Consultant for Investment Project 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 humanitarian assistance, development, and policy advocacy, with a mission to ensure that migration is safe, orderly, and dignified. IOM's work is guided by the principles of respect for human rights and the promotion of social and economic development, particularly in the context of migration. The organization is committed to addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by migration, particularly in regions experiencing significant migration flows, such as Georgia. IOM's programs aim to support migrants and their communities, enhance local capacities, and foster partnerships with governments, civil society, and the private sector to create sustainable solutions for migration-related issues.

Job Overview:
The consultant will undertake a short-term, results-driven assignment to support selected municipalities in Georgia in preparing investment-ready projects aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and local economic growth for returnees, diaspora, and their families. This consultancy is part of the program 'Enhanced Opportunities for the Returning Migrants in Georgia,' funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The consultant will be responsible for mapping local assets and resources, developing feasible project proposals, and ensuring alignment with national priorities and existing development initiatives. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of local economic development, investment planning, and the challenges faced by returnees in Georgia. The consultant will work closely with local authorities, stakeholders, and IOM to ensure that the proposed projects are viable, sustainable, and beneficial to both returnees and host communities. The overall goal is to enable migrants to achieve economic self-sufficiency and contribute positively to their communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct an Initial Assessment of Investment Potential and Municipal Asset Mapping: Review existing socio-economic data, municipal profiles, and development strategies relevant to selected municipalities. Analyze demographic, economic, and migration-related trends, including returnee profiles and labor market dynamics. Conduct a mapping of municipal capacities and existing investment initiatives. Identify priority economic sectors with strong potential for investment and job creation. Prepare concise Investment Potential Assessment Reports for each selected municipality.
• Engage Stakeholders and Hold Introductory Meetings: Identify and map key stakeholders at local and national levels, including municipal authorities and local businesses. Organize and facilitate introductory meetings to present the objectives of the assignment, validate priority sectors, and clarify roles and expectations.
• Support Municipalities in Drafting Investment Proposals: Provide technical assistance to municipalities in drafting prioritized investment project proposals, ensuring they are technically sound, financially realistic, and aligned with local development needs and reintegration objectives. Support municipalities in developing key proposal components, including problem analysis, investment activities, employment potential, and sustainability considerations.
• Finalize and Validate Investment Proposals: Consolidate draft proposals and incorporate feedback from IOM and municipal stakeholders. Organize validation workshops to review and refine proposed investments, ensuring ownership and feasibility. Finalize a set of investment-ready project proposals and provide recommendations for resource mobilization and investor outreach.

Required Qualifications:
The consultant must possess an advanced university degree in economics, public policy, business development, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in local economic development, business development, investment planning, or project development is required. Demonstrated experience working with municipalities and local authorities in Georgia is essential, along with a strong understanding of Georgia's investment climate and regional development policies. The consultant should have experience in facilitating participatory workshops and multi-stakeholder consultations, and familiarity with migration, reintegration, or community development programs is considered a strong asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced university degree in economics, public policy, business development, administration, or a related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of local economic development and investment planning, particularly in the context of migration and reintegration.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in local economic development, business development, investment planning, or project development. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with municipalities and local authorities in Georgia, demonstrating a strong understanding of the local context and the challenges faced by returnees. Experience in facilitating workshops and consultations with multiple stakeholders is also essential, as is familiarity with migration and community development programs.

Languages:
Fluency in Georgian is mandatory, while working knowledge of English is considered an asset. Proficiency in other IOM official languages, such as French and Spanish, may also be beneficial. Language skills will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based with field visits and stakeholder engagements as required. The duration of the consultancy is 40 days over a period of 11 months, from February to December 202

• The consultant will be required to travel within Georgia, and there will be no additional resources allocated for travel; this will be included in the consultancy fee. The appointment is subject to funding confirmation and medical fitness certification. IOM covers consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan, free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accidents or illnesses. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and harassment. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.