Consultancy to Support the Revision of Law No. 121/2016 “On Social Care Services” and Alignment with EU and International Protection Standards

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is an international organization established to lead and coordinate international action for the protection of refugees. UNHCR was founded in 1950 and has since been dedicated to ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country. The organization operates in over 130 countries, employing more than 18,000 staff members worldwide. UNHCR's mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, to ensure that they can access essential services, and to pursue durable solutions for their plight. In Albania, UNHCR collaborates closely with national authorities to enhance asylum, reception, inclusion, and protection systems in accordance with international and EU standards.

Job Overview:
This consultancy position is integral to the EU4Migration project, which aims to assist Albania in reforming its migration and asylum governance frameworks. The consultant will provide specialized legal and policy expertise to ensure that the revised Law No. 121/2016 'On Social Care Services' aligns with EU standards and international protection obligations. The role involves reviewing the current legal framework, identifying gaps, and proposing amendments that enhance the inclusion of vulnerable groups such as refugees and asylum seekers. The consultant will work closely with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection (MoHSP) to facilitate the integration of UNHCR's technical recommendations into the legislative drafting process. This position is crucial for advancing Albania's commitments under the 1951 Refugee Convention and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in promoting inclusive and equitable social protection systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for conducting a strategic and legal review of the draft revised Law No. 121/2016 and related secondary legislation. This includes assessing coherence with national strategies and international standards, identifying gaps in legal definitions and beneficiary scopes, and evaluating eligibility and access provisions. The consultant will prepare a technical position paper with recommended amendments, provide article-by-article drafting suggestions, and develop model legislative language where necessary. Additionally, the consultant will facilitate technical exchanges with MoHSP and relevant authorities, ensuring coherence between social protection reform and migration governance processes. The consultancy is expected to produce an inception report, a first draft report, and a final report with detailed recommendations and implementation strategies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in Law, Public Policy, Social Protection, or a related field. A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in legislative reform, social protection policy, or EU acquis alignment is required. Proven expertise in migration, asylum, or refugee protection law is essential, along with demonstrated experience in engaging with government reform processes. Candidates should also have strong analytical and drafting skills, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in Law, Public Policy, Social Protection, or a related field is mandatory for this consultancy position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of legal frameworks and social protection systems, particularly in relation to migration and asylum issues.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience. This experience should encompass legislative reform, social protection policy development, and alignment with EU standards. Candidates should have a strong track record of working on migration and asylum issues, particularly in a legal or policy advisory capacity.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Albanian is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but English and Albanian are mandatory for effective communication and engagement with stakeholders in Albania.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is a local consultancy (Individual Contract) with a duration until April 30, 202

• The expected start date is as soon as possible, with a total of 40 working days anticipated over a period of three months. Payment milestones are structured as follows: 20% upon receipt of the inception report, 20% upon receipt of the first draft report, and 50% upon receipt of the final report. The total compensation for the consultancy is EUR 7,50
• Applicants must be nationals of Albania or possess a valid residency and work permit in Albania. The position does not require functional clearance and is not remote.