CON 2025/26 Local Consultant to develop context-specific, operational Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Unaccompanied and Separated Children (UASC) protection, review current legislation, and draft legal acts on UASC

UNICEF - United Nations Children's Fund


JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Summary

CON 2025/26 Local Consultant to develop context-specific, operational Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Unaccompanied and Separated Children (UASC) protection, review current legislation, and draft legal acts on UASC in the framework of the project EU 4 Migration in Albania.

Key Responsibilities

Tasks to be performed under this contract
Under the overall supervision of the IOM Head of Office, the direct supervision of the EU4Migration in Albania Project Manager, and in close coordination with the Project Coordinator, the consultant will develop context-specific, operational Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for UASC protection and draft legislative recommendations aligned with the planned operationalization of the Reception Center for UASC in Tirana.
The consultant will be responsible to:
  • Conduct a legal and institutional review of the existing UASC-related procedures and legislation in Albania.
  • Review previous assessments, reports, and guidance from key actors (UNHCR, UNICEF, MoI, IOM).
  • Review EU standards (EUAA guidance) for applicability in Albania context.
  • Consult with relevant stakeholders: Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Health and Social Protection, Child Protection Units, local authorities, civil society.
  • Draft comprehensive SOPs covering:
  • Identification and referral of UASCs; Age assessment procedures; BID and BIA, etc.
  • Temporary care and protection;
  • Case management and referral to services;
  • Family tracing and durable solutions;
  • Prepare a set of recommendations for amendments or additions to existing legal acts regulating UASC protection;
  • Align outputs with the operational model of the upcoming UASC Reception Center in Tirana.

Deliverables

First Deliverable – Develop and submit an inception report including methodology, list of documents reviewed and work plan; to be revised and endorsed by IOM – [7 working days]. Deliverable due by email potentially by 15 September 2025 First Instalment Payment

Second Deliverable – Develop and submit the draft legal recommendations in consultation with stakeholders – [5 working days]. Deliverable due by email potentially by 30 September 2025 Second Instalment Payment

Third Deliverable – Develop and submit the draft SOPs for UASC in consultation with stakeholders – [10 working days]. Deliverable due by email potentially by 15 October 2025 Third Instalment Payment

Fourth Deliverable – Submit the final versions of SOPs and Legal Recommendations incorporating feedback by IOM and all stakeholders – [5 working days] and Presentation of results to stakeholders – [3 working days]. Deliverable due by email potentially by 31 October 2025 Fourth Instalment Payment

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
  • Satisfactory completion of the tasks and deliverables indicated in this ToR
  • Quality of deliverables submitted according to timelines outlined above,
  • Team working ability,
  • Communication,
  • Confidentiality,
  • Timeliness,
  • Responsibility,
  • Initiative.

Required Qualifications

Education
  • Completed advanced degree from an accredited academic institution in Law, Social Sciences, Children’s Rights or other related areas.
Experience
  • At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in child protection, migration/asylum, or public policy.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of national legal framework on children’s rights and protection.
  • Relevant experience drafting SOPs, strategies, or legal acts.
Skills
  • Ability to maintain accuracy & confidentiality in performing responsibilities.
  • Excellent communication and reporting-writing skills in Albanian and English.
  • Strong facilitation, interpersonal, and intercultural skills with attention to detail.
Languages
  • Fluency in Albanian and English is requested for this assignment.
Travel required
  • Yes, Only when required by IOM
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 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 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
  1. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
  2. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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


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