Cfa 15-05/26 RMGP EU Alignment Consultant

Organizational Context

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), a UN-related agency since 1951, promotes humane and orderly migration. This role contributes to the Regional Migration Governance Programme (RMGP) in the Western Balkans, a critical region for managing migration flows and aligning with EU standards. The programme aims to enhance safe, orderly, and rights-based migration and border management.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to conduct a comprehensive baseline assessment of the current alignment of border governance and migration management frameworks, legislation, policies, and procedures in six Western Balkan entities with the EU acquis, specifically Chapters 2, 23, and 24. The assessment will evaluate the extent of correspondence with EU standards, identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities, and provide actionable recommendations. The findings will inform targeted interventions by IOM to strengthen these areas, support accession-related reforms, and serve as a benchmark for measuring project progress. A standardized methodology and scoring framework will be developed for cross-country comparison and endline assessment.

Responsibilities

The consultant will conduct a baseline assessment of EU acquis alignment in border governance and migration management for six Western Balkan entities, focusing on Chapters 2, 23, and 24. This involves compiling, reviewing, and analyzing existing monitoring mechanisms, reports, and documents to determine the current level of alignment. The consultant will develop a standardized, replicable methodology with quantifiable indicators and an alignment scoring framework. Key deliverables include an inception report detailing the methodology, a draft report with findings and recommendations, and a final consolidated regional report with country-specific analyses and a matrix of indicators. The assessment will identify gaps, risks, and priority opportunities, providing actionable recommendations to inform IOM's interventions and establish baseline values for project monitoring and evaluation.

Work Experience

A minimum of 7 years of experience is required, preferably with an EU-affiliated organization, UN agency, or international organization working on EU enlargement. Expertise in EU acquis, EU alignment, and migration frameworks is essential, along with proven experience in qualitative data collection methods (desk reviews, surveys) and data analysis. Experience with UN or other international organizations is an advantage.

Skills

Ability to work effectively under tight deadlines. Knowledge of the migration landscape, including policy, legislation, and frameworks, in the Western Balkans and the EU.

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