National Consultant for Assessment of Reintegration Mechanisms for Returning Labour Migrants

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was established in 1951 and is a Related Organization of the United Nations. It is the leading UN agency in the field of migration, working closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. IOM's mission includes saving lives and protecting people on the move, driving solutions to displacement, and facilitating pathways for regular migration. The organization is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. IOM operates in numerous countries around the world, providing services and advice to governments and migrants, and aims to harness the full potential of migration to strengthen its support to people on the move. IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required.

Job Overview:
The position involves engaging a qualified Expert to review and map existing reintegration mechanisms in Uzbekistan for returning labour migrants, particularly focusing on those returning under the UK Seasonal Worker Scheme (UK SWS). The role requires a comprehensive assessment of the current national reintegration landscape, identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement. The assessment will be primarily desk-based, supplemented by remote interviews with previous IOM grantees. The findings will inform evidence-based policy dialogue with national stakeholders and will be presented during a roundtable discussion with government officials. The consultant will analyze existing support measures, compare them with international best practices, and generate recommendations to strengthen and institutionalize a coordinated national reintegration mechanism in Uzbekistan. The assessment will cover economic, social, and psychosocial dimensions of reintegration, ensuring a holistic approach to the challenges faced by returning migrants.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The selected Expert will be responsible for several key tasks, including: developing a detailed methodology and workplan for the assessment; reviewing national legislation, policies, and programs related to labour migration and reintegration; conducting remote qualitative interviews with previous IOM grantees to gather insights on their reintegration experiences; mapping and analyzing existing reintegration mechanisms and support measures in Uzbekistan; reviewing relevant international reintegration mechanisms and assessing their applicability to the Uzbek context; analyzing findings from interviews and available program data; developing practical recommendations for strengthening the national reintegration mechanism; preparing a draft assessment report; presenting findings at a roundtable discussion with national government officials; and finalizing the report based on feedback received. The consultant will maintain regular communication with IOM Uzbekistan and ensure that all data collection is conducted ethically and respectfully.

Required Qualifications:
The Expert must possess strong technical and analytical capacity, demonstrated through an advanced degree in social sciences, migration studies, development studies, economics, public policy, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in policy research, institutional or policy analysis, monitoring and evaluation, or assessment of return and reintegration, labour migration, employment, or social protection systems is required. The candidate should have experience conducting desk-based policy research and comparative analysis, as well as remote interviews with program beneficiaries, and should be knowledgeable about research ethics and personal data protection. Familiarity with international reintegration frameworks, mechanisms, and good practices is essential, and experience in designing or reviewing national reintegration mechanisms is an advantage. The candidate should also have strong data analysis, report-writing, and presentation skills.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in social sciences, migration studies, development studies, economics, public policy, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of migration and reintegration processes, as well as for conducting thorough policy analysis and research.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience. This experience should encompass policy research, institutional or policy analysis, monitoring and evaluation, or assessment of return and reintegration, labour migration, employment, or social protection systems and programs. Candidates should have a proven track record of conducting desk-based policy research and comparative analysis, as well as experience in engaging with government officials and producing policy-relevant analysis and recommendations.

Languages:
Fluency in Uzbek is mandatory, along with strong written English skills, as the final report will need to be prepared in both languages. Proficiency in these languages will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy will be conducted under the supervision of the Head of Labour Mobility Division and in close coordination with relevant IOM project staff. The assignment will primarily be desk-based, with remote interviews being the main method of data collection. The consultant will be responsible for maintaining regular communication with IOM Uzbekistan and ensuring that all data collection is conducted ethically and respectfully. IOM covers consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan, but does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accidents or illnesses and will need to provide proof of such coverage before commencing work. The appointment is subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security clearances. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM.