Consultant - Missing Migrants Assessment

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 governments and migrants alike. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce and actively encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply for positions.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for the Missing Migrants Assessment in Mauritania will be responsible for developing a comprehensive assessment that provides the government and its partners with an overview of the institutional architecture and operational procedures related to the clarification of the fate and whereabouts of missing migrants. This role is crucial as it aims to identify challenges and gaps that can be addressed through capacity-building initiatives. The assessment is part of a larger project funded by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, which seeks to strengthen the capacities of national focal points and other key government officials in Mauritania and The Gambia. This will be the first comprehensive institutional assessment of a national response to missing migrants from the perspective of a country where migrant deaths and disappearances occur, and it will be conducted alongside a similar assessment in The Gambia. The consultant will engage in desktop research, conduct key informant interviews, and collaborate with IOM experts to produce a detailed report that will inform future actions and policies regarding missing migrants.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key tasks under this contract, including: 1) Developing the Missing Migrant Assessment by conducting thorough desktop research on relevant publications, data, legislation, and documents. 2) Traveling to Nouakchott and Nouadhibou, Mauritania, to conduct key informant interviews with government officials and other stakeholders, as well as observing disembarkation sites. 3) Collaborating with an IOM technical expert on information management systems to prepare specific chapters of the assessment. 4) Presenting the findings and recommendations of the assessment to the National Task Force on Missing Migrants and incorporating feedback from the Task Force and other partners into the final report. 5) Delivering tangible outputs, including an inception report, a brief report summarizing key informant interviews, a first draft of the assessment, and a final draft that integrates all feedback received.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in Forensic Science, Forensic Medicine/Pathology, Forensic Anthropology, or a closely related field. Additionally, extensive experience working on missing persons, particularly missing migrants, is required. Candidates should have demonstrated experience liaising with government officials on issues related to missing migrants, especially within African governments. Experience working with humanitarian organizations addressing missing migrants issues is considered a strong advantage. Proven experience in developing institutional assessments is essential, along with excellent French writing skills and the ability to communicate clearly and concisely.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in a relevant field such as Forensic Science, Forensic Medicine/Pathology, or Forensic Anthropology is required for this position. This educational background is crucial as it provides the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively assess and address issues related to missing migrants.

Experience:
Candidates should have extensive experience in the field of missing persons, particularly focusing on missing migrants. This includes a strong track record of working with government officials and humanitarian organizations on related issues. Proven experience in developing institutional assessments is also necessary, as the consultant will be responsible for creating a comprehensive overview of the situation regarding missing migrants in Mauritania.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is required for this consultancy, both oral and written. Working knowledge of Arabic is desirable but not mandatory. The proficiency of the required languages will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy will cover consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP) at no charge for the duration of the consultancy. However, IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for non-occupational accidents and illnesses, and consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance. Any offer made to the candidate is subject to funding confirmation, and the appointment will require certification of medical fitness, accreditation, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security clearances. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and harassment. IOM does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through its e-Recruitment system.