Consultant to support the Agency of Statistics in National Migration Survey
International Organization for Migration · Pristina, Kosovo (as per United Nations Security Council resolution 1244 (1999)) ·
- Category
- Support
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. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.
IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration
Project Context and Scope
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), with funding from the Swiss Confederation/State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), is implementing the project “Enhance Migration Governance through Evidence-Based Programming and Strengthening Capacities of Authorities in Kosovo II.” Building on the achievements of the previous SEM-funded phase, the project seeks to strengthen migration governance in Kosovo through an evidence-based, whole-of-government, and whole-of-society approach.
The project supports sustainable, coordinated, and rights-based migration management in response to evolving migration trends, including labour mobility, mixed migration flows, demographic challenges, and the need for closer alignment with European Union and international migration standards. To achieve these objectives, the project focuses on four complementary intervention areas: (i) strengthening migration governance institutions, policies, and data systems; (ii) enhancing labour mobility governance and ethical recruitment frameworks; (iii) reinforcing protection-sensitive migration management and support mechanisms for vulnerable migrants; and (iv) promoting the digital transformation of migration services and systems.
Across all intervention areas, the project promotes evidence-based policymaking through improved migration data collection and analysis, institutional capacity development, technical assistance to migration authorities, prevention of irregular migration, and strengthened engagement of the Kosovo diaspora in national development.
Kosovo Agency of Statistics (KAS), as the national authority responsible for producing, processing, and disseminating official statistics, is undertaking the implementation of the National Migration Survey of Kosovo for the first time. The survey represents an important milestone in strengthening Kosovo's migration data system and addressing existing information gaps related to migration dynamics. Given the specialized nature of the survey and the limited internal capacities available for such a complex statistical exercise, KAS requires professional and technical consultancy support throughout the survey design and implementation process.
The National Migration Survey aims to establish a sustainable statistical foundation for measuring and analyzing international migration among the population of Kosovo. The survey will generate reliable, harmonized, and internationally comparable data on migration flows, migrant profiles, migration drivers, links with the country of origin, and the demographic, social, and economic characteristics of migrants and their families. In addition, the survey will contribute to a better understanding of the impact of migration on demographic trends and socio-economic development in Kosovo.
The implementation of the survey forms part of KAS's broader efforts to strengthen the national statistical system and improve the quality and availability of migration statistics in line with international methodologies and the best practices of European statistical institutions. The information generated by the survey will complement existing administrative and statistical data sources, providing a more comprehensive picture of migration processes and trends affecting Kosovo.
Furthermore, the survey will support public institutions, policymakers, academia, international organizations, and other stakeholders by providing robust evidence for the development, implementation, and monitoring of policies related to migration, diaspora engagement, labour mobility, and demographic development.
The survey findings are expected to contribute significantly to the analysis of contemporary migration patterns and to enhance understanding of the factors influencing migration decisions among Kosovo's population. The results will also serve as an important source for national and international reporting obligations and will support the harmonization of migration statistics with Eurostat methodologies and other relevant international statistical standards.
Through the implementation of this survey and continued cooperation with national and international partners, KAS will further strengthen its institutional capacities, improve migration data collection methodologies, and ensure the long-term sustainability, accuracy, and international comparability of migration statistics in Kosovo.
6. Category B Consultants: Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment
The Local Expert shall act as the lead technical expert for the preparation and implementation of the National Migration Survey of Kosovo, working in close coordination with the Kosovo Agency of Statistics (KAS) and with technical and advisory support from the Diaspora Expert/Fellow.The Local Expert shall have primary responsibility for developing the survey materials, adapting them to the Kosovo context, coordinating technical activities, consolidating contributions and finalising the deliverables for timely submission to KAS.
Deliverable 1: Methodological Design and Survey Preparation Package
The Local Expert shall lead the development and finalisation of a comprehensive survey preparation package, establishing the conceptual, methodological, operational and financial framework for the National Migration Survey of Kosovo.
- A concept document defining the survey’s objectives, scope and expected results, accompanied by an implementation plan setting out the phases, key activities, responsibilities and timelines. The package shall also include a detailed budget identifying the financial and other resources required, together with the estimated costs for each implementation phase.
