CON 2026/30 - Local Consultant for Training Administrative Units on Municipal Migration and Diaspora Functions in Albania’s 12 regional Counties

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 self-improvement/empowerment.

As part of these efforts, several Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and operational mechanisms have been developed to guide municipalities and Administrative Units in the provision of migration-related services, referrals, case management, information dissemination, and coordination with Migration and Diaspora Units (MDUs) and other relevant institutions.
Administrative Units serve as the closest level of government to citizens and are often the first point of contact for migrants, returnees, diaspora members, and vulnerable groups seeking information and assistance. Ensuring that Administrative Unit staff understand and apply the established SOPs is essential for improving access to services and ensuring consistent implementation across municipalities.
To support this objective, IOM seeks to engage a qualified National Expert Trainer to deliver a series of trainings for representatives of Administrative Units across Albania.

Key Topics to be Covered
The training programme will focus on the practical implementation of SOPs related to migration and diaspora services, including but not limited to:

• Roles and responsibilities of Administrative Units within local migration governance structures;
• Functions of Migration and Diaspora at municipal level;
• Referral pathways and coordination mechanisms established through the SOPs;
• Identification and referral of emigrants, returnees, diaspora members, and vulnerable cases;
• Provision of information and orientation services;
• Documentation and reporting requirements;
• Inter-institutional coordination and communication;
• Case studies and practical exercises on SOP implementation;
• Challenges and solutions in local-level implementation.

These activities will be achieved through the engagement from IOM of a Local Consultant.  
The engagement of the Local Consultant will take place for 30 working days during the period of four months. Each month to be trained at least 3 regional counties in Albania, in total of 12 counties. 

The engagement will serve the following purposes under the specific themes as below:
A. Preparation Phase

• Review all relevant SOPs, guidelines, referral mechanisms, manuals, and project documents provided by IOM.
• Participate in coordination meetings with IOM to finalize training objectives and methodology.
• Adapt and/or develop training materials based on the SOPs and local governance framework.
• Prepare presentations, practical exercises, case studies, and knowledge assessment tools.
  B. Delivery of Training Sessions
• The consultant will deliver a series of trainings targeting representatives of Administrative Units from all regions of Albania.
• Specifically, the consultant shall:
• Deliver a total of twelve (12) training sessions over a four-month period.
• Conduct three (3) trainings per month.
• Facilitate training sessions covering representatives from the country's 374 Administrative Units.
• Present and explain the SOPs and operational procedures applicable to Administrative Units.
• Guide participants through practical exercises and case scenarios demonstrating the implementation of SOPs.
• Facilitate discussion on challenges, lessons learned, and good practices related to service provision and referrals.
  C. Evaluation and Reporting
• Conduct pre- and post-training assessments.
• Collect participant evaluations and feedback.
• Prepare a brief report following each training session.
• Develop a consolidated final consultancy report summarizing achievements, challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education: 

• Completed an advanced degree from an accredited academic institution in legal, economic, development studies and other related areas.
  
  Experience and skills: 
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience.
• Proven experience in the conduct of similar assignments.
• Relevant experience related to migration governance and esp. 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.
• Experience in production of analytical work, both written reports and brief presentations of research
• 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.

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