Consultant for Development of Standard Operating Procedures for Victims of Trafficking

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. IOM's mission is to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, saving lives and protecting people on the move. The organization drives solutions to displacement and facilitates pathways for regular migration while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on various aspects of migration and humanitarian assistance, and aims to harness the full potential of migration to strengthen its support to people on the move.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to develop comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the management of the Victims of Trafficking Trust Fund in Lesotho. This initiative is funded by the U.S. Department of State and supports the Ministry of Home Affairs and Police in combating Trafficking in Persons (TIP). The consultant will be responsible for reviewing the legislative and policy framework governing trafficking in persons and victim assistance in Lesotho, assessing existing institutional capacities, and identifying gaps necessary for the effective establishment and operationalization of the Trust Fund. The consultant will also develop a practical operationalization framework and SOPs that align with national legislation and international best practices, ensuring the Trust Fund is effectively governed and managed. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders to validate the proposed frameworks and procedures, ensuring they meet the needs of the victims and the legal requirements of the country.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key tasks, including: 1) Submitting an inception report that outlines the methodology, workplan, stakeholder mapping, and anticipated challenges; 2) Conducting a comprehensive desk review of relevant legislation, policies, and existing frameworks, and summarizing key findings; 3) Conducting structured stakeholder consultations and submitting a report detailing the consultation methodology and key findings; 4) Drafting the Trust Fund Operationalization Framework and SOPs, covering processes for fund administration, eligibility criteria, application and disbursement procedures, financial management, monitoring, and accountability mechanisms; 5) Organizing and facilitating a validation workshop to present the draft documents and incorporating feedback into the final deliverables; 6) Submitting finalized documents that align with national legislation and international best practices, including an operational toolkit with necessary templates and guidance materials.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Law, Public Administration, Public Policy, Development Studies, Human Rights, or Social Sciences. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in these fields combined with at least 10 years of relevant professional experience may be accepted. The role requires at least 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in developing policies, institutional frameworks, and standard operating procedures. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in anti-trafficking policy and operational programming, legal and institutional analysis, and facilitating multi-stakeholder consultations. Familiarity with public sector systems and victim assistance programming in Lesotho or Southern Africa is advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as Law, Public Administration, Public Policy, Development Studies, Human Rights, or Social Sciences. A first-level university degree in these areas, combined with significant professional experience, may also be acceptable. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of trafficking legislation and victim assistance frameworks.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in relevant fields. This includes experience in developing policies, institutional frameworks, and operational guidelines, particularly in the context of anti-trafficking and victim protection. Proven experience in conducting legal and institutional analysis, as well as facilitating consultations with various stakeholders, is essential. Previous work experience in Lesotho or Southern Africa, along with familiarity with trust fund mechanisms and victim assistance programming, will be considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is essential for drafting documents and conducting consultations. Knowledge of Sesotho is considered an added advantage, as it may facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of the consultancy.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy will be governed by IOM's policies, including coverage against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan. 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 aims and objectives, including discrimination and harassment. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications through its e-Recruitment system.