CON 2026/14 - Local Consultant to support with the development of Standard Operating Procedure for Returnees for the Migration and Diaspora Structures at the municipal level

Job Description

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

 

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.

In August 2024, IOM Albania started the implementation of the project “Strengthening Local Institutional Capacities on Migration in Albania” funded by the UK Government. The aim of this project is to contribute to enabling local governments to effectively manage migration and diaspora matters. This includes a focus on promoting employment for internal migrants, reintegrating returned migrants, and encouraging diaspora investments, while strengthening interinstitutional coordination and migration stakeholders' engagement, all the while reshaping the narrative on migration.

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 their self-improvement/empowerment. 

This includes: 
•    Consolidating the national regulatory framework by drafting new guidelines, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) on internal migration, return and reintegration of Albanian emigrants, diaspora engagement in local development, and developing inter-agency cooperation protocols followed by training, capacity building of public officials at local level to effectively apply, test and pilot the improved framework.
•    Exploring and supporting cooperation opportunities and mechanisms between local government, business community representatives, local communities, and other stakeholders to encourage internal migration aiming to increase employment opportunities for Albanian workforce. Additionally strengthening the horizonal and vertical cooperation between the two governance levels and other related stakeholders. This will be achieved through designing and implementing Inter-municipal Pacts for Employment (IMPEs) between Municipalities, business community representatives and the public employment/VET services. Selected Municipalities in North Albania (most affected by emigration) and South/coastal municipalities (most affected by considerable seasonal tourism) will participate in the design and piloting of the IMPEs.
•    IMPEs will serve as a competitive alternative to securing job opportunities, decent salaries, skills development, transfer of knowledge and skills to home municipalities, compliance with the labour code and the social/health insurance legal frame, while discouraging - in an individual social and economic perspective - irregular migration abroad from Albania. The Inter-municipal Pacts for Employment will act as an effective tool for employability, especially with regard to internal migration, thus contributing to contrasting irregular emigration, especially from the most marginalized areas of Albania.
The project will also ensure gender mainstreaming and inclusion of minority groups, promoting inclusivity and diversity in the relevant practices. In summary, the project will help Albania develop more effective and inclusive opportunities for its residents, with a focus on strengthening local capacities.

To achieve the project objective, the project team are working to ensure that (Output 1.2) Migration and Diaspora Structures are enabled to fulfil their mandate effectively and efficiently on migration and diaspora issues in local government in conformity with the legal framework and (Output 2.1) internal employment opportunities are created through the creation of Inter-Municipal Pacts for Employment (IMPEs) and implementation of Individual Employment and Education Plans (IEEPs). To do so, the following activities are planned to be implemented including:

•    Support with the development of the Migration and Diaspora Local Community and Business Forums operational modalities of the Migration and Diaspora Structures at the municipal level. 
•    Support the organization and moderation of two Migration and Diaspora Local Community and Business Forums’ meetings at the municipal level.
•    Support with the development of the Standard Operation Procedures, moderate consultation workshop and deliver training on Standard Operation Procedures of the Migration and Diaspora Structures in municipal level regarding return migration, targeting 61 municipalities’ officials and other stakeholders.
•    Organize four consultation/validation workshop at the regional level with participation of representatives of 61 municipalities and other stakeholders (NAES, ASLG, NAMA) as part of the process of drafting the Standard Operation Procedures of the Migration and Diaspora Structures in municipal level regarding return migration.  
•    Organize four two-day training sessions at the regional level, on the Standard Operation Procedures of the Migration and Diaspora Structures in municipal level regarding return migration, targeting 61 municipalities and other stakeholders followed by a one-day training of trainers for a selected group of participants.  
•    Develop and organize two peer to peer exchange study visits regarding best practices and lessons learnt in the framework of migration and diaspora at local level
•    Develop and organized two community events on diaspora engagement at local level
•    Coordinate the work at local level with regards to the implementation of the IMPE, both at sending and receiving municipalities, including monitoring of the implementation of the IEEPs.

These activities will be achieved through the engagement from IOM of a Local Consultant.  

The engagement of the Local Consultant will take place for 60 working days during the period of six months.  
 

Responsibilities

The local consultant, will submit the following deliverables both in English and Albanian language, as below: 
                 
1.    First deliverable - Develop and submit an inception report including a methodology and an outline of all the activities listed above. – Deliverable by email potentially by 29.05.2026. (5 w/d)
2.    Second deliverable – Develop a draft of the Migration and Diaspora Local Community and Business Forums operational modalities to validate and monitor IMPEs at the local level and the gap analysis on the regulatory framework including relevant legislation, related regulations, implementing guidelines to be reviewed and endorsed by IOM. Deliverable by email potentially by 12.06.2026 (10 w/d).
3.    Third deliverable – Develop a draft of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for central and local level institutions and the gap analysis on the regulatory framework, on return migration aspects applicable in local level including relevant legislation, related regulations, implementing guidelines to be reviewed and endorsed by IOM. Support the organization, deliver presentation and moderate the discussion on the 1st Migration and Diaspora Local Community and Business Forum to validate and monitor the IMPEs organized by IOM with participation of all identified stakeholders at central and local level. Presence required in the workshop. Deliverable by email potentially by 31.06.2026. (10 w/d) First instalment payment
4.    Fourth deliverable – Support the organization, deliver presentation and moderate the discussion on four validation workshops on SOPs on return migration workshops organized by IOM with participation of the 61 municipalities’ representatives and other stakeholders (divided in groups, organized in 4 locations). Presence required in the workshops. (10 w/d) Deliverable by email potentially by 30.07.2026. 
5.    Fifth deliverable – Submit the final draft of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for central and local level institutions on return migration aspects applicable at the local level including relevant legislation, and of the Tailored Explanatory Guidance Materials of the legal and institutional frameworks for specific target groups, including migrants, women, and minorities, responding to IOM and stakeholders’ comments. Develop the training curricula manual, including power point presentations, pre and post knowledge assessment form, training evaluation forms, handouts, role plays and case studies and resources for capacity-building activities for government agencies involved in return migration to be reviewed and endorsed by IOM (10 w/d) Deliverable by email potentially by 31.08.2026. Second instalment payment 
6.    Sixth deliverable - Support the organization and deliver four, two days training on return migration with participation of the 61 municipalities’ representatives and other stakeholders. (Divided into groups, organized in 4 locations) stakeholders followed by a 1-day training of trainers for a selected group of participants. Submit the training report including the analysis of the pre-post knowledge assessment questionnaires and of a satisfaction survey on training sessions delivered with identified gaps not covered in the training that could be integrated in future training. Presence required in the training sessions. (10 w/d) Deliverable by email potentially by 30.09.2026. 
7.    Seventh deliverable - submit a consultancy report on the work done under this assignment including findings, recommendations and lessons learned if any. – Deliverable by email potentially by 30.10.2026. (5 w/d)  Third instalment payment
 

•     timeliness,
•     responsibility, 
•     initiative, 
•     communication, 
•      satisfactory completion of tasks indicated in this ToR; 
•      quality of products delivered.
   

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Completed an advanced degree from an accredited academic institution in legal, economic, development studies and other related areas. 

Experience

• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience. 
• Proven experience in the conduct of similar assignments.
• Relevant experience related to migration governance and especially 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.

   
   

Skills

• 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. 
• Experience in production of analytical work, both written reports and brief presentations of research
   

Languages

Fluency in Albanian and English is required (oral and written).  

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 five 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 – behavioural 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

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.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

Required Skills

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