CON 2026/38 - International Consultant for the Mid-Term Review of the National Strategy on Migration 2024–2030 and its Action Plan

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

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Albania is implementing the EU4Migration in Albania project, which aims to support stronger, more effective and EU-aligned migration and asylum governance systems in Albania. The project contributes to Albania’s EU accession process and works closely with national authorities to advance the implementation and monitoring of the National Strategy on Migration 2024–2030 and its Action Plan 2024–2026.

As foreseen under the National Strategy on Migration, the current Action Plan will need to be renewed for the period 2027–2030. The mid-term review is therefore an important opportunity to take stock of progress, identify implementation gaps and lessons learned, and refine priorities in response to evolving migration and asylum dynamics, Albania’s EU accession priorities and institutional needs.

Since the National Strategy on Migration 2024–2030 was developed, Albania has continued its EU accession process. To this end, the mid-term review should take into account the evolving EU accession requirements and the fulfilment of the closing benchmarks under Chapter 24, including those relevant to migration and asylum. This would ensure that the review covers the extent to which existing strategic priorities remain aligned with Albania’s evolving EU accession commitments, in addition to measuring progress in the Strategy implementation. The findings should help identify any necessary adjustments to policy priorities, institutional responsibilities, implementation measures and monitoring indicators, so that the renewed Action Plan 2027–2030 would respond to both the lessons learned from implementation and the requirements and priorities emerging from the accession process.

Under the overall supervision of IOM Albania and in close coordination with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the International Consultant is expected to produce an evidence-based mid-term review of the National Strategy on Migration 2024–2030 and its Action Plan 2024–2026, assessing implementation progress, policy relevance, institutional effectiveness and alignment with Albania's EU accession commitments, and providing strategic recommendations for the development of the Action Plan 2027–2030.

The international consultant will be responsible to:

• Develop the overall review methodology, workplan, review matrix and data collection tools in close coordination with IOM, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the two local consultants.
• Conduct a strategic desk review of the National Strategy on Migration 2024–2030, Action Plan 2024–2026, available monitoring data and reports, relevant EU accession documents, Chapter 24 requirements and other and policy and legislative materials related to migration and asylum governance.
• Provide methodological guidance and technical coordination to the local consultants on data collection, stakeholder consultations, analysis and consolidation of findings.
• Lead selected high-level consultations with national institutions, international partners and other relevant stakeholders, including during the mission to Tirana.
• Assess the relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability of implementation to date, including the extent to which strategic objectives, measures and indicators remain aligned with Albania's evolving EU accession priorities, Chapter 24 commitments, progress against relevant closing benchmarks, institutional readiness to implement future accession-related obligations in emerging migration and asylum priorities; Identify strategic priorities, implementation gaps, emerging migration and asylum challenges, and areas requiring adjustment, expansion or inclusion in the renewed Action Plan 2027–2030, considering lessons learned and future EU accession requirements. Prepare draft and final mid-term review reports, based on the desk review, stakeholder consultations and findings generated through the IOM review process, including a comprehensive assessment of the impact and effectiveness of migration policies in Albania, examining progress towards strategic objectives, policy outcomes, implementation gaps and emerging migration trends.
• Develop evidence-based recommendations for the Action Plan 2027-2030, including proposed priority areas, revised measures, institutional responsibilities, implementation arrangements and monitoring indicators, ensuring alignment with EU accession, requirements and emerging migration governance needs.
• Assess the adequacy of the current monitoring and reporting framework of the National Strategy and provide recommendations for strengthening results monitoring, inter-institutional coordination and evidence-based reporting under the renewed Action Plan 2027–2030. Present preliminary findings and recommendations during a validation meeting and reflect agreed feedback in the final deliverables.

All written deliverables shall be submitted electronically in English as applicable to the respective deliverable, in editable format. Deliverables shall be subject to review and acceptance by IOM, and any consolidated comments provided by IOM shall be appropriately reflected in the revised/final outputs.

1.    First deliverable – Inception report, including methodology, review matrix, stakeholder mapping, data collection tools and detailed workplan. Deliverable due potentially by 30 November 2026 [6 working days] First Instalment Payment

2.    Second deliverable – Strategic desk review and analytical note on NSM/AP implementation, EU alignment and emerging migration and asylum dynamics. Mission to Tirana, stakeholder consultations, validation and preliminary findings presentation. Deliverable due potentially by 15 January 2027 [15 working days] Second Instalment Payment

3.    Third deliverable – Draft mid-term review report, including findings, conclusions, lessons learned and recommendations for the updated AP 2027–2030. Final mid-term review report and recommendation matrix revised based on consolidated feedback. Deliverable due potentially by 15 February 2027 [9 working days] Third Instalment Payment
 

• Deliverables are submitted within the agreed timeframe and are of a quality that supports IOM’s review and decision-making processes,
• Methodology is clear, feasible, participatory and aligned with the objectives of the review,
• Analysis is evidence-based, balanced and relevant to Albania’s migration and asylum governance context,
• Recommendations are practical, clearly prioritized and useful for informing the renewed Action Plan 2027–2030,
• Consolidated feedback from IOM and relevant counterparts is appropriately addressed in revised outputs,
• Quality of deliverables submitted according to timelines outlined above,
• Team working ability,
• Communication,
• Confidentiality,
• Timeliness,
• Responsibility,
• Initiative.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Advanced university degree in migration studies, law, economics, public policy, international relations, social sciences, evaluation, development studies or another relevant field.

Experience

• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in migration governance, asylum, policy review, strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, or EU accession-related policy processes is preferrable.
• Demonstrated experience leading evaluations, strategic reviews or policy assessments for governments, UN agencies, international organizations or donor-funded programmes is preferrable.
• Strong knowledge of EU migration and asylum standards, international migration governance frameworks, protection-sensitive approaches and results-based management is preferrable.
• Previous experience in the Western Balkans or EU enlargement context is preferrable.
   

Skills

• Excellent analytical, facilitation, drafting and presentation skills in English.
• Ability to maintain accuracy and confidentiality in performing responsibilities. 
• Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills with attention to detail.

Languages

For this consultancy, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Albanian is an advantage

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