Job Description

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.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration


 

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.

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.

IOM, with support from the local consultant, will support the National Diaspora Agency and other partners in in strengthening local migration and diaspora structures by enhancing institutional capacities, improving coordination between central and local actors, developing practical frameworks and tools, and promoting structured diaspora engagement to support local development.
Emphasis will be placed on ensuring the sustainability and institutionalization of the coordination mechanisms, tools, and practices developed under the assignment. The consultancy will support the National Diaspora Agency in embedding successful approaches within its regular operations and procedures, strengthening institutional capacities and promoting long-term collaboration between central and local government actors.

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing

The consultancy will contribute to the successful implementation of the project “Strengthening Local Institutional Capacities on Migration in Albania” AL10P0530 / CD.0113.

Responsibilities

Tasks to be performed under this contract
Under the overall supervision of the Head of Office and direct supervision of the IOM Project Coordinator and in close coordination with the Project Implementation Unit, the local consultant will be responsible for supporting the National Diaspora Agency in strengthening local migration and diaspora structures by enhancing institutional capacities, improving coordination between central and local actors, developing practical frameworks and tools, and promoting structured diaspora engagement to support local development. 
The engagement will serve the following purposes under the specific themes as below:

1.    Institutional Strengthening and Coordination
a)    Support NDA/MoFA in strengthening institutional cooperation with diaspora communities and their representative structures globally. 
b)    Support the National Diaspora Agency in establishing and maintaining regular coordination mechanisms with Migration and Diaspora Structures (MDS) at the municipal level. 
c)    Facilitate coordination between NDA, line ministries, Migration and Diaspora Structures at the local level, and other national stakeholders to ensure coherent diaspora engagement policies.
d)    Contribute to maintaining structured communication and partnerships between diaspora representatives and local institutions.
e)    Strengthen inter-institutional collaboration mechanisms to advance implementation and monitoring of the National Diaspora Strategy.
f)    Facilitate information-sharing and communication channels between NAD and municipalities to ensure alignment of diaspora engagement initiatives and local development priorities. 
g)    Support the development of practical cooperation modalities, referral pathways, and coordination procedures between NAD and local government structures. 
h)    Identify opportunities to strengthen operational linkages between central and local institutions involved in diaspora engagement, return and reintegration, and local development initiatives. 
i)    Promote the exchange of good practices and lessons learned among municipalities regarding diaspora engagement and collaboration with NAD.

2.    Capacity Building
a)    Support the organization of capacity-building activities for public institutions on engaging diaspora communities and leveraging their contributions.
b)    Provide technical assistance to improve institutional services targeting diaspora members, including information, outreach, and engagement tools.
c)    Promote exchange of best practices and experiences between Albanian institutions and diaspora organizations.
d)    Support coordination of national and international experts contributing to diaspora-related programs and initiatives.
e)    Develop practical guidance materials and knowledge products that can continue to be used by NAD and municipalities beyond the project implementation period. 
f)    Support the transfer of knowledge and good practices to NAD staff and relevant municipal focal points to strengthen institutional ownership and continuity.


3.    Technical and Analytical Support 
a)    Support NDA in strengthening coordination platforms for diaspora engagement, facilitating information-sharing and institutional cooperation.
b)    Assist in organizing and documenting coordination meetings, ensuring proper follow-up, knowledge management, and institutional memory.
c)    Prepare analytical reports and policy briefs on diaspora trends, contributions, and challenges to support evidence-based policymaking.
d)    Map existing coordination practices between NAD and municipalities and provide recommendations for their improvement and institutionalization. 
e)    Support the development of tools, templates, and guidance materials to facilitate regular communication, reporting, and cooperation between local and central government actors.
f)    Contribute to the documentation and institutionalization of coordination mechanisms, operating procedures, and tools developed during the consultancy. 
g)    Provide recommendations for integrating successful practices into existing NAD operational frameworks and the implementation of the National Diaspora Strategy.


4.    Stakeholder Engagement, Policy Dialogue, and Advocacy
a)    Facilitate dialogue platforms between diaspora members, government institutions, civil society, and private sector actors to identify priorities for cooperation.
b)    Support the organization of national and international events promoting diaspora contributions to Albania’s economic development, culture, and national identity.
c)    Contribute to policy development by providing technical inputs and recommendations aligned with diaspora rights, cultural preservation, and economic cooperation objectives.

To ensure consistent progress and accountability, the following monitoring and reporting mechanisms will be applied:

Timesheet Tracking
•    The consultant shall maintain a daily sign-in and sign-out timesheet, which must be signed by the consultant and verified by the designated focal point at the National Diaspora Agency.
•    Timesheets shall be submitted monthly as part of the consultant’s documentation package.
Coordination Meeting Documentation
•    The consultant shall document and submit minutes of coordination meetings facilitated between the National Diaspora Agency, municipalities, and other stakeholders.
•    Minutes shall be submitted monthly as part of the consultant’s documentation package
Monthly Progress Reports
•    The consultant shall submit a monthly narrative report detailing: Activities undertaken; Achievements and challenges; Coordination efforts with the National Diaspora Agency and municipalities and Recommendations and next steps
•    Each report must be signed by the consultant and endorsed by the National Diaspora Agency supervisor and submitted by the last working day of the reporting month. 
Performance Review
•    A mid-term and final performance review will be conducted jointly by IOM and the National Diaspora Agency to assess progress against objectives and deliverables, and to identify areas for improvement.

The engagement of the local consultant will take place from Monday to Friday 5 hours/day, based at the the National Diaspora Agency in close cooperation with the NAD staff and the Municipalities staff collaborating with IOM assigned on Migration and Diaspora issues. 

The sign in and sign out timesheet, as well as the monthly reports, will be applied by signature of consultant and verified by the responsible person at the National Agency of Diaspora.

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
•    Timeliness, 
•    Responsibility, 
•    Initiative, 
•    Communication, 
•    Satisfactory completion of tasks indicated in this ToR; 
•    Quality of products delivered
 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

  • Completed a university degree from an accredited academic institution in social science, management, public administration, law studies, migration studies, development studies and other related areas. 

Experience

  • At least 3 years of relevant professional experience related to local governance, migration governance, public and private sector engagement.
  • Proven experience conducting similar assignments working with government institutions, especially in inter-agency coordination or policy development. 
  • Experience in management, marketing, stakeholder engagement, event coordination and organization, institutional processes analysis, report writing, presentations. 
  • Familiarity with migration dynamics and municipal-level service delivery in Albania is highly desirable.
     

Skills

  • Strong interpersonal, intercultural skills and communication skills, with the ability to liaise effectively between institutions and with a wide range of stakeholders (public authorities, local authorities, migrants, private sector, etc.) 
  • Excellent analytical and strategic thinking skills, especially in identifying institutional needs and proposing actionable solutions.
  • Proficiency in developing SOPs, coordination frameworks, and capacity-building materials.
  • Ability to facilitate workshops, meetings, and coaching sessions with diverse stakeholders.
  • Strong reporting and documentation skills, including the ability to produce clear and concise recommendations
  • Ability to maintain accuracy & confidentiality in performing responsibilities
  •  

Languages

For this consultancy, Fluency in Albanian and English is required (spoken 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

Job info

Contract Type: Consultancy (Up to 11 months)
Org Type: Country Office
Vacancy Type: Consultancy
Recruiting Type: Consultant
Grade: UG
Is this S/VN based in an L3 office or in support to an L3 emergency response?: No
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