Consultant for Regional Study on Informal Employment of Migrants

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was established in 1951 and is a Related Organization of the United Nations. It is the leading UN agency in the field of migration, working closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. IOM's mission includes saving lives and protecting people on the move, driving solutions to displacement, and facilitating pathways for regular migration. The organization is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. IOM operates in numerous countries around the world, focusing on various aspects of migration and providing services and advice to both governments and migrants. The organization encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process when required. More information about IOM's workplace culture can be found on their website.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position involves conducting a Regional Study on Informal Employment of Migrants in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The study aims to address the significant yet poorly understood dimensions of migrant labor markets in the region, particularly focusing on informal employment. Informal employment is prevalent in various sectors, including construction, agriculture, domestic work, hospitality, and small-scale commerce, yet it remains inadequately captured in national data systems. The consultant will rely on broader informal economy datasets and apply estimation approaches developed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Economic Research Forum (ERF) to infer the scale and characteristics of migrant participation in informal employment. The study will also examine protection risks associated with informality, such as exploitation and trafficking, and will integrate gender dynamics to reflect differentiated vulnerabilities. The consultant will produce a multi-country comparative analysis of data systems, policy frameworks, and protection challenges, ultimately generating actionable recommendations to enhance labor market governance and support coherent migration and labor policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for delivering three key outputs during the consultancy period. The first deliverable is an Inception Report, which will outline the detailed methodology, analytical framework, workplan, timeline, mapping of existing national data systems and policies, and a final list of stakeholders and proposed case study countries. The second deliverable is a Draft Regional Analytical Report, which will include desk review findings, estimation results using ILO/ERF methodologies, mapping of informal economy data systems and gaps, a summary of stakeholder consultations, case study sections, and preliminary policy and protection analysis. The final deliverable will be the Final Regional Analytical Report and Policy Brief, which will consist of a full revised report of 60-70 pages, integrated analysis of informality, protection, gender, skills, and recognition of prior learning (RPL), comparative policy analysis, and actionable recommendations for national authorities. The consultant will also participate in a regional dissemination event to present findings and provide technical support during validation and dissemination workshops.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or higher in Economics, Migration Studies, Labour Studies, Public Policy, Sociology, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 7-10 years of experience in labor market research, informal economy analysis, or migration studies is required. Proven experience working with labor force surveys, informal economy measurement, or estimation techniques is essential. Candidates should have strong knowledge of protection issues linked to informality, including trafficking risks, and experience conducting multi-country research, preferably in the MENA region. Expertise in analyzing skills systems, education, and RPL frameworks is considered an asset. Excellent drafting, analytical, and synthesis skills are necessary, along with experience interacting with government institutions, UN agencies, and research bodies.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or higher in relevant fields such as Economics, Migration Studies, Labour Studies, Public Policy, Sociology, or a related discipline. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of labor markets and migration issues, particularly in the context of informal employment.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a substantial level of experience, specifically a minimum of 7-10 years in areas related to labor market research, informal economy analysis, or migration studies. This level of experience is necessary to ensure that the consultant can effectively conduct the research and analysis required for the study, as well as engage with various stakeholders in the field.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as the consultant will be required to produce high-quality written reports and engage with stakeholders. The ability to interact in Arabic is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication with local partners and stakeholders in the MENA region.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is categorized as a Type B consultancy and is expected to last for four months, subject to medical clearance. The consultant will be compensated on a payment basis tied to the completion of deliverables, with payments made in three installments. Travel is required for participation in dissemination activities, and candidates are requested to attach a sample of their work along with a proposal that includes a workplan and budget. IOM covers consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan, but consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accidents or illnesses. The appointment is subject to certification of medical fitness, residency or visa requirements, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security clearances. IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its objectives, including discrimination and harassment.