Project Context and Scope
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), established in 1951, is the leading intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants in the frameworks of the IOM Strategic Plan 2024-2028’s three strategic objectives: Saving lives and protecting people on the move; Driving solutions to displacement; and Facilitating pathways for regular migration. Since 1994, the IOM Country Office in Albania has supported the government and partners in managing migration challenges such as irregular migration, human trafficking, and displacement. The office promotes safe and orderly migration and its work aligns with Albania’s migration governance frameworks and EU integration efforts. Since 2016, IOM Albania has prioritized strengthening diaspora relations as a key element of the country’s socio-economic development strategy. Within its current programme “Leveraging the Potential of Diaspora to Advance EU Accession and Labour Mobility in the Western Balkans project (2025–2027)”, funded by Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), IOM aims at creating conditions for Diaspora members to fully contribute to sustainable and economic development of four selected Western Balkans partners (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Kosovo). Despite progress, significant gaps remain in terms of labour market forecasting, sectoral analysis, and mechanisms for skills recognition—particularly for returning migrants and women. Diaspora members, including women leaders and professionals, are well-positioned to support institutional growth, knowledge transfer, and capacity building in their countries of origin. This consultancy will contribute to Output 2.2 of the above-mentioned project: Western Balkans citizens, institutions and Diaspora members collaborate to increase knowledge of and access to inclusive and equitable labour mobility pathways. Activity 2.2.1 envisages conducting research and sectoral needs assessments on labour and skills mobility in the country, including gender-specific analysis and relevant linkages to the role of Diaspora in key sectors. The object of this consultancy is thus the research and sectoral needs assessments on labour mobility, skills and pathways in the WB (here with a focus on Albania), which will include a focus on identifying the specific needs, barriers, and opportunities for women, including migrant women and women from the Diaspora. As such, the assessment will help reveal gender gaps in existing skills and mobility pathways and highlight sectors where women’s contributions could be particularly impactful. Activity 2.2.3 will then develop sector-specific (and where relevant, gender-specific) strategies for labour and skills mobility partnerships with the support of the key institutions and Diaspora members. The latter will be the object of a follow-on consultancy.
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
Leveraging the Potential of Diaspora to Advance EU Accession and Labour Mobility in the Western Balkans (TK0102). Tasks to be performed under this contract
Under the overall supervision of the IOM Head of Office in Tirana, Albania and direct supervision of the National Programme Support & Development Officer, the local consultant will be responsible for:
Specifically, the local consultant will:
Provide desk review and context analysis on national strategies (e.g. National Strategy on Migration 2024-2030 and its Action Plan 2024-2027, National Strategy on Diaspora 2026-2030[1] and its Action Plan, National Strategy on Gender Equality 2021–2030, National Employment and Skills Strategy 2023-30), legal and EU framework relevant for Diaspora Engagement and relevant to labour mobility and integration (e.g. Law on Diaspora-Law no. 16/2018 and EU acquis chapters 2, 19, 26, 23/24) and other international organizations reports and studies done in the fields; Map existing and potential pathways for skills and labour mobility. Support the identification, mapping, and engagement of key stakeholders in the research, including diaspora communities and associations, women associations, private sector, civil society, academia and public institutions at both central and local levels. Using tools approved by IOM, conduct interviews or consultations to gather insights on availability and accessibility of labour pathways; main sectors affected and specific needs in regard to labour mobility. Conduct analysis of priority sectors (e.g. healthcare, ICT, education, tourism) to identify labour shortages, skills gaps, and potential for Diaspora engagement. Conduct analysis of gender-related barriers to labour mobility by carrying out focus group discussions (FGDs) with women, including returned migrants and Diaspora members, to identify any issues related to protection risks, skills recognition, accessing leadership opportunities, etc. Identify opportunities to leverage Diaspora expertise in priority sectors to support institutional capacity building, mentoring, and business development. This includes engaging skilled Diaspora members in policy dialogues and roundtables to share international best practices. The Albanian Diaspora Entrepreneur Women Network and the Italia-Albania Business Council should be involved in the research and survey process to ensure targeted input. Elaborate recommendations for sector-specific mobility strategies and gender-sensitive policies.All data gathered throughout this project/task should respect Data Privacy measures in accordance with the 'General Data Protection Regulation (EU 2016/679 \"GDPR\") and specifically IOM rules and regulations regarding data protection and research work.
First deliverable – Inception report, including outline for desk review, methodology and timeline. A stakeholder mapping should be included as an annex - Deliverable potentially by email by 19 October 2025 (5 working days) Second deliverable – Desk review report - Deliverable potentially by email by 16 November 2025 (9 working days)First instalment payment
Third deliverable – Sectoral Needs Assessment report including results of interviews and consultations. A mapping of existing and potential pathways for skills and labour mobility should be included as an annex- Deliverable potentially by email by 21 December 2025 (14 working days)Second instalment payment
Fourth deliverable – Gender Analysis Report based on Focus Group Discussions- Deliverable potentially by email by 1 February 2026 (10 working days) Fifth deliverable – Consolidated final report including recommendations and research findings-Deliverable potentially by email by 15 February 2026 (2 working days)Third and final instalment payment
All deliverables shall be submitted in English language for assessment and validation by IOM.
[1] Currently being drafted by MoEFA with support from IOM Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
Timeliness. Responsibility. Initiative. Communication. Satisfactory completion of tasks indicated in this ToR. Quality of the Products delivered. Education Completed Master’s degree from an accredited academic institution in political science, international relations, international development, migration studies, gender studies, law, public administration, social sciences, economics or another relevant field. PHD in the relevant field is advantageous. Experience Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in research, analysis, or labour mobility, skills development, gender, diaspora engagement, or migration. Experience in conducting similar research and sectoral needs assessments, preferably within the Western Balkans region or Albania specifically. Previous work with diaspora communities or diaspora-related projects in Albania or Albanian-speaking areas is highly desirable Skills Ability to analyze institutional processes, review and draft policy and strategic documents, and produce high-quality data collection, processing, and reporting outputs. Ability in producing clear, concise, and well-structured analytical documents, reports, and presentations. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, capable of engaging effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders including public authorities, migrant communities, private sector actors, civil society, and academia. Languages Full professional proficiency in English and Albanian is required. Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments. Travel required Only when authorized by IOM Required Competencies IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process. Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values: Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion. Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct. Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges. Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance. Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated. Core Competencies – behavioural indicators Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results. Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes. Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate. Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work. Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way. Notes Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable. IOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts. IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies