building activities, and support internationalization efforts. All of the work will be conducted remotely, allowing flexibility for experts based abroad. Experts will contribute to the design and implementation of targeted actions that respond to institutional needs, support reform processes, and align with the national priorities defined as defined in the previous section.
In particular:
Contribute to the development, implementation and monitoring of the Albanian priorities in the negotiation process with EU and National Plan on European Integration (NPEI):
Provide targeted training and technical assistance to key departments within the Albanian Public Administration on EU integration processes and especially to enhance their alignment with specific EU Acquis requirements aiming to achieve a measurable improvement within a specified timeframe:
Support the coordination of the EU Integration Processes:
Provide Methodological Support for effective approximation, harmonization and transposition of the EU Acquis:
Enhance Negotiation Capacities for EU Legal Approximation:
Contribute to the development of a comprehensive Compliance Assessment framework for aligning with the EU Acquis, encompassing both qualitative and quantitative measures.
Contribute to the translation of EU legislation into Albanian, ensuring accuracy and consistency, and contribute to its harmonization with national laws through collaboration with stakeholders, drafting legal amendments and monitoring implementation.
Performance indicators for the evaluation of results:
Education
Experience
At least 3 years of relevant professional experience.
Experience in conducting research in any relevant area is preferred.
Experience in conducting similar assignments is an asset.
Working experience with EU institutions and government institutions of EU member states is an asset.
Demonstrated experience in analyzing institutional processes, drafting policy documents, and strategic documents, as well as in data collection, processing, analysis, and reporting, and delivering presentations.
Strong interest and knowledge of EU-Albania relations.
Experience in engagement with diaspora communities, authorities, and other stakeholders is an asset.
Guiding and monitoring team-work engaged in research is an asset.
Strong knowledge of the Albanian legal system
Skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Very good communication skills in written and oral form.
High commitment, adaptability, and flexibility.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, team-working, and leadership skills.
Ability to produce analytical work, including written reports and brief presentations of research.
Effective communication skills with a wide range of stakeholders, including public authorities, local authorities, and the private sector.
Demonstrated ability to maintain accuracy and confidentiality in performing responsibilities.
Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills, with attention to detail.
Languages
For this consultancy, fluency in Albanian and English is required (oral and written)
Required Competencies
Notes
IOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work.
The expected candidates for this assignment are required to be accomplished professionals from the Albanian diaspora residing in an EU country, who are motivated to contribute their expertise to the country’s development and innovation agenda.
Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.
IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.
IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.
No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.