Diaspora Fellowships

Organizational Context

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in North Macedonia supports the country's EU accession through the project 'Leveraging the Potential of Diaspora to Advance EU Accession and Labour Mobility'. This initiative aims to harness the expertise of the Macedonian diaspora to strengthen institutional capacities, facilitate knowledge transfer, and promote reforms aligned with EU standards. The role contributes to accelerating North Macedonia's integration process by leveraging diaspora engagement.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this role is to facilitate the transfer of knowledge, skills, and experience from the Macedonian diaspora to support North Macedonia's EU accession process. By engaging diaspora members with expertise in EU institutions, laws, and best practices, the role aims to strengthen institutional capacities, accelerate legislative alignment, and foster reforms in line with the EU acquis. This contribution is crucial for advancing the country's national priority of joining the European Union, by systematically mapping and utilizing diaspora expertise to enhance institutional reforms and capacity development in key areas relevant to EU integration and governance.

Responsibilities

Potential assignments involve delivering lectures and seminars on EU institutions and accession processes to North Macedonian institutions. This includes participating in expert visits and providing on-the-job training and mentoring to civil servants. The role also entails offering advisory support, either in person or remotely, to transfer knowledge and guidance on EU integration, legislative alignment, and institutional reforms. Furthermore, it involves remote expert engagement through online consultations, advisory sessions, and participation in working groups or expert panels. Inclusion in the expert database does not guarantee engagement; assignments are based on institutional needs and specific requirements.

Work Experience

Eligibility criteria suggest relevant professional experience gained in EU institutions, EU Member State administrations, academic institutions, think tanks, or civil society organizations focusing on EU-related policies. Experience in supporting EU accession processes, including legislative alignment, policy development, and gap analysis, is also highly valued.

Skills

Core technical skills include strong knowledge of the EU acquis (one or more chapters), hands-on experience with EU institutions or EU Member State administrations, and understanding of the EU accession process. Policy and strategic skills involve policy analysis, drafting, strategic planning, and monitoring/evaluation. Cross-cutting competencies include rule of law, human rights, gender equality, migration management, and digital transformation. Knowledge transfer and capacity-building skills, such as training, mentoring, and advisory capabilities, are essential, alongside excellent communication, cultural sensitivity, and problem-solving abilities.

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