Project Context and Scope
Migration governance remains a top priority for Albania. Despite the progress achieved in this area through the implementation of the National Strategy on Migration and Action Plan 2019-2022, Albania continues to invest efforts on make further advancements in this area, especially considering ongoing EU accession negotiations, that commenced in July 2022, imposing additional requirements on the Government of Albania and its institutions to meet EU standards in governing migration.
Past efforts to engage the diaspora and leverage their social and human capital through fellowships have proven highly efficient and effective in contributing to Albania's EU accession. Government stakeholders have recognized the significant impact of the EU fellowship scheme implemented by IOM between October 2017 and December 2021, engaging 38 highly skilled diaspora members/fellows remotely to assist the Government of Albania.
Despite the progress achieved in this area through the implementation of the National Strategy on Migration and Action Plan 2019-2022, and the path forward indicated by the new National Strategy on Migration and Action Plan 2024-2030, Albania continues to invest efforts on make further advancements in this area, especially considering ongoing EU accession negotiations, that commenced in July 2022, imposing additional requirements on the Government of Albania and its institutions to meet EU standards in governing migration.
The negotiations encompass 35 different policy areas referred to as chapters. In the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Council meetings conclusions on enlargement and the stabilisation and association process dated December 13, 2022, it was stated that Albania's legal framework regarding migration is largely aligned with the EU acquis, but it requires updating. The Council emphasizes the importance of Albania fulfilling its commitment to align with the EU visa policy. The bilateral negotiation process, taking into account the experiences of other countries in the region, is expected to yield specific recommendations concerning migration governance and management. These recommendations, in accordance with Chapter 24 of the Acquis, aim to further align with the EU standards that need to be met.
The objective of the project is to contribute to enhancing migration governance and overall socio-economic development in Albania and ensure alignment with international standards and best practices through diaspora engagement.
To achieve this objective, the project will support the Government of Albania in effectively implementing diaspora engagement strategies and schemes, recognizing the positive connection between migration and development. Consequently, the project aims to ensure that the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEFA) has improved resources, knowledge, and skills for implementing diaspora engagement policies in line with the National Strategy for Diaspora (2021-2025). One of the key outcomes of this project is to assist the Government of Albania in facilitating the engagement of the diaspora in development through the transfer of skills and know-how. This will involve engaging skilled members of the Albanian diaspora to support EU accession negotiations, building upon previously successful initiatives.
This will include the deployment of a local consultant (coordinator) in support of the SMCN.
The engagement of Fellowship Coordinator will offer the SMCN substantial benefits:
- Access to specialized Legal and International Relations Expertise crucial for navigating the intricacies of EU negotiations from the Albanian standpoint.
- Strengthening capacities to fulfill obligations and standards of the Acquis.
- Seamless alignment with the National Strategy for the Migration and the Action Plan, amplifying the impact of existing initiatives and contributing to the overall success of Albania's EU accession
This will be achieved through the deployment of a local consultant (coordinator) at the SMCN.
The engagement of the local consultant (coordinator) will take place for up to 20 working days during the period of 7 (seven) months’ time length, based at the SMCN. The consultant will prepare and submit periodical reports by the last working day of the reporting period as well as the sign in and sign out timesheet will be applied by signature of consultant and verified by the responsible person at the MoI.
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
The consultancy will contribute to the successful realization of the project “ENHANCING MIGRATION GOVERNANCE AND DIASPORA ENGAGEMENT FOR DEVELOPMENT IN ALBANIA” implemented by IOM Albania, through the financial support of the IOM Development Fund. Tasks to be performed under this contract
Under the overall supervision of the Head of Office and direct supervision of the IOM Program Coordinator and in close coordination with the Project Implementation Unit, the local consultant will be responsible for supporting the SMCN in the coordination of the Diaspora Fellowships.
More specifically:
The local consultant (coordinator) based at the SMCN, will be responsible to:
- Ensure smooth performance of the contract of each program fellow, in line with the needs and the requests of the SMCN and the Line Ministries, by providing continuous guidance on their duties;
- Ensure that the deliverables of the program fellows present a high standard quality;
- Coordinate the work of the team program fellows by acting as a focal point between them, the project coordinator and the project assistant;
- Act as liaison and facilitate contact between the program fellows and the SMCN and the Line Ministries through periodic consultations with relevant institutions and stakeholders;
- Ensure that the deliverables of the program fellows are consistent with their ToR;
- Monitor progress of the work of each program fellow;
- Update the SMCN and the Line Ministries on the work of the program fellows, as relevant, through periodic meetings;
- Inform and report to the IOM Project Coordinator and Project Associate on the specific requests of the partner institutions during the fellowship and address their general concerns or suggestions for the improvement of the work of the program fellows.
Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
• timeliness,
• responsibility,
• initiative,
• communication,
• satisfactory completion of tasks indicated in this ToR;
• quality of products delivered.
Education
Completed an advanced degree from an accredited academic institution in Humanities, political sciences, social sciences, legal studies, security, public administration, economics, and other related areas.
Experience
At least 3 years of relevant professional experience.
Recent experience in the conduct of similar assignments.
Relevant experience related with migration governance
Experience in institutional processes analysis, related policy documents, and strategic documents drafting, data collection, processing, analyse and reporting, presentations.
Experience in production of analytical work, both written reports and brief presentations of research.
Ability to communicate with a wide range of stakeholders (public authorities, local authorities, migrants, private sector, etc.)
Skills
Effective communicator, both orally and written
Ability to maintain accuracy & confidentiality in performing responsibilities.
Good communication skills in both written and oral form.
Strong interpersonal & intercultural skills with an attention to detail.
Languages