CfA 15-05/26 RMGP EU Alignment Consultant at IOM

Sarajevo, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bosnia and Herzegovina -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

11 Aug, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

13 May, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

EU Acquis, EU Alignment, Migration Frameworks, Qualitative Data Collection, Research Methodologies, Desk Reviews, Surveys, Data Analysis, Policy Analysis, Legislation Knowledge, English Proficiency, Bosnian Proficiency, Serbian Proficiency, Croatian Proficiency

Industry

International Affairs

Description

Introduction Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants. IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration [https://www.iom.int/iom-workplace-culture] Project Context and Scope The Eastern Mediterranean Route is one of the main pathways into Europe, with about 76,000 migrants using it in 2024 (approx. 37 per cent of all arrivals). Most people travelling along this route come from Morocco, Afghanistan, Egypt, the Syrian Arab Republic, and Türkiye, driven by conflict, political instability, economic hardship, and increasingly restrictive asylum policies in neighbouring countries. The journey through the Western Balkans section is highly dangerous and migrants face many challenges, such as limited access to basic needs such as food, shelter, and medical care; harsh weather conditions; long overland treks; dangerous border crossings; and a high risk of exploitation or abuse. In 2024, 39 deaths or disappearances were recorded along this route. These dynamics underscore the crucial role of Western Balkans partners in managing migration flows and contributing to stability in the regions bordering the EU. Irregular migration flows through the Western Balkans are comprised of a diverse group of people, including refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants in search of a better life. According to latest data, 59% of migrants reported crossing borders with the assistance of smugglers at least once during their journey. These smuggling networks are increasingly violent and adaptable, with significant levels of migrant abuse and sophisticated capabilities to shift routes in response to law enforcement interventions. These dynamics, combined with extensive land borders with the EU and misaligned visa regimes, put significant pressure on Western Balkans authorities responsible for border and identity management. At the same time, the region is undergoing major demographic shifts, driven by sustained emigration and growing labour market shortages. While Western Balkan economies are seeking to attract foreign workers, barriers such as lengthy and costly work permit procedures, limited labour market forecasting systems, and slow progress in aligning migration data standards with the EU continue to hinder the development of effective, long-term migration and mobility policies. Limited access to quality information and integration services further affects both the attractiveness of the region and the retention of migrant workers. As part of their broader European integration processes, all Western Balkans project partners (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo[1], Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia (WB6)) are candidates or potential candidates for EU accession. Advancing toward membership requires alignment with the EU acquis, including progress on negotiating and opening accession chapters. Chapters 2 (Freedom of Movement for Workers), 23 (Judiciary and Fundamental Rights), and 24 (Justice, Freedom and Security) are particularly relevant, as they encompass core standards on mobility, rule of law, border management, migration governance, and fundamental rights. Progress in these chapters directly influences each partner’s preparedness to meet EU requirements and strengthen institutional capacities in line with EU norms. Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing Regional Migration Governance Programme (RMGP)

Responsibilities

The consultant will support the Regional Migration Governance Programme in aligning Western Balkans migration policies with EU standards. This involves conducting research, data collection, and analysis to strengthen institutional capacities and migration governance.