Job Description

Project Context and Scope

Migration governance remains a top priority for Albania. Despite the progress achieved in this area through the implementation of the National Strategy on Migration (2024-2030) and Action Plan (2024-2026), Albania continues to invest efforts to make further advancements in this area, especially considering ongoing EU accession negotiations that commenced in July 2022, imposing additional requirements on the Government of Albania and its institutions to meet EU standards in governing migration. Past efforts, including the EU fellowship scheme by IOM, have proven effective in leveraging diaspora expertise for Albania's EU accession. 
The accession negotiations mark a significant step towards EU integration, requiring Albania to align its legislation, rules, and procedures with the EU Acquis, there's a pressing need to strengthen the capacities of line ministries for approximation. A crucial part of the European integration process is related to the preparation and the implementation of the National Plan on European Integration (NPEI)[1]. As an important document that serves as a roadmap providing for legal acts, measures, and institutional changes within the framework of Acquis approximation, technical assistance and increased capacities will be provided to enhance the monitoring of the National Plan for European Integration (NPEI), ensuring a qualitative assessment and reporting system is in place. 
The Minister of State and Chief Negotiator (MSCN) has one of its primary responsibilities as the technical management related to EU Acquis approximation and the negotiation process, by providing technical leadership of the negotiations, ensuring internal coordination of the country's accession process to the European Union, and developing capacities of the administration to generate capabilities towards accession. The Department of Policies and European Integration (DPEI), in the Prime Minister’s Office, which serves as the EU Secretariat, provides technical support to the Minister of State and Chief Negotiator and the entire negotiation process, including the approximation of national legislation with the EU Acquis. 
The Government of Albania has reiterated the need for support in implementing tools and processes to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and skills from Albanian diaspora professionals. This support is crucial for the ongoing processes of negotiations, gradual European integration, accelerated development, and convergence with European standards.
The project "Leveraging the Potential of Diaspora to Advance EU Accession and Labor Mobility in the Western Balkans" implemented by IOM Albania and funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), aims to contribute to creating conditions for Diaspora members to fully support sustainable and economic development in four selected Western Balkan partners by leveraging Diaspora engagement to enable progress on the path to accession to the EU.
With a focus on facilitating EU accession negotiations and leveraging the diaspora's development potential for Albania's benefit, a highly qualified member of the Albanian Diaspora with expertise in the field of medical and industrial cannabis cultivation and processing will be engaged in targeted consultancy roles through technical expertise, capacity building, and international knowledge transfer. This assignment is specifically designed to support National Agency for Cannabis Control (NACC) in establishing a regulatory framework and operational standards in compliance with international provisions and regulations.
In alignment with Chapter 24 benchmarks on “Justice, Freedom, and Security”, the diaspora expert will engage with the NACC in support of its institutional strengthening efforts. This engagement aims to enhance the agency’s regulatory, oversight, and enforcement capacities in line with EU and international standards, particularly regarding the legal cultivation and control of medical and industrial cannabis cultivation and processing. Drawing on international best practices and compliance frameworks such as GMP, GACP, and ISO, the expert will contribute to building transparent, accountable, and effective mechanisms that support public health, economic development, and rule of law. This contribution also supports Albania’s EU integration process by addressing key priorities under Chapter 24, especially in terms of improving inter-institutional cooperation, fighting illegal drug activities, strengthening the response to inversion and diversion while bringing national legislation in line with EU regulatory norms. 
The engagement of a qualified diaspora expert will ensure transfer of knowledge, institutional strengthening, and development of sector-specific strategies and technical tools. The expert will contribute to the development of long-term planning and monitoring systems in the cannabis sector and facilitate Albania’s efforts toward EU integration.
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
The consultancy will contribute to the successful realization of the project "Leveraging the Potential of Diaspora to Advance EU Accession and Labor Mobility in the Western Balkans" implemented by IOM Albania and funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS)
The overall objective of the assignment aims to align with Albania’s strategic objectives for a regulated sector prevention diversion and inversion in line with the benchmarks of Chapter 24 of the Acquis. By reconnecting Albania with its global talent base, the initiative seeks to:
  • Leverage diaspora expertise to support and contribute to Albania’s strategic goals in migration governance, diaspora engagement, and EU integration by supporting NACC in:
  • Developing regulatory policies and sector-specific frameworks in line with EU and international standards.
  • Enhancing internal institutional capacities and improving regulatory procedures.
  • Promoting the transfer of knowledge and application of international best practices, GMP, GACP, ISO standards in the field.
  • Facilitate partnerships between Albanian and international entities
  • Promote sustainable and innovation-driven development

The implementation of this process is expected to play a critical role in embedding expertise within the agency for the development and application of standards that licensed entities must meet. This includes the contribution on finalizing operational manuals and tools aligned with GMP, GACP, and ISO standards, contributing to a safe, well-regulated, and competitive cannabis industry.

