Consultant for Mixed Migration Strategy

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional political and economic union of fifteen countries located in West Africa. Established on May 28, 1975, ECOWAS aims to promote economic integration and cooperation among its member states. The organization has a mission to foster economic development, peace, and stability in the region. ECOWAS operates in twelve member states and has a workforce that includes various departments and units focused on different aspects of regional integration, including migration, trade, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The organization collaborates with international partners, including the European Union, to implement programs that enhance regional cooperation and address challenges faced by member states.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant for Mixed Migration Strategy involves contributing to the ECOWAS regional project titled 'Support to Free Movement of Persons and Migration in West Africa Phase II.' This project is funded by the European Union and is implemented in collaboration with partners such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). The consultant will play a crucial role in revising the Mixed Migration Strategy, which aims to enhance the regional protection framework for migrants and facilitate the effective implementation of ECOWAS Free Movement Protocols. The consultant will work closely with the ECOWAS Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs and will be responsible for conducting assessments, developing strategic plans, and engaging with key stakeholders to address mixed migration challenges in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Providing technical and administrative support to the Mixed Migration working group, which involves conducting a baseline assessment of mixed migration trends, challenges, and opportunities in the region.
• Reviewing regional guidelines, policies, and studies on mixed migration developed during the first phase of the project to identify gaps and provide recommendations.
• Engaging with key stakeholders such as the ECOWAS Commission and member states to gather insights on priorities and gaps in mixed migration management.
• Supporting the development and finalization of the Strategic Plan for the Mixed Migration working group, including identifying key action areas and developing a monitoring and evaluation framework.
• Organizing technical and validation meetings, both physical and online, to facilitate discussions on mixed migration issues.
• Designing and delivering capacity-building initiatives on the protection of vulnerable mixed migrants for the working group and other stakeholders.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs or her designated representative.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree from an accredited academic institution in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with five additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in place of a master’s degree. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge and experience in regional integration and the free movement protocol, as well as proficiency in English. Knowledge of either French or Portuguese is considered an added advantage. Strong analytical, communication, and reporting skills are essential, along with extensive work experience in migration protection, counter-trafficking, and migration governance. The ability to work effectively with colleagues from diverse cultures and professional backgrounds is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as political science, international relations, international economics, law, or public administration. In cases where candidates hold a first-level university degree, they must have an additional five years of relevant experience to qualify for the position. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of migration issues and the legal frameworks governing them.

Experience:
Candidates should have extensive work experience in migration protection, counter-trafficking, and migration governance. This experience should include familiarity with regional integration processes and the implementation of free movement protocols. The consultant should also have a proven track record of working with international organizations or governmental bodies on migration-related projects, demonstrating the ability to navigate complex political and social landscapes.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of either French or Portuguese is considered advantageous, as it may facilitate communication with a broader range of stakeholders within the ECOWAS region.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy is nine months, during which the consultant will receive an all-inclusive payment of USD 13,50

• This payment will be made in four instalments, contingent upon the successful completion and validation of specified deliverables. The consultant will be responsible for their own communication costs, including phone and internet expenses. It is important to note that IOM has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, 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.