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. IOM has been operational in Kazakhstan since 1997, focusing on promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. The organization collaborates with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners to address migration issues and emerging trends in Central Asia, particularly in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. IOM's mission in Kazakhstan also includes establishing priorities for project development in alignment with sub-regional strategies and policies, thereby enhancing the migration governance framework in the region.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for Legal Assistance will play a crucial role in providing legal support to Afghan women and their families as part of the regional project aimed at improving migration governance and access to services for displaced Afghans in Pakistan and Central Asia. This position requires the consultant to deliver legal consultations, assist in documentation processes, and facilitate social and cultural integration for beneficiaries. The consultant will be expected to submit a comprehensive report on the needs assessment of legal assistance for migrants, ensuring that qualitative and quantitative services are delivered effectively. The role is home-based but requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government entities and NGOs, to ensure that the legal needs of the beneficiaries are met efficiently.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for providing legal assistance to Afghan women identified by the project, which includes offering legal consultations on necessary documentation, assisting in gathering required papers, and submitting them to relevant authorities. Additionally, the consultant will provide legal assistance to family members of beneficiaries as needed and offer consultations to facilitate social and cultural integration. Performance indicators for this role include submitting a report on the needs assessment of legal assistance, delivering qualitative and quantitative legal services, collecting feedback from beneficiaries, and preparing a final report detailing all legal services provided, 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 consultant should have a strong understanding of human rights and legal questions, as well as experience in report writing and liaising with government, UN, and NGO stakeholders.

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, or Law. A Bachelor's degree in these fields is also acceptable if accompanied by significant professional experience. The educational qualifications must be from an accredited institution, ensuring that the consultant has a solid theoretical foundation to support their practical work in legal assistance.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have substantial experience in consultancy related to human rights and legal issues. This includes experience in report writing and the ability to liaise effectively with various stakeholders, including government bodies, UN agencies, and NGOs. The consultant should demonstrate a proven track record of working on legal matters, particularly those affecting vulnerable populations such as migrants and displaced individuals.

Languages:
Proficiency in Kazakh, Russian, and English is mandatory for this position. The IOM's official languages include English, French, and Spanish, but the specific language requirements for this role will be evaluated during the selection process, which may involve written and/or oral assessments to ensure candidates meet the necessary language proficiency levels.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last from February to May 2026, and the appointment is contingent upon funding confirmation. Candidates must be medically fit for appointment and will need to provide proof of residency, visa, and any necessary authorizations from the relevant government authorities. IOM provides coverage for consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under its Compensation Plan, but consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accidents or illnesses. IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that contradicts the organization's 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.