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

The International EU Labour Law Expert will conduct a comparative analysis of the Law on Work and Employment of Foreigners and relevant provisions of the Law on Foreigners against the frameworks of EU Member States.

The assignment will support national working groups in revising legislation to improve labour mobility governance and alignment with EU standards.

Objectives of the Assignment

To assess labour mobility and work permit frameworks and provide EU-aligned recommendations to improve efficiency, accessibility, and coherence.

• Conduct a structured comparative analysis of the legal and institutional frameworks governing labour migration and access to the labour market in selected EU Member States and relevant EU acquis

• Map and explain how key procedures are organised and implemented in practice, including:

  • Admission pathways for foreign workers

  • Work authorisation and residence procedures

  • Institutional roles and coordination mechanisms

• Analyse how EU Member States operationalise EU directives and standards in the area of legal migration and labour mobility

• Identify good practices and implementation models that could inform ongoing legislative revisions in North Macedonia

• Highlight key differences, gaps, and areas of misalignment with EU standards, with a focus on clarity, efficiency, and institutional coherence

• Provide practical, context-sensitive recommendations to support the alignment and functioning of the legal framework, including options for addressing labour shortages in a regulated and sustainable manner

• Ensure that recommendations reflect fundamental rights, protection considerations, and administrative feasibility

The entire initiative will be structured to ensure the effort does not exceed 12 days of engagement.

Tasks to be performed

• Comparative legal and policy analysis

• Assessment of work permit systems and procedures

• Analysis of labour market access mechanisms

• Identification of administrative and legal barriers

• Development of policy and legal recommendations

Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment

• Comparative Analysis Report focusing on labour mobility and employment frameworks
• Identification of:
  • Good practices
    • Transferable solutions
    • Alignment gaps
• A set of targeted, practical recommendations supporting legislative reform

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Advanced degree in economics, labour law, public policy, or related field

Experience

• Minimum 7–10 years of experience in labour migration, employment policy, or labour market analysis
• Experience with EU labour mobility frameworks
• Proven experience in comparative analysis

Skills

• Strong analytical and labour market research skills
• In-depth understanding of labour mobility and migration systems
• Knowledge of work permit frameworks and employment regulations
• Familiarity with EU labour mobility and migration policies
• Ability to analyse administrative procedures and identify bottlenecks
• Strong policy drafting and report-writing skills
• Ability to formulate practical and implementable recommendations
• Sensitivity to gender, protection, and inclusion considerations
• Ability to work independently and deliver under tight timelines

Languages

For this consultancy, fluency in English is mandatory. 

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