CON 2026/30 - Local Consultant for Training Administrative Units on Municipal Migration and Diaspora Functions in Albania's 12 regional Counties, Tirana, Albania

## CON 2026/30 - Local Consultant for Training Administrative Units on Municipal Migration and Diaspora Functions in Albania's 12 regional Counties, Tirana, Albania - Organization:IOM - International Organization for Migration 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 Albania continues to face high levels of emigration mainly due to limited employment opportunities, low wages, and regional economic disparities, particularly in northern and rural areas. Although some regions, especially coastal and southern municipalities—have seen economic growth driven by tourism, local labor markets and institutions often lack the capacity to match available jobs with the domestic workforce. As a result, internal migration remains underused, while external migration is perceived as the primary pathway to better livelihoods. In this context, strengthening local capacities to manage migration, promote internal employment, support return and reintegration, and engage the diaspora is essential to create viable in-country alternatives, reduce irregular emigration, and support more balanced and sustainable national development. Albanian citizens are likely to continue to emigrate for employment, which will have a major impact on the country's development. Therefore, it is important to provide valid alternatives of employment in country, especially in areas of Albania which have experienced considerable tourism in recent years. In addition, the change of the narrative on migration, the facilitation of internal migration of the Albanian workforce, an increase in employment opportunities for potential internal migrants, the encouragement of diaspora investment, and the creation of sustainable reintegration opportunities for returned migrants will strengthen conditions for working, living and investing in Albania. In August 2024, IOM Albania started the implementation of the project “Strengthening Local Institutional Capacities on Migration in Albania” funded by the UK Government. The aim of this project is to contribute to enabling local governments to effectively manage migration and diaspora matters. This includes a focus on promoting employment for internal migrants, reintegrating returned migrants, and encouraging diaspora investments, while strengthening interinstitutional coordination and migration stakeholders' engagement, all the while reshaping the narrative on migration. The project will support central and local institutions in Albania to develop, strengthen capacities, and pilot the legal, administrative, and operational procedures for internal migration. In addition, it will build capacity among institutions on return and reintegration, and diaspora engagement aiming to increase employment opportunities for the Albanian workforce. This will be done in tandem with supporting the inter-institutional cooperation of local and central government agencies, both vertical and horizontal coordination and changing the narrative on migration targeting the public at large with a special focus on youth and self-improvement/empowerment. As part of these efforts, several Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and operational mechanisms have been developed to guide municipalities and Administrative Units in the provision of migration-related services, referrals, case management, information dissemination, and coordination with Migration and Diaspora Units (MDUs) and other relevant institutions. Administrative Units serve as the closest level of government to citizens and are often the first point of contact for migrants, returnees, diaspora members, and vulnerable groups seeking information and assistance. Ensuring that Administrative Unit staff understand and apply the established SOPs is essential for improving access to services and ensuring consistent implementation across municipalities. To support this objective, IOM seeks to engage a qualified National Expert Trainer to deliver a series of trainings for representatives of Administrative Units across Albania. Key Topics to be Covered The training programme will focus on the practical implementation of SOPs related to migration and diaspora services, including but not limited to: - Roles and responsibilities of Administrative Units within local migration governance structures; - Functions of Migration and Diaspora at municipal level; - Referral pathways and coordination mechanisms established through the SOPs; - Identification and referral of emigrants, returnees, diaspora members, and vulnerable cases; - Provision of information and orientation services; - Documentation and reporting requirements; - Inter-institutional coordination and communication; - Case studies and practical exercises on SOP implementation; - Challenges and solutions in local-level implementation.These activities will be achieved through the engagement from IOM of a Local Consultant. The engagement of the Local Consultant will take place for 30 working days during the period of four months. Each month to be trained at least 3 regional counties in Albania, in total of 12 counties. These activities will be achieved through the engagement from IOM of a Local Consultant. The engagement of the Local Consultant will take place for 30 working days during the period of four months. Each month to be trained at least 3 regional counties in Albania, in total of 12 counties. Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing The consultancy will contribute to the effective implementation of the project “Strengthening Local Institutional Capacities on Migration in Albania” (AL10P0530 / CD.0113), by supporting the achievement of its objectives related to enhanced local governance, strengthened institutional capacities, and sustainable migration management at the municipal level. Tasks to be performed under this contract The engagement will serve the following purposes under the specific themes as below:A. Preparation Phase - Review all relevant SOPs, guidelines, referral mechanisms, manuals, and project documents provided by IOM. - Participate in coordination meetings with IOM to finalize training objectives and methodology. - Adapt and/or develop training materials based on the SOPs and local governance framework. - Prepare presentations, practical exercises, case studies, and knowledge assessment tools.B. Delivery of Training Sessions - The consultant will deliver a series of trainings targeting representatives of Administrative Units from all regions of Albania. - Specifically, the consultant shall: - Deliver a total of twelve (12) training sessions over a four-month period. - Conduct three (3) trainings per month. - Facilitate training sessions covering representatives from the country's 374 Administrative Units. - Present and explain the SOPs and operational procedures applicable to Administrative Units. - Guide participants through practical exercises and case scenarios demonstrating the implementation of SOPs. - Facilitate discussion on challenges, lessons lea