Consultant for Regional Study on Smuggling of Migrants

International Organization for Migration

Job Description

Roles & Responsibilities

Desired Candidate Profile

• Master's degree or higher in Migration Studies, International Relations, Data Science, Sociology, Public Policy, or a related field
• Minimum 7-10 years of experience conducting research on migration, smuggling, protection, or data systems
• Demonstrated expertise in migration data governance, institutional mapping, or comparative policy analysis
• Experience conducting multi-country research in complex mobility contexts; experience in MENA is an asset
• Strong analytical, writing, and synthesis skills
• Familiarity with administrative data, law enforcement datasets, and regular migration pathways
• Experience engaging with government officials, UN agencies, and civil society organizations
• Ability to integrate gender and protection sensitive approaches in research
• The consultant is required to be fluent in English; good knowledge in Arabic is an advantage.

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.

The consultant will be required to conduct the Regional Study on Smuggling of Migrants in the Middle East and North Africa: Strengthening Data Systems and Enhancing Regional Cooperation. This is a type B consultancy hired on a 3-installments payment basis:

1. First deliverable - Inception Report: The inception report will outline the detailed methodology, analytical framework, workplan & data collection strategy, and mapping of additional national data ecosystems.
2. Second deliverable Data Analytical Report: Data Analytical report including consolidated findings from desk review & consultations, mapping of smuggling related & regular pathways data systems, comparative analysis of definitions, indicators & institutional arrangements, and identified gaps, interoperability issues & regional coordination needs.
3. Third & final deliverable - Final analytical report & Policy brief: Including finalizing 60-70 page regional report, policy brief for decision makers, and integrated recommendations on data governance, institutional coordination, and protection sensitive approaches. Finally, input for Q4 dissemination event.

The consultant will be required to participate in the regional dissemination event in Q4, lies between September & December 2026, to present the findings, and provide technical support during the validation / dissemination workshop.

Note: - Candidates who apply are requested to attach a sample of their work; a proposal which includes the workplan and budget.

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

• High quality of analytical outputs reflecting accuracy, clarity, and rigorous methodology
• Deliverables submitted on time and in line with agreed standards
• Evidence of strong engagement with national and regional stakeholders
• Integration of gender and protection considerations in line with IOM guidance
• Recommendations that are feasible, realistic, and aligned with IOM s protection sensitive and data governance principles
• Compliance with IOM data protection and ethical standards

Travel required Travel is required for the participation in the dissemination s activity.