Local Consultant – Migration Expert to support the Ombudsman Institution

The consultant will support the Ombudsman Institution in Albania to improve migration governance aligned with EU standards, focusing on protection of vulnerable groups. Responsibilities include providing technical assistance, drafting SOPs, strengthening inter-institutional coordination, and preparing thematic briefs and recommendations.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

Requirements

• Completed advanced degree from an accredited academic institution in Law (preferably migration law, human rights law), International Relations, European Studies, or other related areas.
• 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.
• 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.
• Fluency in Albanian and English is requested for this assignment.

Skills

• Migration Governance
• Border Procedures
• Reception Management
• Refugee Protection Principles
• Rule of Law
• Human Rights
• EU Migration Standards
• Vulnerability Identification
• Child Protection Standards
• Trafficking Referral Mechanisms
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Legislative Drafting
• Policy Development
• Action Plan Development
• European Integration
• Human Trafficking Protection
• Technical Assistance
• Institutional Coordination
• Report Writing
• Confidentiality Management

Languages

Albanian, English