Consultant for Age Assessment Baseline Development

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. Established in 1951, IOM has grown to include 173 member states and operates in over 100 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on various aspects of migration, including migration governance, humanitarian assistance, and the protection of migrants' rights. IOM's mission is to ensure that migration is safe, orderly, and dignified, and it works closely with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to achieve this goal.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be engaged to develop a comprehensive Age Assessment Baseline for unaccompanied and separated children (UASC) in Serbia. This project aims to strengthen Serbia's migration and asylum governance while fostering a positive public perception of migrants and refugees. The consultant's work will involve mapping existing laws and identifying gaps in the current legislation regarding age determination processes. The consultant will also analyze the legal and institutional frameworks, propose actionable recommendations, and develop a structured framework for stakeholders involved in age assessment. The consultant will ensure that the best interests of the child are prioritized throughout the assessment process, aligning with international standards and practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for preparing an Inception Report that outlines the methodology and work plan for the Age Assessment Baseline. This includes mapping all existing laws and institutional responsibilities related to child protection, identifying limitations and gaps in the current legal framework, and assessing institutional responsibilities for conducting age assessments. The consultant will also review key international documents on child protection and age assessment, develop a practical roadmap for establishing a national age assessment procedure, and prepare both a Draft and Final Baseline document with recommendations for legal and procedural adjustments. Additionally, the consultant will prepare presentations of findings for stakeholders and ensure that all tasks are completed within the specified timeline.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Law and have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in migration or a comparable field. They should have previous experience in child protection within the context of migration, focusing on legal protection. A strong background in research, particularly in human rights and child protection, is essential. Experience working with international organizations, especially the UN and EU institutions, is highly desirable. Candidates should also demonstrate excellent knowledge of legislation related to child protection and migration governance in Serbia, as well as strong analytical, writing, and reporting skills.

Educational Background:
A university degree in Law is required for this position. The candidate should have a solid understanding of legal frameworks related to migration and child protection, as well as relevant professional experience that supports their ability to conduct thorough legal analyses and assessments.

Experience:
The consultant should have at least five years of relevant professional experience, particularly in the areas of migration and child protection. Previous work in research, especially concerning human rights and child protection in migration contexts, is crucial. Experience with international organizations, particularly the UN and EU, will be beneficial for understanding the standards and practices expected in this consultancy.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Serbian is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages such as French or Spanish is considered an asset, as IOM's official languages include these. Language proficiency will be evaluated during the selection process, which may involve written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy will be performed over a period from September to December 2025, with a total of up to 30 working days allocated for the assignment. The consultant will be compensated in one instalment upon satisfactory completion of the tasks outlined in the terms of reference. Travel may be required for this assignment, and candidates must be medically fit for appointment. IOM provides coverage against occupational accidents and illnesses but does not offer evacuation or medical insurance for non-occupational incidents. Candidates are responsible for their own medical insurance and must provide proof of coverage before starting work. IOM adheres to a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct and does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.