Responsibilities

Tasks to be performed under this contract

Diaspora expert engaged by IOM Albania will work closely with the NACC in Albania, develop tools and frameworks, deliver capacity-building activities, and support NACC in internal regulation procedures. All of the work will be conducted remotely, allowing flexibility for the expert based abroad. The expert will contribute to the design and implementation of targeted actions that respond to institutional needs, support processes, and align with the NACC priorities defined in Albania’s legal framework for industrial and medical cannabis.

Expected Outputs

Based on ongoing collaboration with the NACC, workplans and deliverables will be carefully tailored to meet institutional priorities and respond to the specific sectoral context. This partnership-driven approach will enable the diaspora expert to produce a range of tangible and high-impact outputs that directly address the needs of the institution and contribute to the strategic objectives of NACC and to the fulfillment of objectives and requirements foreseen in Chapter 24.

The expected outputs will serve as key instruments for:

  • Knowledge transfer and adoption of international best practices;
  • Policy development and standardization;
  • Long-term institutional strengthening and capacity development;
  • Implementation of innovative monitoring methods and development of standards for entities operating in Albania’s medical and industrial cannabis sector.

Within this framework, the diaspora expert, with substantial experience in the relevant field, will contribute to several core components of NACC’s mandate through the following actions:

  1. Providing technical expertise in the drafting of manuals and technical documentation aligned with international standards, including:
    • Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP),
    • Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP),
    • Relevant ISO standards.
  2. Advising on the establishment of effective quality control and assurance mechanisms, covering the entire production chain from cultivation and processing to storage and transportation.
  3. Developing and implementing training strategies and capacity-building programs for the monitoring staff within NACC, utilizing competence-based approaches.
  4. Supporting the design of internal policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), harmonized with Albanian legislation and EU regulatory frameworks.
  5. Transferring knowledge and global best practices, to promote the development of a formalized, sustainable, and competitive industry capable of meeting European and international market demands.
  6. Contributing to the development and implementation of monitoring and oversight standards across all stages of activity, including:
    • cultivation,
    • processing and waste disposal,
    • transportation,
    • labeling and traceability systems, with a strong focus on compliance with requirements under Chapter 24 of the EU acquis.
Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
The consultant's performance will be evaluated against the following criteria:
•     timeliness,
•     responsibility,
•     initiative,
•     communication,
•     quality of products delivered,
•     satisfactory completion of tasks indicated in this ToR,
•     quality of provided report.

Qualifications

Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s level) from an accredited academic institution in a field relevant to the assignment, such as Pharmacy, Chemistry, Agriculture, or similar) 
Experience
  • At least 3 years of experience in areas directly relevant to the priorities and thematic domains outlined in this open announcement. Experience within entities engaged in the development and implementation of industry standards or quality assurance is strongly preferred. 
  • Candidates should have practical experience in reviewing, validating, and monitoring Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and related operational manuals.
  • Demonstrated experience in the design, applying and/or implementation of international standards, including but not limited to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP), and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Demonstrated knowledge of regulatory frameworks and applicable instruments in the cannabis industry.
Skills

• Very good communication skills in written and oral form. 
• High commitment, adaptability, and flexibility. 
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, team-working, and leadership skills. 
• Ability to produce analytical work, including written reports and brief presentations of research. 
• Effective communication skills with a wide range of stakeholders, including public authorities, local authorities, and the private sector. 
• Demonstrated ability to maintain accuracy and confidentiality in performing responsibilities. 
• Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills, with attention to detail. 

Languages
Fluency in English and Albanian is required (oral and written)
Travel required
  • The expert is expected to conduct the work remotely. 
Required Competencies
IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:
  • Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
  • Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
  • Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
  • Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
  • Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.
Core Competencies – behavioral indicators
  • Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
  • Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
  • Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
  • Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
  • Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.
Notes
  1. Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications following the guidelines on IOM Albania website: https://albania.iom.int/job-vacancies.
  2. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
  3. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
  8. For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies
  9. The expected candidates for this assignment are required to be accomplished professionals from the Albanian diaspora residing abroad in one of the countries that apply GMP, GACP, and ISO standards (such as an EU member state, the United States, Canada, etc.), who are motivated to contribute their expertise to the country’s development and innovation agenda. 

Interested candidates are invited to include the following documents with their application at IOM Albania website mentioned above:

  • Updated CV highlighting relevant experience in one or more priority sectors as mentioned in this call
  • Motivation letter outlining proposed contribution
  • A copy of the university diploma in one of the required fields (Pharmacy, Chemistry, Agriculture, or similar) must be submitted as part of the application.
  • Two professional references
  • Samples of previous work 
  • Relevant certificates related to cannabis industry (optional)

No late applications will be accepted. 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Required Skills

Job info

Contract Type: Consultancy (Up to 11 months)
Vacancy Type: Consultancy
Recruiting Type: Consultant
Grade: UG
Alternative Required Language 1: English
Alternative Required Language2: Albanian
At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.