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 leveraging diaspora engagement for national development and EU integration.

Job Purpose

This role serves to systematically map and leverage the expertise of the Macedonian diaspora to accelerate North Macedonia's EU accession process. By engaging highly skilled diaspora members with experience in EU institutions and policies, the position will support institutional reforms, legislative alignment, and capacity development. The purpose is to facilitate the transfer of knowledge, best practices, and technical expertise from diaspora professionals to North Macedonian institutions, thereby strengthening their ability to meet EU acquis requirements. This contributes to the overall national priority of EU integration and fosters long-term institutional development and sustainable labor mobility.

Responsibilities

Potential assignments involve delivering lectures and seminars on EU institutions and accession processes to North Macedonian institutions. This includes participating in expert visits, providing on-the-job training, and mentoring 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. Remote engagement may include 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

No specific work experience is listed. However, eligibility criteria emphasize relevant professional experience gained in EU institutions, EU Member State administrations, academic institutions, think tanks, or civil society organizations focused on EU-related policies. Practical experience in supporting EU accession processes, legislative alignment, and institutional reforms is also highly valued.

Skills

Core Technical & EU Accession Skills: Strong knowledge of EU acquis (one or more chapters), hands-on experience with EU institutions/Member State administrations, understanding of the EU accession process, legislative alignment, gap analysis, and institutional reform experience. Policy & Strategic Skills: Policy analysis and drafting, strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, public administration reform. Cross-Cutting Competencies: Rule of law, fundamental rights, human rights, gender equality, migration management, digital transformation, institutional coordination. Knowledge Transfer & Capacity-Building Skills: Ability to transfer knowledge, training and mentoring, advisory and coaching skills. Soft Skills: Excellent communication, cultural sensitivity, problem-solving, adaptability, professional integrity.

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