Introduction
Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.
Project Context and Scope
IOM is seeking an ICT Consultant to oversee the technical analysis of digital architecture options for the establishment of a Diaspora Investment Mechanism (DIM), with a particular focus on platform functionality, systems integration, and cybersecurity considerations. The assignment will support the analytical and technical groundwork required for DIM design by generating assessments and conceptual architecture options that can inform the development of a secure, interoperable, and user-centred digital mechanism for the UK–Albania corridor.
The purpose of this consultancy is to provide expert technical oversight and analysis in three core areas: (i) contribution to the comparative analysis of digital diaspora investment and remittance platforms, with a view to identifying relevant platform features, architecture models, and systems design considerations; (ii) assessment of the technical, operational, and cybersecurity aspects of UK–Albania remittance systems; and (iii) development of conceptual technical architecture options for the Diaspora Investment Mechanism, including consideration of gender-responsive UX/UI components to support accessibility, trust, and usability for diverse user groups.
- Contribute to the comparative analysis of digital diaspora investment and remittance platforms, identifying technical features, delivery models, and lessons relevant to DIM design.
- Assess the technical, operational, and cybersecurity aspects of UK–Albania remittance systems and identify implications for the design and implementation of the DIM.
- Develop conceptual technical architecture options for the Diaspora Investment Mechanism, taking into consideration gender-responsive UX/UI components to support inclusive and accessible user engagement, as well as accessibility and trust considerations, language/usability assumptions, suggested user-testing considerations.
This consultancy will take place within the IOM Albania project, “Diaspora Investment Mechanism” funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Through a strategic partnership with the British Chamber of Commerce in Albania (BCCA), the initiative will develop a Diaspora Investment Mechanism (DIM) that draws on lessons learned from similar models in Albania, the wider region and beyond. The DIM is designed to address the needs, interests, and challenges of both remittance senders and receivers, thereby supporting the diaspora's economic contribution to Albania's sustainable development. The project will foster economic opportunities in Albania, particularly for communities in the northern regions, by supporting local development initiatives that will help address structural factors currently contributing to emigration.
Albania's diaspora, comprising over 1.2 million citizens-more than 44 per cent of the population, of whom 68,814 living in the United Kingdom, represents a vital economic asset and a key driver of sustainable development. In 2024, annual remittance inflows reached approximately EUR €1.045 billion (4.4% of GDP), making them a significant external financial source, though still below foreign direct investment (FDI) of EUR €1.58 billion. According to the World Bank in 2024, USD $205,314.88 were sent in personal remittances from the United Kingdom to Albania. Persistent barriers such as regulatory ambiguities, limited institutional support, insufficient incentives, and inadequate rural infrastructure hinder full diaspora engagement. Diaspora engagement is further constrained by structural, financial, and geographic factors. Bureaucratic complexity, lack of sector-specific incentives, and administrative burdens limit collaboration and investment, while restricted access to reliable market information impedes informed decision-making.
Additionally, 39 per cent of remittances are sent through informal channels, reducing transparency and the potential for formal economic development. Investment is heavily concentrated in Tirana, leaving rural areas underdeveloped and lacking essential infrastructure. In addition to this, Northern Albania has experienced sustained out-migration, including irregular movements to the United Kingdom. Many villages in the north face fragile local economies, heavily reliant on remittances, with some communities vulnerable to criminal networks. To address these issues, this project seeks to strengthen engagement between the UK-based Albanian diaspora and communities in Northern Albania, fostering sustainable development, creating legal alternatives to emigration, and opening pathways for investment, knowledge exchange, and collaboration that benefit both the diaspora and local populations.
This consultancy is limited to technical analysis, architecture concept development, and advisory recommendations. It does not include software development, system deployment, infrastructure implementation, or operational management of the DIM platform. Under the direct supervision of the Lead Consultant and overall supervision of the IOM Albania programme management, the ICT Consultant is expected to carry out the following tasks in support of the Scope of the Assignment:
- Contribute to the comparative review of digital diaspora investment and remittance platforms, identifying relevant technical features, user journeys, systems models, and implementation of lessons applicable to the DIM.
- Assess the technical, operational, and cybersecurity aspects of UK–Albania remittance systems, including architecture considerations, data flows, user access, operational risks, and digital safeguards relevant to the proposed mechanism.
- Develop conceptual technical architecture options for the Diaspora Investment Mechanism, outlining possible system components, integration pathways, functional modules, and digital delivery considerations.
- Ensure that proposed technical architecture options take into consideration gender-responsive UX/UI components, with attention to accessibility, inclusivity, trust, and ease of use for diverse user groups.
- Coordinate with IOM Albania, relevant consultants and partners to validate findings, incorporate feedback, and translate technical analysis into practical recommendations for DIM design and operationalisation.
- Provide technical input to the wider feasibility work on payment/remittance workflows, licensing and compliance implications, digital safeguards, high-level hosting and resilience considerations, and system requirements needed for sustainable platform operation.
- The assignment will include a desk review of relevant documents, targeted technical consultations with project stakeholders and, where feasible, engagement with relevant institutional or market actors to validate assumptions on remittance flows, compliance constraints, and system interoperability.
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
The consultancy engagement will contribute to the successful implementation of the project Diaspora Investment Mechanism, TK0113.
Tasks to be performed under this contract
Education
Bachelor’s degree in information and communication technology, computer science, information systems, software engineering, digital transformation, or a related field from an accredited academic institution.
Experience
At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in ICT, digital platform architecture, digital transformation, or technical advisory work related to financial services, enterprise/system integration, digital financial services, remittance or payment systems, digital investment systems, or cross-border transaction platforms.
Demonstrated experience in conducting technical assessments and developing recommendations related to platform functionality, in digital financial services, remittance or payment ecosystems, technical requirements development, API/integration design, cybersecurity risk assessment, and data protection/privacy-by-design in digital platforms.
Skills
Demonstrated analytical, research, reporting, communication, and presentation skills.
Excellent drafting/writing ability.
Technical architecture modelling.
Systems mapping and process flow documentation.
Drafting technical requirements.
Risk and control analysis.
Stakeholder facilitation across technical and non-technical audiences.
Languages
Fluency in English (oral and written) is required.
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.
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.