Job Description

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. 

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Project Context and Scope

The “EU4Migration in Albania” project aims to support the implementation of effective, efficient, and EU-aligned border and migration management systems in Albania. The project is embedded in the strategic objective of the National Strategy on Migration (NSM) in achieving effective migration governance to address challenges and enhance migration’s positive impact on development for the benefit of migrants and society.

Recent monitoring and casework indicate critical gaps between identification of migrants and formal referral to the protection system, shortcomings in proactive vulnerability screening (including unaccompanied and separated children and victims of trafficking), inconsistent pre-screening practices, and recurring concerns related to reception conditions (information provision, interpretation, complaint mechanisms and psycho-social support). This consultancy will support the Ombudsman institution to engage relevant institutions to address these gaps through evidence-based recommendations, improved procedures and strengthened safeguards, aligned with EU acquis.

Under the overall supervision of the IOM Head of Office, the direct supervision of the EU4Migration in Albania Project Manager, and in close coordination with the designated official at the Ombudsman institution, the consultant will support rights-based and EU-aligned migration governance, with a particular focus on protection of vulnerable groups, by:
•    Providing technical assistance to the Ombudsman and relevant counterparts to follow up on monitoring findings of the Ombudsman related to pre-screening, referral, and reception;
•    Supporting with drafting and/or revising standard operating procedures (SOPs), checklists and guidance for initial screening (pre-screening) and referral to the protection referral procedures, ensuring vulnerability-sensitive interviewing and safeguards;
•    Strengthening inter-institutional coordination (MoIA/Border and Migration Police, social services, child protection structures, anti-trafficking mechanisms, and civil society) to ensure timely referrals and protection responses for vulnerable persons;
•    Preparing thematic briefs, draft recommendations and technical inputs for the Ombudsman Institution to strengthen access to protection assistance (information, interpretation, legal aid) and improve reception safeguards (complaint mechanisms, psycho-social support, child-sensitive arrangements), in line with EUAA standards and EU acquis;
 

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing

The consultancy will contribute to the successful implementation of the project EU4Migration in Albania (PX0611) 
 

Responsibilities

Tasks to be performed under this contract

The local consultant, based at the Ombudsman institution and working in close coordination with the Ombudsman, will be responsible to:
•    Analyse the current legal, policy and institutional framework for migration, including pre-screening, referral, reception and detention practices.
•    Provide practical, implementable recommendations to strengthen access to protection support (information provision, interpretation and legal aid) and to improve identification and referral of persons in need of international protection and other vulnerable persons.
•    Assess compliance with EU standards and international conventions ratified by Albania, with specific attention to non-refoulement, due process guarantees, child protection standards, and safeguards for victims of trafficking and other vulnerable groups.
•    Prepare technical inputs and recommendations on draft laws, by-laws, SOPs or guidance materials relevant to pre-screening/referral, reception and detention, and alternatives to detention, which the Ombudsman may submit through its constitutional channels.
•    Prepare technical products (analytical notes, mapping of referral pathways, screening/interview checklists, and briefs) related to the protection of vulnerable migrants, including unaccompanied and separated children and victims of trafficking.
•    Contribute to monitoring and reporting under the National Strategy on Migration and its Action Plan by proposing indicators and documenting progress on screening and referral effectiveness, access to protection procedures, and safeguards in reception/detention.
•    Conduct consultations and, when requested, contribute to follow-up on monitoring visits conducted under the legal authority of the Ombudsman and led by its institutional staff, (including to reception/detention facilities) to support evidence-based recommendations and inter-institutional problem-solving.
•    Satisfactory completion of the tasks indicated in this ToR, including all deliverables 1 through 5,
            - Inception note includes a prioritisation of deliverables, agreed with the designated official of the Ombudsman,
            - Technical input based on relevant, realistic and constructive considerations,
•    Other related deliverables as requested.

Key deliverables (indicative):
1.    A short inception note (methodology, stakeholders to consult, timeline) addressing the main gaps identified in screening/referral, procedures and reception/detention safeguards.
2.    Mapping of screening and referral pathways (including for unaccompanied and separated children and victims of trafficking), with practical recommendations to reduce the gap between identification and asylum referral.
3.    Draft SOPs/checklists for pre-screening and referral (vulnerability-sensitive interviewing, interpretation standards, information provision, consent and confidentiality).
4.    At least one thematic brief with recommended measures to improve reception/detention conditions (complaints mechanisms, psycho-social support, information on rights and procedures) and to promote alternatives to detention.
5.    A final handover documenting remaining issues, stakeholder contacts established and recommended next steps for the institutional staff of the Ombudsman.

The consultant will prepare and submit monthly reports that describe activities, accomplishments as well as issues and concerns impeding the progress in fulfilling the tasks by the last working day of the reporting period.

The engagement of the local consultant will take place for up to 5 (five) working days per week / 5 hours per day / up to 20 (twenty) working days in total, per month based at Ombudsman institution. The sign in and sign out timesheet, as well as the periodical reports, will be applied by signature of consultant and verified by the designated official at the Ombudsman institution.
 

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

•    Quality of deliverables submitted according to timelines outlined above,
•    Formal acceptance of each deliverable by the designated official of the Ombudsman,
•    Team working ability,
•    Communication,
•    Confidentiality,
•    Timeliness,
•    Responsibility,
•    Initiative.
 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Completed advanced degree from an accredited academic institution in Law (preferably migration law, human rights law), International Relations, European Studies, or other related areas.

Experience

• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience. 
• Experience (national or international) in migration governance, border procedures, reception, monitoring, refugee protection, or related rule-of-law/human rights work is preferable. 
• Strong knowledge of EU standards and international practices regarding migration.
• Demonstrated knowledge of vulnerability identification and referral, including child protection standards for unaccompanied and separated children and trafficking indicators and referral mechanisms for victims of trafficking.
• Experience in engaging with local authorities and other stakeholders such as: Ministry of Internal Affairs, State Police, Ministry of Justice, etc is preferable.
• Previous experience working with UN agencies and other international organizations is preferable.
• Experience with legislative drafting, policy and action plan development, and European integration, refugee, migrant issues or human trafficking prevention is preferrable.
   

Skills

• Ability to maintain accuracy and confidentiality in performing responsibilities. 
• Excellent communication and reporting-writing skills in Albanian and English.
• Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills with attention to detail. 
   

Languages

Fluency in Albanian and English is requested for this assignment

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 five 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.