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 — saving lives, driving solutions to displacement, and facilitating pathways for regular migration.

Project Context and Scope

The project "Leveraging the Potential of Diaspora to Advance EU Accession and Labour Mobility in the Western Balkans" is implemented by IOM and funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation. Through its Fellowship Programme, highly qualified members of the diaspora contribute professional expertise within key public institutions in Kosovo.

The Kosovo Agency of Statistics (KAS) is conducting the National Migration Survey of Kosovo for the first time, and requires specialised support in migration statistics. The assignment covers the methodological design, preparation, implementation and quality-assurance stages of the survey, with particular attention to harmonisation with Eurostat, the European Statistical System and relevant UN recommendations.

The Diaspora Expert/Fellow provides specialised international and comparative expertise, methodological peer review, quality assurance and knowledge-transfer support, working under the technical coordination of the Local Expert and in consultation with KAS.

Unit: Migration Management & Operations Unit

Deliverable 1 – International Methodological Review and Technical Advisory Support:

• Review the draft concept and implementation plan and provide written recommendations based on international and European practices
• Conduct a methodological review of the proposed survey methodology against Eurostat, European Statistical System, UN recommendations and comparable migration surveys
• Review the proposed sample design (size, structure, selection methodology) and provide recommendations based on international survey methodology
• Review successive drafts of the questionnaire regarding question formulation, structure, migration-related variables and international comparability
• Review the draft methodological guidelines and implementation manual
• Review the survey budget and operational plan, identifying risks, gaps and opportunities
• Advise on harmonisation of migration concepts, definitions, terminology and indicators with international standards
• Share comparative examples, methodological resources and international practices with the Local Expert

Deliverable 2 – International Technical Support, Quality Review and Knowledge Transfer:

• Review draft training materials and contribute to selected training sessions on specialised methodological topics
• Provide targeted methodological advice during the data collection phase
• Provide technical input to materials and presentations for the introductory and consultative conference/roundtable
• Support knowledge transfer to the Local Expert and KAS staff on international approaches, tools and standards
• Provide specialised advice on international comparability and migration statistics methodology
• Participate in technical consultations at key stages of survey preparation and implementation

Deliverable 3 – Quality Assurance, International Harmonisation and Final Recommendations:

• Conduct a methodological review of issues identified during implementation, with written recommendations on data quality and consistency
• Review the application of migration terminology, definitions and indicators against Eurostat, ESS and UN standards
• Review methodological components of periodic reports and the draft final consultancy report
• Provide final written observations on the quality, reliability and international comparability of the survey

Education:

• University degree in social sciences, sociology, demography, migration studies, economics, statistics or related fields

Experience:

• Experience in population censuses, large-scale surveys or similar statistical exercises is an advantage
• Experience in migration, migration statistics, and data collection and analysis is an advantage
• Knowledge of survey methodologies, sample design, quantitative and qualitative research methods
• Familiarity with Eurostat, UN recommendations and European practices in migration statistics is a strong advantage
• Experience providing methodological advice, peer review or technical assistance to public institutions, statistical agencies or international organisations is an advantage

Skills:

• Strong analytical, methodological and writing skills
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Personal commitment, efficiency, flexibility, results orientation, respect for diversity and creative thinking
• Ability to take into account the specific needs of vulnerable populations in survey design
• Ability to work in a team, including remotely, and independently with initiative
• Excellent time management
• Strong computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and online collaboration tools

Languages:

• Fluency in Albanian and English required
• Knowledge of other languages is an advantage

Travel:

• The assignment is carried out primarily remotely, with online participation in meetings and consultations
• In-person participation where necessary, subject to prior agreement (flight tickets supported by IOM)

Required Competencies:

• Values: inclusion and respect for diversity, integrity and transparency, professionalism, courage, empathy
• Core competencies: teamwork, delivering results, managing and sharing knowledge, accountability, communication

Notes:

• IOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan, free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy
• Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and must provide written proof before commencing work
• Any offer is subject to funding confirmation
• Appointment is subject to medical fitness certification, accreditation, residency or visa requirements and security clearances
• IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the UN and IOM
• IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of recruitment and does not request bank account information
• Only applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system are accepted
• No late applications will be accepted; only shortlisted candidates will be contacted