Consultant for Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration Programme

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 include 173 member states and operates in over 100 countries worldwide. The organization's mission is to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, focusing on the needs of migrants and their communities. IOM's work encompasses a wide range of migration-related issues, including migration governance, humanitarian assistance, and the protection of vulnerable migrants. The organization is committed to ensuring that migration is safe, orderly, and dignified, and it works closely with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and international organizations, to achieve these goals.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in the Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration Programme in North Africa (MPRR-NA), which is funded by the European Union and several Nordic governments. The primary function of this position is to conduct comprehensive research on return and reintegration systems in Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia. The consultant will be responsible for analyzing existing legal and policy frameworks, identifying best practices, and pinpointing gaps in the current systems. The research will employ a systems-level perspective, utilizing a combination of desk reviews, key informant interviews, and data analysis to produce actionable recommendations that can enhance national return and reintegration systems. The consultant will be expected to deliver a series of reports, including an inception report, a comparative analysis report, and a final report, all of which will contribute to the overall objectives of the MPRR-NA.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include the following:

• Develop an inception report that conceptualizes and frames the return and reintegration systems based on IOM frameworks.
• Propose a detailed methodology for the research, including guiding questions for key informant interviews.
• Outline a comprehensive work plan with key deliverables and timelines.
• Conduct a literature review and provide theoretical and contextual framing of return and reintegration systems in North Africa.
• Map and compare national policies, legal instruments, and institutional mandates related to assisted voluntary return and reintegration (AVRR) across North African countries.
• Analyze how various actors coordinate AVRR efforts, including referral pathways and reintegration support.
• Document best practices and common challenges in AVRR implementation and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
• Organize and conduct a validation meeting to discuss the findings of the research.
• Prepare a final report ready for publication, incorporating feedback from the validation meeting. 1
• Ensure timely submission of all deliverables and maintain high-quality standards in the research report.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in migration, social sciences, international relations, or a related field. Additionally, they should have at least 10 years of relevant experience in migration, return, and reintegration, particularly with IOM or similar international organizations. Proven experience in developing guidance, conducting feasibility and risk assessments, and supporting policy operationalization in migration contexts is essential. The consultant should also have regional expertise in the MENA region and experience with comparative research. Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder coordination skills are required to effectively engage with various stakeholders throughout the research process.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree is required, specifically in fields related to migration, social sciences, international relations, or other relevant disciplines. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of migration systems and policies, as well as for conducting high-level research and analysis.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in migration, return, and reintegration. This experience should include work with IOM or similar international organizations, demonstrating a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the migration landscape. Candidates should also have a proven track record in developing guidance documents, conducting assessments, and operationalizing policies in migration contexts, particularly in the MENA region.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is mandatory for this position, as these languages are essential for communication and reporting. Knowledge of Arabic or Italian is considered an asset, as it may facilitate engagement with local stakeholders and enhance the consultant's ability to conduct interviews and gather data effectively.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy may require travel within North Africa for stakeholder interviews and validation meetings. The deliverables are structured with specific deadlines, including an inception report due by 25 December 2025, a comparative analysis report by 25 February 2026, and a final report by 25 April 202

• Payment for each deliverable will be made within 15 days of receipt and approval. This position is likely to be full-time and may involve international collaboration, given the cross-border nature of the research.