Diaspora Fellowships

Engagement Modalities

The nature of potential future assignments will be defined by a multilateral agreement among IOM, the host institution, and the expert and may include, but is not limited to, the following forms of engagement:

Short-term expert visits to North Macedonia for the purpose of:

Advisory support, provided in person or online, aimed at transferring knowledge and guidance on EU integration processes, legislative alignment, and institutional reforms.

Remote expert engagement, including online consultations, advisory sessions, and participation in working groups or expert panels.

<strong>Inclusion in the expert database does not guarantee engagement. Following the selection process, Macedonian institutions reserve the right to engage experts based on their needs, in line with institutional priorities and the specific requirements of the assignment.</strong>

Eligibility Criteria

For the purpose of this call, a Diaspora member is a person of origin from North Macedonia who has temporary or permanent residence outside North Macedonia, regardless of citizenship status.

To be eligible, Diaspora applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:

<strong>Relevant professional experience:</strong> Experience gained in institutions, bodies, or agencies of the European Union; public administrations of EU Member States at national, regional, or local levels; academic institutions, universities, or research centers; think tanks and policy institutes; and/or civil society organizations with a proven focus on EU-related policies, governance, or public administration; and/or

<strong>Academic background and qualifications: </strong>Relevant academic experience and professional qualifications aligned with the thematic areas and EU acquis chapters covered by this call; and/or

<strong>EU accession-related experience:</strong> Practical experience in supporting EU accession processes, including but not limited to the preparation and drafting of analyses and policies; development of action plans, strategies, or reform roadmaps; and contributions to progress reports, assessments, screening activities, or alignment with the EU acquis.

Skills

1. Core Technical &amp; EU Accession Skills&nbsp;

Strong knowledge of the EU acquis

Hands-on experience with EU institutions or EU Member State administrations

Understanding of the EU accession process

Legislative alignment &amp; policy transposition

Institutional reform experience

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2. Policy &amp; Strategic Skills&nbsp;

Policy analysis and drafting

Strategic planning

Monitoring &amp; evaluation

Public administration reform (PAR)

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3. Cross-Cutting EU Values &amp; Thematic Competencies

Rule of law, fundamental rights &amp; governance

Human rights and gender equality

Migration management &amp; mobility

Digital transformation

Institutional coordination

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4. Knowledge Transfer &amp; Capacity-Building Skills

Ability to transfer knowledge, not just expertise

Training &amp; mentoring skills

Advisory &amp; coaching skills

Experience working in multicultural environments

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5. Soft Skills&nbsp;

Excellent communication skills

Cultural sensitivity

Problem-solving and adaptability

Professional integrity and independence

Ability to work remotely if needed, and in short-term missions

They need to be technically strong EU professionals who understand the mechanics of accession, can translate EU rules into workable national reforms, and can mentor institutions in a practical, culturally aware way.