Job Description

Project Context and Scope


The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is implementing the project "Enhance migration governance through evidence-based programming and strengthening capacities of authorities in Kosovo [1] " funded by The Swiss Confederation/State Secretariat for Migration (SEM). The overall objective of this project is to contribute to enhancing migration governance through an evidence-based and holistic approach and maximize migration potential to achieve sustainable development outcomes in Kosovo. In particular, the project will strengthen the capacities of authorities in Kosovo to enhance migration management by further developing skills, knowledge and processes of relevant institutions, expanding migrant admission capacities, providing technical and logistical support, enhancing data collection in various areas, increasing awareness of people from Kosovo to prevent irregular migration, and increasing engagement with the diaspora.
Migration remains an important component of Kosovo's social and economic dynamics, influencing development policies and public services. In response to the need for improved migration governance, the Government Authority for Migration (GAM), in collaboration with institutional stakeholders and supported by international partners, has developed the Migration Management Information System (MMIS). The MMIS serves as a centralized digital platform designed to collect, integrate, manage, and disseminate migration-related data and statistics from multiple national institutions.


The current MMIS was developed to enable evidence-based policy formulation, foster inter-institutional coordination, improve migration data quality, and support service delivery in migration management. However, with the evolution of technology standards, changes in migration patterns, and the growing importance of data protection and interoperability, the existing system requires substantial modernization to meet future operational demands.


Specifically, the existing MMIS faces challenges related to scalability, modularity, interoperability with external systems, and compliance with updated legal and security frameworks, including General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). Additionally, the need for enhanced functionalities such as real-time data exchange, advanced reporting tools, improved metadata management, and strengthened system security has been identified.


To this end, in the framework of the support provided to the Government Authority for Migration under the 'Enhance migration governance through evidence-based programming and strengthening capacities of authorities in Kosovo' project, IOM is supporting GAM in initiating an upgrade process for MMIS, starting with a comprehensive assessment of the current system's technical, functional, legal, and operational dimensions. Based on the findings of this assessment, a detailed and structured Terms of Reference (ToR) will be developed to guide the future upgrade and ensure that the system will continue to effectively support Kosovo's migration governance strategies.


The consultant to be engaged under this assignment will play a critical role in this upgrade process by providing an in-depth assessment of the existing MMIS, identifying improvement opportunities, capturing the evolving needs of stakeholders, ensuring legal compliance, and drafting a clear, actionable, and technically sound ToR for the upgrade of the Migration Management Information System.





[1] All references to Kosovo should be understood for IOM to be in the context of United Nations Security Council resolution 1244 (1999).



Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
Government Authority on Migration / Ministry of Internal Affairs

RESPONSIBILITIES

Tasks to be performed under this contract



The objective of this assignment is to conduct a comprehensive technical, legal, and operational assessment of the existing MMIS and prepare a detailed and actionable Terms of Reference for the system upgrade, ensuring alignment with best practices in migration data management, interoperability, security, and user-centred design.

Needs Assessment and Stakeholder Consultation:

Conduct a detailed assessment of the current MMIS architecture, infrastructure, database design, application interfaces, and operational workflows. Engage with key stakeholders including GAM, Civil Registration Agency, Kosovo Police, Kosovo Agency of Statistics, Employment Agency, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Ministry of Health, UNHCR, and IOM to collect updated technical and functional requirements. Document user needs and expectations for the upgraded MMIS.

Technical Feasibility:

Evaluate the existing IT infrastructure (application stack, database, APIs, server environments, security layers) and identify limitations. Propose conceptual options for the future system architecture, including interoperability standards (API, Web Services), hosting environments, modularity, scalability, and security frameworks.

Legal and Regulatory Review:

Analyze current and upcoming national laws and regulations related to migration data management and data protection (GDPR alignment). Ensure the proposed system upgrade will fully comply with legal and regulatory obligations.

Operational Feasibility:

Assess GAM's and stakeholders' institutional capacity (IT staff skills, maintenance procedures, system governance structures) to manage the upgraded MMIS. Propose recommendations for capacity building, governance frameworks, and maintenance structures.

Financial Feasibility:

Prepare an indicative costing for the development, implementation, and maintenance of the upgraded MMIS. Identify potential funding and sustainability models.

Implementation Plan:

Draft a phased implementation roadmap, including milestones, activities, timelines, and resource allocations. Recommend pilot testing strategies and full deployment approaches.

Deliverable:

The consultant is expected to deliver the following outputs:


Comprehensive assessment report of the existing MMIS, including technical, legal, operational, and financial analyses, including consultations with relevant stakeholders. (25 days)


Draft and endorse a detailed Termf of Reference document for the upgrade of MMIS, based on the findings of the assessment. (15 days)



Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
Legal analysis on conducted. Analysis of the current IT and database infrastructure conducted. Final assessment report finalized outlining the architecture for the new Migration Management Information System (MMIS). Final and endorsed Terms of Reference for upgrade of the MMIS.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science, Computer Engineering, Information System or related fields. Certification in databases and / or programming/ software development will be an added advantage. Experience
At least 15 years of relevant professional experience in the fields of information technology, system analysis, database management, and software architecture. Proven track record in conducting technical assessments, feasibility studies, and system evaluations, particularly for public sector information systems, migration management systems, or similar large-scale platforms. Demonstrated experience in drafting technical Terms of Reference (ToR), system specifications, or similar documents for IT system upgrades, modernization, or new development projects. Strong background in system integration projects, interoperability frameworks (API, Web Services), and data governance for multi-stakeholder environments. Familiarity with public sector ICT frameworks, particularly in migration management, education, employment, or civil registration sectors, is highly desirable. Previous experience working with international organizations (e.g., IOM, UNDP, GIZ, USAID) and/or government institutions will be considered a strong advantage. Experience in aligning system designs with data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR) and international IT security standards.
Skills


Excellent ability to conduct technical, legal, and operational assessments of complex information systems, identifying gaps, inefficiencies, and upgrade opportunities. Strong competency in designing system architectures, developing functional and non-functional requirements, and proposing scalable, modular, and secure solutions. Advanced knowledge of system interoperability standards, API development, and database technologies (preferably Microsoft SQL Server, .NET platforms, or equivalent). Outstanding drafting skills, capable of preparing clear, detailed, and actionable Terms of Reference (ToR) and technical specifications. Proficiency in applying project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum) to manage deliverables and timelines effectively. Deep understanding of data protection, cybersecurity best practices, and regulatory compliance in IT projects. High-level analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on practical, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions. Strong communication and facilitation skills, including experience in stakeholder consultation, needs analysis, and technical presentations. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in multicultural environments, demonstrating flexibility, initiative, and accountability. Languages
Proficiency in English, Albanian and/or Serbian languages, both written and spoken. Knowledge of additional languages will be considered an advantage. IOM's official languages are English, French and Spanish.
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
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 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

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, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable. 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. 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 fee). 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: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies