Consultant for National Referral Mechanism Development

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants alike. Established in 1951, IOM has grown to encompass 173 member states and operates in over 100 countries worldwide. The organization aims to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, focusing on the needs of migrants and the communities they are part of. IOM's mission includes addressing the challenges of human trafficking and exploitation, particularly in vulnerable regions such as the Pacific, where labor mobility and migration are increasing.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in developing a National Referral Mechanism (NRM) for Victims of Trafficking and Smuggled Migrants in Vanuatu. This position is vital in ensuring that the national response to human trafficking is comprehensive, survivor-centered, and aligned with international human rights standards. The consultant will conduct a thorough desk review of existing policies and frameworks, engage in consultations with stakeholders, and draft the NRM along with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that will guide the identification, referral, protection, and reintegration of victims. The consultant will also be responsible for validating these documents through workshops and meetings, ensuring that they are practical and effective in addressing the gaps identified in the current system. Additionally, the consultant will provide training to key stakeholders and develop communication materials to raise public awareness about the NRM.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct a comprehensive desk review of existing Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling policies, legislation, and current referral mechanisms.
• Prepare an inception report outlining the findings and proposed methodologies.
• Undertake bilateral and national consultations with relevant stakeholders, including at least one national multi-stakeholder consultation and 10 bilateral consultations.
• Draft a National Referral Mechanism that includes a framework, guidelines, and flow chart detailing the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders.
• Develop survivor-centered, gender-sensitive, and rights-based Standard Operating Procedures and Resources for the implementation of the NRM.
• Validate the draft NRM and SOPs through a multi-stakeholder review workshop and additional bilateral meetings as necessary.
• Submit the final NRM and SOPs to the Government of Vanuatu and IOM for technical comments and revise accordingly.
• Suggest improvements to the Vanuatu Immigration and Visa Services' TIP and Smuggling chapter of the Border Control Operations SOP Manual 201
• Deliver two training sessions on the finalized NRM and SOPs to key government departments and stakeholders. 1
• Develop public information materials regarding the NRM.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess a Master's Degree in Law, National security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security, Strategic Studies, International Affairs, Political Science, Human Rights, Migration Studies, or a related field from an accredited institution. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree with at least five years of progressively responsible work experience in migration, protection legislation, counter-trafficking, and establishing referral mechanisms will also be considered. The candidate should demonstrate a strong understanding of the legal and institutional frameworks surrounding human trafficking and migration.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Master's Degree in a relevant field such as Law, International Affairs, or Migration Studies. A Bachelor's degree is acceptable if accompanied by significant relevant work experience. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in human rights, migration policies, and legal frameworks related to trafficking and smuggling.

Experience:
Candidates should have demonstrated experience in migration protection, counter-trafficking, and preventing people smuggling, particularly in the Pacific context, including Fiji, Tonga, and Vanuatu. Prior experience in developing action plans and strategic frameworks, as well as working with government agencies, is highly desirable. The ability to work independently and manage projects with minimal supervision is essential, along with a commitment to ethical standards and flexibility in approach. Experience with IOM or similar UN agencies will be considered an advantage.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as it is one of IOM's official languages. Knowledge of French or Spanish is considered an asset. Language proficiency will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and oral assessments to ensure effective communication in the role.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is subject to funding confirmation and will require the candidate to be medically fit for appointment. IOM provides coverage against occupational accidents and illnesses but does not offer evacuation or medical insurance for non-occupational issues. Candidates must have their own medical insurance and provide proof before starting work. IOM adheres to a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct and does not charge any fees during the recruitment process. Applications must be submitted through the IOM online recruitment system.