Local Consultant - Migration Expert to support the Ombudsman Institution
Organizational Context
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), a UN agency established in 1951, promotes humane and orderly migration. The "EU4Migration in Albania" project supports effective, EU-aligned migration management systems in Albania, aligning with the National Strategy on Migration. This consultancy contributes to the project's objective of strengthening migration governance and protecting vulnerable groups.
Job Purpose
This consultancy aims to support the Ombudsman institution in Albania to address critical gaps in migrant identification, referral to protection systems, vulnerability screening, and reception conditions. The role will provide technical assistance, develop improved procedures and safeguards aligned with EU acquis, and strengthen inter-institutional coordination. The objective is to enhance rights-based and EU-aligned migration governance, with a specific focus on protecting vulnerable populations, including unaccompanied children and victims of trafficking, by improving access to protection assistance and reception safeguards.
Responsibilities
The consultant will analyze the existing legal, policy, and institutional framework for migration in Albania, focusing on pre-screening, referral, reception, and detention practices. Key responsibilities include providing practical recommendations to enhance access to protection support and improve the identification and referral of vulnerable individuals. The consultant will assess compliance with EU standards and international conventions, prepare technical inputs for draft laws and SOPs, and develop technical products such as analytical notes and mapping of referral pathways. Contributions will be made to monitoring and reporting under the National Strategy on Migration, and consultations will be conducted to support evidence-based recommendations and inter-institutional problem-solving.
Work Experience
A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience is required. Experience in migration governance, border procedures, reception, monitoring, refugee protection, or rule-of-law/human rights work is preferable. Knowledge of EU standards, vulnerability identification, child protection, and trafficking referral mechanisms is essential. Experience engaging with local authorities and international organizations is also desirable.
Skills
Ability to maintain accuracy and confidentiality. Excellent communication and reporting-writing skills in Albanian and English. Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills with attention to detail.