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 a Local Economist Consultant to assess the economic and financial viability of the proposed Diaspora Investment Mechanism (DIM) within the Albanian context, with particular attention to local market conditions, investment opportunities, absorption capacity, and constraints affecting diaspora-supported local development. The assignment will support the translation of economic analysis into a practical, development-oriented, and sustainable DIM model grounded in local realities.
The purpose of this consultancy is to provide local economic expertise in three core areas: (i) assessment of local absorption capacity, including SME readiness and demand for diaspora investment in Northern Albania; (ii) identification of sectoral investment opportunities, economic development pipelines, and barriers constraining productive diaspora investment; and (iii) contribution to the development of the DIM business model, sustainability plan, financial logic, and performance framework.
- Identify sectoral investment opportunities and economic development pipelines that could inform the design of a viable, development-oriented, and sustainable Diaspora Investment Mechanism.
- Analyse economic and financial barriers affecting diaspora investment and contribute to the DIM business model, financial structure, sustainability planning, and performance framework.
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.
Under the direct supervision of the Lead Consultant during the feasibility and diaspora study phase, and subsequently under the supervision of the Project Coordinator for the establishment of the DIM, the Local Economist Consultant is expected to carry out the following tasks in support of the Scope of the Assignment:
- Support stakeholder consultations at the municipal and local level, including through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, and contribute to the preparation of discussion guides, probing, and accurate documentation of findings.
- Identify sectoral investment opportunities and economic development pipelines relevant to the design and implementation of the Diaspora Investment Mechanism.
- Analyse economic barriers preventing diaspora investment from supporting productive local development, including financial, market, regulatory, and structural constraints.
- Develop and contribute to the DIM business model and sustainability plan, including the investment pipeline logic and proposed financial structure.
- Contribute to the development of key performance indicators for economic impact and investment performance, including a local development impact criterion to be embedded in the DIM’s investment selection approach.
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 economics, finance, business administration, development studies, or a related field from an accredited academic institution.
Experience
At least 3 years of relevant professional experience in economic analysis, financial analysis, investment advisory, local economic development, SME support, or related analytical and advisory work.
Demonstrated experience in assessing market conditions, identifying investment opportunities and constraints, and translating findings into business models, financial logic, or strategic recommendations.
Experience conducting local economic or market assessments, including engagement with micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises and other local economic actors, is required.
Proven qualitative research skills, including experience conducting semi-structured interviews and facilitating focus group discussions, as well as developing discussion guides, probing, and documenting findings accurately.
Demonstrated familiarity with the Albanian economic context, particularly local development dynamics, investment barriers, and opportunities relevant to Northern Albania, is strongly preferred.
Skills
Strong analytical, research, reporting, communication, and presentation skills.
Excellent drafting and writing ability.
Strong qualitative analysis skills, including the ability to synthesise consultation findings into actionable recommendations for outreach, participation, and governance design.
Computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Languages
Fluency in English and Albanian (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.