Consultant for Migration Governance and Asylum Systems

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's mission is to ensure the orderly and humane management of migration, to promote international cooperation on migration issues, to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, and to uphold the rights of migrants. IOM's work encompasses a wide range of migration-related issues, including migration governance, refugee protection, and the integration of migrants into host communities. The organization is committed to addressing the challenges and opportunities of migration in a way that respects human rights and promotes social cohesion.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for Migration Governance and Asylum Systems will play a crucial role in supporting the project titled 'Strengthening Migration Governance and Asylum Systems in Serbia: Enhancing Policies, Protecting Rights.' This project is funded by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) of the Government of Switzerland and aims to enhance the capacities of Serbian national and local authorities in managing migration effectively while safeguarding the rights of refugees, asylum seekers, and other vulnerable migrants. The consultant will work closely with the Serbian Commissariat for Refugees and Migration (SCRM) and other stakeholders to ensure compliance with international and EU standards in migration management. The position requires maintaining regular communication with members of the National Migration Network, preparing contributions for various outputs, and engaging in activities that strengthen SCRM's institutional capacities under the EU accession process. The consultant will also be involved in organizing national events and facilitating SCRM's participation in international forums, thereby contributing to the overall objectives of the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: maintaining close collaboration and regular communication with members of the National Migration Network; preparing contributions and supporting materials for National Migration Network meetings; organizing these meetings; collaborating with EMN technical assistance teams; monitoring EMN Serbia’s activities; preparing contributions for various EMN outputs such as ad-hoc queries, information notes, and studies; drafting comments on consolidated EMN outputs; preparing contributions for the Annual Review on Asylum and Migration (AMO); collecting, disseminating, and analyzing statistical data for the preparation of the Statistical Annex for observer countries; participating in the work of Working and Expert Groups within the European Migration Network; engaging in other relevant EMN Serbia activities; and preparing and submitting work reports in line with assigned roles and responsibilities, ensuring timely information exchange. The consultant will also participate in the preparation of tasks assigned by the coordinator, contributing to the overall success of the project.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess a university degree in social sciences, migration studies, international relations, law, public administration, statistics, or related fields. Alternatively, candidates with at least three years of relevant professional experience in migration management will also be considered. The consultant should have experience in research, policy analysis, or project implementation in the fields of migration, asylum, human rights, or protection. Proven experience in drafting reports, policy briefs, or analytical papers is essential, as well as experience in organizing meetings, workshops, or stakeholder consultations. Previous work with international organizations, government institutions, or academic/research bodies on migration-related issues is an asset. Familiarity with European Union institutions, policies, and migration frameworks, particularly the European Migration Network (EMN), is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates are required to have a university degree in relevant fields such as social sciences, migration studies, international relations, law, public administration, or statistics. Alternatively, candidates with significant professional experience in migration management may be considered in lieu of formal educational qualifications. A strong academic background in these areas will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of migration governance and asylum systems.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in migration management, policy analysis, or project implementation. Experience in research, drafting reports, and organizing stakeholder consultations is crucial. Candidates should also have a proven track record of working with international organizations or government institutions, particularly in the context of migration and asylum. Familiarity with the European Migration Network and EU migration policies will be beneficial for the role.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Serbian is mandatory for this position. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages will be assessed during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly French or Spanish, is considered an asset, as IOM's official languages include these as well.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to funding confirmation and the appointment will be contingent upon certification of the candidate's medical fitness for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable. IOM provides coverage against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP) for the duration of the consultancy. However, IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for non-occupational accidents and illnesses, and consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for such cases. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, and discrimination. IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system.