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
Albania continues to face high levels of emigration mainly due to limited employment opportunities, low wages, and regional economic disparities, particularly in northern and rural areas. Although some regions, especially coastal and southern municipalities—have seen economic growth driven by tourism, local labor markets and institutions often lack the capacity to match available jobs with the domestic workforce. As a result, internal migration remains underused, while external migration is perceived as the primary pathway to better livelihoods. In this context, strengthening local capacities to manage migration, promote internal employment, support return and reintegration, and engage the diaspora is essential to create viable in-country alternatives, reduce irregular emigration, and support more balanced and sustainable national development.
Albanian citizens are likely to continue to emigrate for employment, which will have a major impact on the country's development. Therefore, it is important to provide valid alternatives of employment in country, especially in areas of Albania which have experienced considerable tourism in recent years. In addition, the change of the narrative on migration, the facilitation of internal migration of the Albanian workforce, an increase in employment opportunities for potential internal migrants, the encouragement of diaspora investment, and the creation of sustainable reintegration opportunities for returned migrants will strengthen conditions for working, living and investing in Albania.
The project will support central and local institutions in Albania to develop, strengthen capacities, and pilot the legal, administrative, and operational procedures for internal migration. In addition, it will build capacity among institutions on return and reintegration, and diaspora engagement aiming to increase employment opportunities for the Albanian workforce. This will be done in tandem with supporting the inter-institutional cooperation of local and central government agencies, both vertical and horizontal coordination and changing the narrative on migration targeting the public at large with a special focus on youth and self-improvement/empowerment.
Administrative Units serve as the closest level of government to citizens and are often the first point of contact for migrants, returnees, diaspora members, and vulnerable groups seeking information and assistance. Ensuring that Administrative Unit staff understand and apply the established SOPs is essential for improving access to services and ensuring consistent implementation across municipalities.
To support this objective, IOM seeks to engage a qualified National Expert Trainer to deliver a series of trainings for representatives of Administrative Units across Albania.
The training programme will focus on the practical implementation of SOPs related to migration and diaspora services, including but not limited to:
• Roles and responsibilities of Administrative Units within local migration governance structures;
• Functions of Migration and Diaspora at municipal level;
• Referral pathways and coordination mechanisms established through the SOPs;
• Identification and referral of emigrants, returnees, diaspora members, and vulnerable cases;
• Provision of information and orientation services;
• Documentation and reporting requirements;
• Inter-institutional coordination and communication;
• Case studies and practical exercises on SOP implementation;
• Challenges and solutions in local-level implementation.
The engagement of the Local Consultant will take place for 30 working days during the period of four months. Each month to be trained at least 3 regional counties in Albania, in total of 12 counties.
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
The consultancy will contribute to the effective implementation of the project “Strengthening Local Institutional Capacities on Migration in Albania” (AL10P0530 / CD.0113), by supporting the achievement of its objectives related to enhanced local governance, strengthened institutional capacities, and sustainable migration management at the municipal level.
Tasks to be performed under this contract
Required Qualifications and Experience
• Completed an advanced degree from an accredited academic institution in legal, economic, development studies and other related areas.
Experience and skills:
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience.
• Proven experience in the conduct of similar assignments.
• Relevant experience related to migration governance and esp. labor migration and diaspora engagement would be an advantage.
• Relevant experience related to local governance would be an advantage.
• Experience in legal documents - drafting, institutional processes analysis, report writing, presentations.
• Experience in production of analytical work, both written reports and brief presentations of research
• Ability to communicate with a wide range of stakeholders (public authorities, local authorities, migrants, private sector, etc.)
• Effective communicator, both orally and written
• Ability to maintain accuracy & confidentiality in performing responsibilities.
• Good communication skills in both written and oral form.
• Strong interpersonal & intercultural skills with attention to detail.
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.