Project Context and Scope
IOM North Macedonia is seeking to hire a local individual consultant with expertise in social protection and human rights, particularly in the areas of human trafficking and irregular migration, to support the institutional stakeholders in developingย a National Strategy and Action Plansย for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings and Irregular Migration and an Action Plan for Combating Child Trafficking in Human Beings. ย
The consultancy focuses on enhancing the institutional and policy framework to ensure comprehensive prevention, protection, and reintegration mechanisms for presumed victims of human trafficking (PVoT) and victims of human trafficking (VoT), through the development of the National Strategy and Action Plans.ย The selected consultant will lead the development of a national framework for the protection and reintegration of PVoT and VoTs, with an emphasis on children. The core tasks include: (1) formulating a strategic and operational framework focused on victim assistance, reintegration, and social inclusion; (2) reviewing and strengthening the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) to ensure effective case management; and (3) reinforcing coordination among social welfare, law enforcement, and judicial actors to guarantee a unified response.ย In coordination with relevant stakeholders, the consultant will develop the National Strategy that defines key priorities, clear objectives, and measurable outcomes to guide implementation and direct resources effectively. The consultant will work in close collaboration with national institutions, social services, civil society, and international partners to ensure full alignment with national legislation and international standards, including the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings and the EU acquis.ย Furthermore, the National Strategy and Action Plans shall be developed in line with the Government methodology for the preparation, implementation, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation of sectoral strategies.
The ultimate outcome of this consultancy will be a sustainable, victim-centered, and rights-based framework that enhances prevention, ensures protection, and promotes the successful social reintegration of victims, while also addressing vulnerabilities linked to irregular migration.ย
Under the overall supervision of the Head of Office of IOM North Macedonia, and the direct supervision of
Project Manager, the following tasks will be performed by the selected consultant:
(1) Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the relevant institutional, legal, and existing strategies and policies related to trafficking in human beings and irregular migration.ย
(2) Identify social protection gaps, challenges in victim assistance and reintegration, and coordination mechanisms between state and non-state actors.ย
(3) Map vulnerable populations and risk factors contributing to trafficking in human beings.
(4) Develop a results-oriented strategic framework with clearly defined vision, strategic goals, objectives, and priority areas focused on prevention, protection, and social reintegration.
(5) Integrate human rights, gender sensitivity, and child protection principles throughout the National Strategy and Action Plans.ย
(6) Draft theย National Strategy and Action Plan for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings and Irregular Migration and an Action Plan for Combating Child Trafficking in Human Beings for North Macedonia, including strategic goals into specific time-bound and measurable actions and performance indicators for each activity.
(7) Facilitate validation workshops and focus group discussions with relevant institutions, civil society, and international community representatives. During the events, present the draft National Strategy and Action Plans for review and refinement based on stakeholder feedback.
In addition, the selected consultant is expected to closely work and collaborate with another consultant specializing in law enforcement, who will also be hired by IOM to support the development of the above-mentioned National Strategy and Action Plans.
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Organisational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
IOM North Macedonia will manage the activity, in close coordination with the relevant national institutions, under the project titledย โStrengthening Management Systems of Irregular Migration and Fight against Organised Crime in North Macedoniaโ funded by the European Union.ย
Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignmentย
The following deliverables shall be submitted to IOM by email no later than the timelines mentioned below.ย A one-time instalment payment (100% of the total contract value) will be made upon IOMโs approval of the successful completion of all the services.ย
Deliverables and Timeline:ย
(1) Draft Strategy and Action Plans: by 20 February 2026
(2) Consultation and Validation Workshop: by 20 March 2026
(3) Final Draft Strategy and Action Plans: by 3 April 2026
Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
(1) All deliverables are produced on time, within the agreed scope and format.
(2) Strategy and Action Plans prioritize a victim-centered, rights-based approach, reflecting core social policy objectives. These include ensuring access to justice, healthcare, psychosocial support, and sustainable reintegration pathways. The framework will institutionalize robust, multi-sectoral coordination among social welfare, health, education, and civil society actors to guarantee a comprehensive and cohesive national response.
(3) The National Strategy and Action Plans are developed in line with the Government methodology for the preparation, implementation, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation of sectoral strategies.
(4) Recommendations are evidence-based, feasible, and aligned with national and international frameworks.
(5) Stakeholder feedback is adequately incorporated into final outputs.
Education and Experienceย
(1) Advanced university degree (Masterโs level or higher) in social policy, social work, law, public administration, international relations, migration studies, or other related fields. A first-level university degree in one of the above fields, combined with at least seven years of relevant professional experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
(2) Experience in the development, coordination, or implementation of national strategies, action plans, or policy frameworks related to organized crime including human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
(3) Proven experience in designing, implementing, or evaluating national strategies or action plans in areas related to social welfare, victim assistance, protection, resocialisation, and rehabilitation of PVoT and VoT.
(4) Familiarity with national legislation, regional frameworks, and international conventions governing trafficking in human beings and irregular migration (e.g., UNTOC, Palermo Protocols, EU acquis, CoE Convention).
(5) Strong analytical, drafting, and reporting skills, with the ability to translate complex institutional and operational information into clear, actionable policy recommendations
Languages
Native-level or excellent proficiency in both spoken and written Macedonian is mandatory. Fluency in English is considered as asset.ย
Travel required
Consultancy fee is all-inclusive and covers all costs related to transportation for attending meetings, workshops and other related events requiring the consultantโs attendance.ย
ย Required Competencies ย IOMโs competency framework can be found atย this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process. ย Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three 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 Competenciesย โ 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 Organizationโs 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 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. This post is subject to local recruitment. Only those holding a valid residence or work permit for North Macedonia will be eligible for consideration. 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. For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website:ย IOM Careers and Job Vacancies