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
The “EU4Migration in Albania” project aims to support the implementation of effective, efficient, and EU-aligned border and migration management systems in Albania. The project is embedded in the strategic objective of the National Strategy on Migration (NSM) in achieving effective migration governance to address challenges and enhance migration’s positive impact on development for the benefit of migrants and society.
Recent monitoring and casework indicate critical gaps between identification of migrants and formal referral to the protection system, shortcomings in proactive vulnerability screening (including unaccompanied and separated children and victims of trafficking), inconsistent pre-screening practices, and recurring concerns related to reception conditions (information provision, interpretation, complaint mechanisms and psycho-social support). This consultancy will support the Ombudsman institution to engage relevant institutions to address these gaps through evidence-based recommendations, improved procedures and strengthened safeguards, aligned with EU acquis.
• Providing technical assistance to the Ombudsman and relevant counterparts to follow up on monitoring findings of the Ombudsman related to pre-screening, referral, and reception;
• Supporting with drafting and/or revising standard operating procedures (SOPs), checklists and guidance for initial screening (pre-screening) and referral to the protection referral procedures, ensuring vulnerability-sensitive interviewing and safeguards;
• Strengthening inter-institutional coordination (MoIA/Border and Migration Police, social services, child protection structures, anti-trafficking mechanisms, and civil society) to ensure timely referrals and protection responses for vulnerable persons;
• Preparing thematic briefs, draft recommendations and technical inputs for the Ombudsman Institution to strengthen access to protection assistance (information, interpretation, legal aid) and improve reception safeguards (complaint mechanisms, psycho-social support, child-sensitive arrangements), in line with EUAA standards and EU acquis;
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
The consultancy will contribute to the successful implementation of the project EU4Migration in Albania (PX0611)
Tasks to be performed under this contract
• Analyse the current legal, policy and institutional framework for migration, including pre-screening, referral, reception and detention practices.
• Provide practical, implementable recommendations to strengthen access to protection support (information provision, interpretation and legal aid) and to improve identification and referral of persons in need of international protection and other vulnerable persons.
• Assess compliance with EU standards and international conventions ratified by Albania, with specific attention to non-refoulement, due process guarantees, child protection standards, and safeguards for victims of trafficking and other vulnerable groups.
• Prepare technical inputs and recommendations on draft laws, by-laws, SOPs or guidance materials relevant to pre-screening/referral, reception and detention, and alternatives to detention, which the Ombudsman may submit through its constitutional channels.
• Prepare technical products (analytical notes, mapping of referral pathways, screening/interview checklists, and briefs) related to the protection of vulnerable migrants, including unaccompanied and separated children and victims of trafficking.
• Contribute to monitoring and reporting under the National Strategy on Migration and its Action Plan by proposing indicators and documenting progress on screening and referral effectiveness, access to protection procedures, and safeguards in reception/detention.
• Conduct consultations and, when requested, contribute to follow-up on monitoring visits conducted under the legal authority of the Ombudsman and led by its institutional staff, (including to reception/detention facilities) to support evidence-based recommendations and inter-institutional problem-solving.
• Satisfactory completion of the tasks indicated in this ToR, including all deliverables 1 through 5,
- Inception note includes a prioritisation of deliverables, agreed with the designated official of the Ombudsman,
- Technical input based on relevant, realistic and constructive considerations,
• Other related deliverables as requested.
1. A short inception note (methodology, stakeholders to consult, timeline) addressing the main gaps identified in screening/referral, procedures and reception/detention safeguards.
2. Mapping of screening and referral pathways (including for unaccompanied and separated children and victims of trafficking), with practical recommendations to reduce the gap between identification and asylum referral.
3. Draft SOPs/checklists for pre-screening and referral (vulnerability-sensitive interviewing, interpretation standards, information provision, consent and confidentiality).
4. At least one thematic brief with recommended measures to improve reception/detention conditions (complaints mechanisms, psycho-social support, information on rights and procedures) and to promote alternatives to detention.
5. A final handover documenting remaining issues, stakeholder contacts established and recommended next steps for the institutional staff of the Ombudsman.
The consultant will prepare and submit monthly reports that describe activities, accomplishments as well as issues and concerns impeding the progress in fulfilling the tasks by the last working day of the reporting period.
Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
• Formal acceptance of each deliverable by the designated official of the Ombudsman,
• Team working ability,
• Communication,
• Confidentiality,
• Timeliness,
• Responsibility,
• Initiative.
Education
- Completed advanced degree from an accredited academic institution in Law (preferably migration law, human rights law), International Relations, European Studies, or other related areas.
Experience
- At least 5 years of relevant professional experience.
- Experience (national or international) in migration governance, border procedures, reception, monitoring, refugee protection, or related rule-of-law/human rights work is preferable.
- Strong knowledge of EU standards and international practices regarding migration.
- Demonstrated knowledge of vulnerability identification and referral, including child protection standards for unaccompanied and separated children and trafficking indicators and referral mechanisms for victims of trafficking.
- Experience in engaging with local authorities and other stakeholders such as: Ministry of Internal Affairs, State Police, Ministry of Justice, etc is preferable.
- Previous experience working with UN agencies and other international organizations is preferable.
Skills
- Ability to maintain accuracy and confidentiality in performing responsibilities.
- Excellent communication and reporting-writing skills in Albanian and English.
Languages
Fluency in Albanian and English is requested for this assignment
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.