Consultant for Legal Assistance

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), established in 1951, is a leading intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants alike. With a mission to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, IOM operates in over 100 countries and has a workforce of more than 17,000 employees. The organization has been active in Kazakhstan since 1997, focusing on addressing migration issues and trends in Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. IOM's work in the region includes project development and implementation in alignment with sub-regional strategies and policies, particularly in response to emerging migration challenges.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for Legal Assistance will play a crucial role in supporting Afghan women and their families who are beneficiaries of the regional project aimed at improving migration governance and access to services for displaced Afghans in Pakistan and Central Asia. This position requires providing legal assistance, consultations, and support in social and cultural integration for the identified beneficiaries. The consultant will be expected to gather necessary documentation, assist in submissions to authorities, and ensure that the legal needs of the beneficiaries are met effectively. The role is home-based but will require close collaboration with IOM's office in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and may involve travel to other locations as necessary. The consultant will also be responsible for conducting a needs assessment and reporting on the legal assistance provided, ensuring that the services delivered align with the beneficiaries' requirements and the project's objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with the following duties and responsibilities:

• Provide legal assistance to Afghan women identified by the project, ensuring their legal rights are upheld.
• Offer legal consultations regarding necessary documentation and procedures.
• Assist beneficiaries in gathering all required papers and submitting them to relevant authorities.
• Provide legal assistance to family members of beneficiaries when necessary.
• Facilitate social and cultural integration for the beneficiaries through consultations and support.
• Conduct a needs assessment to identify the legal assistance required by migrants and submit a comprehensive report.
• Deliver qualitative and quantitative legal services to beneficiaries based on the needs assessment report.
• Collect feedback from beneficiaries regarding the legal services provided.
• Prepare a final report detailing all legal services delivered, including issues related to visas and access to social services.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's University degree in Migration Studies, Political or Social Science, Business Administration, International Relations, Law, or a related field from an accredited academic institution, along with three years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, a Bachelor's University degree in the aforementioned fields with six years of relevant professional experience is acceptable. The ideal candidate should have a strong understanding of migration issues and human rights, as well as experience in legal consultancy and report writing.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in relevant fields such as Migration Studies, Political or Social Science, Business Administration, International Relations, Law, or a related area. Candidates with a Bachelor's degree in these fields must have additional years of relevant professional experience to qualify for the role. The educational qualifications should be from an accredited institution, ensuring that the candidate has a solid foundation in the necessary legal and social frameworks related to migration and human rights.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have significant experience in consultancy related to human rights and legal questions. This includes experience in report writing and liaising with government, UN, and NGO stakeholders on human rights issues. Candidates should demonstrate a strong background in legal research, analysis, and the ability to navigate complex legal environments, particularly in relation to migration law and administrative law.

Languages:
Proficiency in Kazakh, Russian, and English is mandatory for this position. As IOM's official languages include English, French, and Spanish, candidates will be evaluated on their proficiency in these languages during the selection process, which may involve written and/or oral assessments. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last from February to May 2026, and the position is home-based in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The consultant will be required to travel as necessary to fulfill the duties of the role. It is important to note that any offer made to the candidate is subject to funding confirmation. Additionally, the appointment will require certification of medical fitness, verification of residency, visa, and other authorizations as applicable. IOM provides coverage against occupational accidents and illnesses for consultants but does not offer evacuation or medical insurance for non-occupational incidents. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accidents or illnesses and must provide proof of coverage before starting work. IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that contradicts its objectives, including discrimination and harassment. Furthermore, IOM does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through its online recruitment system.