CON 2026/37 - Local Consultant Technical Expert for UASC Center Operationalization

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

IOM and UNHCR in Albania are implementing the EU4Migration in Albania project, which supports the Government of Albania in strengthening effective, efficient and EU-aligned migration and asylum governance systems. Under the project, IOM supports national authorities in improving protection-sensitive reception and assistance arrangements for migrants in vulnerable situations, with a specific focus on unaccompanied and separated children (UASC).

As part of this project, IOM is supporting the establishment and the operationalization of a dedicated center for UASC. This includes technical support related to infrastructure, equipment, protection-sensitive reception standards, standard operating procedures, referral pathways, case management, guardianship procedures, and coordination among relevant institutions. At this stage, additional technical work is needed to help translate these preparations into a clear and workable model for how the UASC Center will be managed, staffed, financed and linked to existing child protection, social care, migration and asylum systems.

The consultancy will therefore be requested to develop a practical model for the operationalization of the Center. The model will look at the legislative, financial, professional and operational aspects that need to be in place for the Center to function effectively. It will also set out realistic options for its management, staff and professional profiles required, guardianship arrangements, including the possible use of professional guardians, service standards, institutional responsibilities, coordination mechanisms and longer-term sustainability. The technical model and options will be discussed with MoHSW and other relevant child protection and social care authorities.

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing The consultancy will contribute to the successful implementation of EU4Migration in Albania project, particularly its support to protection-sensitive reception and assistance for UASC, and to IOM Albania’s continued cooperation with MoIA, the MoHSW and other relevant institutions on the operationalization of the UASC Center.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

- Advanced university degree from an accredited institution in law, economics, social policy, social work, public administration, child protection, human rights, migration/asylum studies, public finance, management or another relevant field.

Experience

- At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in child protection, social care services, migration/asylum governance, public administration, institutional reform, service modelling, public finance or related areas.
- Experience in developing operational models, policy or legal analysis, institutional arrangements, costing or sustainability options for public or social services will be considered an advantage.
- Experience conducting consultations with government institutions, local authorities, civil society, service providers and international partners.
- Excellent analytical, drafting, facilitation, coordination and communication skills in Albanian and English.
- Previous experience working with UN agencies, international organizations, EU-funded projects or Albanian public institutions is an asset.
- Strong knowledge of Albania’s child protection and social care framework, including institutional mandates, service standards, case management, guardianship and municipal child protection responsibilities, as well as migration and asylum governance, UASC protection, referral pathways, reception arrangements and relevant international and EU standards, will be considered an advantage.
- Skills
Ability to maintain accuracy, confidentiality and child safeguarding standards in performing responsibilities.
Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills with attention to detail.

Languages

For this consultancy, • 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.

Notes

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.

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, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

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 e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here ). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. 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