CON 2026-02 Local Consultant Child Protection Expert to support the State Agency for Child Rights and Protection for implementing protection systems for unaccompanied and separated children (UASC)

Project Context and Scope

The EU4Migration in Albania project strengthens national capacities to deliver timely, coordinated, and child‑sensitive protection for unaccompanied and separated children (UASC). Aligned with the National Strategy on Migration (NSM), the project supports central and local institutions to improve UASC identification, referral, assessment, and case‑management processes in accordance with national standards and international child‑protection principles.

In connection with Output 2.3 — “The Government of Albania has improved skills and equipment to provide protection‑sensitive assistance to UASCs,” the project reinforces institutional competencies, enhances child‑sensitive procedures, and supports frontline professionals to adopt consistent and accountable case‑management practices. This includes strengthening operational coordination, standardizing documentation and information‑sharing, and improving multidisciplinary responses to ensure that all interventions prioritize the best interests and safety of the child.

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 assigned person at the State Agency for Child Rights and Protection, the consultant will support implementing protection systems for unaccompanied and separated children (UASC) by:

Strengthen inter-agency coordination for child protection case management: 
Promote effective collaboration and information-sharing among child protection authorities, social services, health and education institutions, municipalities, law enforcement, and civil society actors to ensure timely, consistent, and child-centered case handling.

Provide technical guidance and on-the-job coaching to child protection professionals
Support caseworkers and frontline professionals by enhancing their competencies in case identification, needs and risk assessment, child-sensitive interviewing, documentation, case planning, referral pathways, follow-up, and case closure.

Improve data collection, documentation, and reporting processes: Contribute to strengthening accurate, timely, and confidential record-keeping and reporting systems for child protection cases, ensuring compliance with institutional standards, data-protection requirements, and project monitoring frameworks.

Facilitate multidisciplinary case discussions and case conferences
Support the organization and facilitation of structured case reviews involving multiple stakeholders, ensuring decision-making is guided by the best interests of the child and informed by comprehensive risk and needs assessments.

Support the development and implementation of child-friendly procedures and protection safeguards
Promote child-sensitive approaches across case management processes, including safe interviewing environments, risk-assessment tools, protective measures, referral follow-up, and quality assurance mechanisms.

Contribute to reporting and analytical outputs related to child protection and case management
Provide high-quality inputs to periodic reports and analytical products, highlighting progress, challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations for strengthening child protection case management systems.

Other related duties as requested by the State Agency for Child Rights and Protection.
 Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
The consultancy engagement will contribute to the successful implementation of the project EU4Migration in Albania (PX0611)  Tasks to be performed under this contract

The consultancy is foreseen to start potentially 01 March 2026 to 31 May 2026 (3 months) involving the following tasks and responsibilities:

Strengthened UASC case‑management procedures.

Improved UASC case‑management tools and guidance.

Technical guidance and on‑the‑job coaching for caseworkers.

Enhanced documentation and data‑collection practices.

Provide technical inputs to strengthen record‑keeping and reporting in line with project monitoring frameworks. 

Contributions to monitoring and reporting on UASC case‑management activities.

Strengthened institutional coordination on UASC matters and closely coordinate with Technical Secretariat for Migration at MoIA. 

Prepare brief meeting notes or coordination summaries from different meetings.

Delivery of capacity‑building materials or contributions to training. 

Other related duties as requested by the State Agency for Child Rights and Protection.

The consultant will prepare and submit monthly reports that describe activities, accomplishments as well as issues and concerns impeding the progress in fulfilling the tasks by the last working day of the reporting period. 

The engagement of the local consultant will take place for 3 months, from Monday to Friday (full time), based at the State Agency for Child Rights and Protection in close cooperation with the Director of the agency.

The sign in and sign out timesheet, as well as the periodical reports, will be applied by signature of the consultant and verified by the Director of the State Agency for Child Rights and Protection. Performance indicators for the evaluation of results 

Satisfactory completion of the tasks indicated in this ToR,

Quality of reports delivered,

Team working ability,

Communication,

Confidentiality,

Timeliness,

Responsibility,

Initiative.  Education

Completed advanced degree from an accredited academic institution in Social Sciences, Political Sciences, or other related areas.Experience

At least one year of relevant professional experience.

Experience in Child Protection and previous experiences in this area are preferable. 

Familiar with EU Regulatory framework for UASC is preferable.

Experience in engaging with local authorities and other stakeholders such as: State Agency for Child Rights and Protection, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Municipalities, etc. is preferable.Skills

Ability to maintain accuracy and confidentiality in performing responsibilities. 

Excellent communication and reporting-writing skills in Albanian and English.

Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills with attention to detail. Languages