Consultant for Bilateral Labour Migration Agreement Guidelines

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 migration, enhancing the understanding of migration issues, and providing support to governments in managing migration effectively and ethically.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be responsible for leading the comprehensive development of national Bilateral Labour Migration Agreement (BLMA) Guidelines for South Africa. This role involves a thorough understanding of the local labour market and skills gaps, ensuring that the guidelines align with South Africa’s regulatory frameworks and relevant AU/UN standards. The consultant will work closely with the IOM and the Technical Working Group (TWG) to design a detailed methodology and workplan, draft practical guidelines, and facilitate stakeholder validation. The guidelines will serve as a critical tool for the implementation of the National Labour Migration Policy (NLMP) and will be tested through negotiations with a partner country, ensuring they meet the real labour market needs and governance constraints of South Africa.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with several key deliverables throughout the consultancy period. The first deliverable is an Inception Report, which must be submitted within 15 working days after contracting. This report should include a literature review, a detailed workplan, a proposed methodology for conducting a gap analysis, and a stakeholder engagement plan. The second deliverable is a Gap Analysis Report due within 30 working days, which will analyze the current migration governance context, labour demand-supply dynamics, legal and policy frameworks, and institutional arrangements. The third deliverable is a Draft BLMA Guidelines document, expected within 40 working days, which must be comprehensive and traceable to the gap analysis. The fourth deliverable is a Stakeholder Validation Report, due within 30 working days, capturing feedback from a validation workshop with key stakeholders. Finally, the consultant will produce the Final BLMA Guidelines and an Implementation Roadmap within 65 working days, ensuring all previous deliverables are integrated and publication-ready.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in Migration Studies, International Relations, Labour Studies, Development Studies, Economics, Public Policy, or related fields. Additionally, they should have at least 8 years of experience in migration governance and international labour standards implementation, with proven experience in designing or implementing labour migration instruments being a distinct advantage. Familiarity with South Africa’s labour migration context and Bilateral Labour Migration Agreements is essential. Strong writing, research, analytical skills, and stakeholder engagement capabilities are also required, along with facilitation and negotiation skills to manage sensitive political issues effectively.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in relevant fields such as Migration Studies, International Relations, Labour Studies, Development Studies, Economics, or Public Policy is required for this position. This educational background will provide the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to navigate the complexities of labour migration governance and policy development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in designing or implementing migration governance modalities and international labour standards. Candidates should have a proven track record in leading multi-stakeholder processes involving government, employers, unions, and civil society. Experience in translating labour-market data into actionable policy frameworks and managing results-based projects is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. While English is the primary language of IOM, proficiency in French and Spanish is considered an asset and may be evaluated during the selection process through written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is based in Pretoria, South Africa, and is expected to last for a duration of 6 months. Domestic travel may be required to engage with government officials and stakeholders. The appointment is subject to funding confirmation and medical fitness certification. IOM provides coverage against occupational accidents and illnesses but does not cover non-occupational medical insurance. Candidates must submit a comprehensive application including a consultant profile, technical proposal, examples of previous work, professional references, and a financial proposal.