- A methodological framework defining the principal migration concepts, definitions, indicators and data collection procedures. The methodology shall be developed with reference to relevant international statistical standards and good practices, including Eurostat methodological recommendations, European Statistical System principles and relevant United Nations recommendations, and adapted to the institutional and operational context of Kosovo.
- A documented sampling design, including professional recommendations on the size, structure and selection of the sample, with a view to ensuring the statistical representativeness of the survey results.
- A questionnaire covering the main dimensions of migration, including demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, reasons for migration, links with the country of origin and other relevant aspects.
- Practical guidance explaining the terminology, concepts, interviewing procedures, questionnaire completion requirements and data quality assurance processes to be applied by interviewers and supervisors.
Deliverable 2: Technical Support to Survey Implementation and Capacity Building
The Local Expert shall lead the technical support provided to KAS during survey implementation, including field staff preparation, methodological guidance, monitoring support and stakeholder consultation, including:
- Training materials, agendas and practical exercises covering the survey methodology, data collection instruments, interviewing ethics and quality control procedures. The Local Expert shall organise and facilitate training for interviewers and supervisors, in coordination with KAS, and document the sessions delivered and any issues requiring further clarification.
- Ongoing methodological guidance and monitoring support, including review of the application of the survey methodology, identification of operational and data quality challenges, and recommendations for corrective action.
Technical inputs and materials supporting the organization and facilitation of a conference with national institutions, international organizations, development partners and donors. These shall include presentations on the survey’s objectives, methodology, significance and funding requirements, together with a summary of key comments and agreed follow-up actions. The conference shall support stakeholder consultation and resource mobilization.
Deliverable 3: Quality Assurance, Harmonisation and Final Reporting
The Local Expert shall consolidate the quality assurance and methodological harmonization work undertaken throughout the assignment and prepare the final consultancy report:
- A documented review of the consistency of the survey terminology, definitions, indicators and implementation procedures with the international statistical standards and methodological recommendations identified in the approved survey methodology. The note shall explain how relevant recommendations from Eurostat and other international organizations have been reflected in the survey materials and identify any remaining gaps, contextual adaptations or areas requiring further development.
- A report summarizing the activities undertaken, outputs produced, technical support provided, challenges encountered, recommendations and lessons learned. It shall include practical proposals for strengthening future migration statistics processes and sustaining the knowledge transferred to KAS. The accompanying handover package shall contain the final versions of the technical materials developed under the assignment.
7. Performance Indicators for Evaluation of Results
The performance of the local expert will be assessed on the basis of the professional contribution provided to the following outputs and results:
- The preparation package is submitted to KAS in accordance with the agreed workplan, with review comments addressed and the methodological and operational materials finalized for KAS approval before their use in training and field data collection.
- Training is delivered before the commencement of field data collection; technical support and recommendations are documented throughout the fieldwork period; and conference materials and consultation outcomes are submitted in line with the agreed workplan.
- The quality assurance note, final consultancy report and consolidated technical materials are submitted to KAS by the end of the assignment, with review comments addressed and outstanding recommendations clearly documented.
8. Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
- University degree in social sciences, sociology, demography, migration studies, economics, statistics or other related fields.
Experience
- Experience in population censuses, large-scale surveys, or similar statistical and research activities is an asset.
- Experience in migration, migration statistics, and data collection and analysis is an advantage.
Good knowledge of survey methodologies, sample design, and quantitative and qualitative research methods. - Familiarity with international migration statistics standards and methodologies, including Eurostat, UN recommendations, and European practices, is a strong advantage.
- Experience in providing methodological guidance, technical assistance, peer review, or expert support to public institutions, statistical offices, or international organizations is an asset.
Skills
- Strong analytical, methodological, and report-writing skills, with the ability to review documents and provide practical recommendations.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
- Demonstrated commitment, flexibility, efficiency, results orientation, respect for diversity, and creative thinking.
- Ability to address the needs of vulnerable populations in survey design and data collection processes.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively, including in remote working environments.
Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and online collaboration tools.
9. Language Requirements
- Fluency in Albanian and English is required.
- Knowledge of other languages will be considered an advantage.
10. Travel Required
N/A
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 five 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
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.
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, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.
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.
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