CON 2026/31 - Local Consultant to support the design and delivery of a Training of Trainers program for TALGA, the Academy for Local Self-Government in Albania

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.

In this context, TALGA, the Academy for Local Self-Government, has been established as a national structure dedicated to the continuous training and professional development of staff and leadership of local self-government units. Its establishment marks an important step toward building a more capable, professional, and responsive local government system able to address current and future governance challenges.

As TALGA becomes operational, there is a need to establish a qualified pool of trainers who can deliver high-quality, standardized, and practice-oriented training programs for local government officials across Albania. The Training of Trainers program will support TALGA in building internal training capacities, ensuring consistency in training delivery, and promoting adult learning approaches that respond to the practical needs of municipalities, Administrative Units, and other local governance actors.
The selected consultant will support the design and implementation of a Training of Trainers program for TALGA, including the development of training modules, facilitation tools, learning materials, practical exercises, and assessment instruments. The assignment will contribute to strengthening TALGA’s ability to provide structured, relevant, and sustainable training services to local self-government units.

Key Topics to be Covered
The Training of Trainers program will focus on strengthening the methodological, technical, and facilitation capacities of selected TALGA trainers. The program should include, but not be limited to, the following topics:

• Role and mandate of TALGA in strengthening local self-government capacities;
• Principles of adult learning and participatory training methodologies;
• Training cycle management, including needs assessment, planning, delivery, evaluation, and follow-up;
• Development of training objectives, session plans, agendas, and learning outcomes;
• Facilitation techniques for diverse groups of local government officials;
• Use of interactive methods, case studies, simulations, peer learning, and group exercises;
• Communication, moderation, and presentation skills;
• Managing group dynamics and encouraging inclusive participation;
• Adapting training content to different municipal contexts and capacity levels;
• Integrating local governance, service delivery, transparency, financial management, digitalization, and EU integration-related themes into training delivery;
• Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of training activities;
• Quality assurance mechanisms for standardized training delivery under TALGA.

These activities will be achieved through the engagement of a qualified Local Consultant / Training of Trainers Expert.
 

The engagement of the Local Consultant will take place for 30 working days.
 

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing

The consultancy will contribute to the effective implementation of the project “Strengthening Local Institutional Capacities on Migration in Albania” (AL10P0530 / CD.0113), by supporting the achievement of its objectives related to enhanced local governance, strengthened institutional capacities, and sustainable migration management at the municipal level.

1.    First deliverable - Develop and submit an inception report including the proposed methodology, structure of the Training of Trainers program, outline of training modules, training agenda, and proposed approach for assessing participants’ learning progress and training delivery skills. – Deliverable by email potentially by 10.10.2026. (5 w/d) First instalment payment.
2.    Second deliverable – Develop and submit the full Training of Trainers package, including PowerPoint presentations, trainer’s guide, participant materials, practical exercises, case studies, simulation tools, group work templates, pre- and post-training assessment tools, and evaluation forms. Deliverable by email potentially by 30.10.2026. (15 w/d). Second instalment payment.
3.    Third deliverable – Support the organization and deliver the Training of Trainers session for selected TALGA trainers and/or local governance experts, including facilitation of discussions, practical exercises, and simulation activities. Presence required during the training. Deliverable by email potentially by 11.11.2026. (7 w/d) 
4.    Fourth deliverable – Submit a final consultancy report including a summary of all work completed under the assignment, training results, key observations, findings, lessons learned, recommendations, and proposed follow-up measures for institutionalizing the Training of Trainers approach within TALGA. Deliverable by email potentially by 30.11.2026. (3 w/d). Third and final instalment payment.[

 Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

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

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education
•     Completed advanced degree from an accredited academic institution in social sciences, law, economy or 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, employment or local government would be an advantage.
• Ability to communicate with a wide range of stakeholders (public authorities, local authorities, migrants, private sector, etc.)
• 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). 

Travel required
YES, only in case requested by IOM
 

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