Project Context and Scope:ย ย Short-term consultancy to design and implement a targeted two-day program on diaspora engagement initiatives to enhance the countryโs EU accession process. The international expert will collaborate closely with a local expert, ensuring that their European expertise is effectively integrated with local insights to create a curriculum that is both aligned with international best practices and contextually relevant. The consultancy aims to strengthen the capacities of government officials to adopt a comprehensive, gender-sensitive approach to diaspora engagement when implementing diaspora engagement initiatives in support of the EU accession process. The diaspora plays a crucial role in supporting this process through knowledge transfer, investment, advocacy, and fostering people-to-people connections.
Each training module should combine theoretical knowledge with a focus on practical examples/exercises. The two-day training sessions will be conducted with at least 25 participants. The training will have to be conducted during the second half of September.ย
The level of effort will not exceed 10 working days (two days for training + eight days for developing the activity and reporting).ย
Organisational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing: โLeveraging the Potential of Diaspora to Advance EU Accession and Labour Mobility in the Western Balkansโย
Category B Consultants:ย Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignmentย
Completed and tailored training modules on diaspora engagement, and inter alia (remote, five days), Conduct a desk review of the existing institutional framework in North Macedonia. Benchmark against EU member statesโ successful diaspora engagement models. Identify key challenges and opportunities for diaspora involvement in EU accession-related reforms. Mechanisms for diaspora participation in policymaking (e.g., consultative councils, digital platforms). Mobilise diaspora expertise, investments, and advocacy for EU integration. Deliver a two-day capacity-building training session using interactive methods (in-person, two days). Pre- and post-training questionnaires (target 70% success). Submit a report analysing pre- and post-training findings, outcomes outlining actionable recommendations for future diaspora engagement initiatives (remote, three days).Deliverables & Timeline 1. Inception Note (training outline) Day 2 2. Final Training Materials Day 5 3. Two-Day Training Delivery Days 6โ7 4. Final Report with Recommendations Day 10
Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
Education and Experience required
Advanced degree (Masterโs/PhD) in International Relations, Migration Studies, Public Policy, EU Affairs, or related field. Minimum seven years of experience in diaspora engagement, migration governance, or EU integration processes. Proven track record in designing and delivering capacity-building programs for governments/international organisations. Familiarity with EU enlargement policies and diaspora-related frameworks. Fluency in English.ยRequired Competencies
IOMโs competency framework can be found atย this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
Valuesย
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 organisational 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 Competenciesย โ behavioural indicators
Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimise results. Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action-oriented and committed to achieving agreed-upon outcomes. Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate. Accountability: Takes ownership of achieving the Organisationโs priorities and assumes responsibility for one's 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. The appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment. 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 accidents 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 fees). 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.