National Mapping of Protection Frameworks and Service Gaps for Vulnerable 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 worldwide, focusing on various aspects of migration and providing services and advice to governments and migrants. The organization invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and ensures reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required.

Job Overview:
The consultancy will be implemented under the regional project 'Enhancing Protection of Migrants from Violence, Exploitation and Abuse in Central Asia,' which covers Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The primary aim of this project is to enhance the protection of migrants from violence, exploitation, and abuse by strengthening access to protection services for vulnerable migrants and improving the capacity of governments and civil society to provide appropriate, gender- and child-sensitive protection and assistance. The consultant will conduct a national mapping of existing protection services relevant to vulnerable migrants in Uzbekistan, including children and victims of trafficking. This mapping will identify existing protection responses, access pathways, service gaps, barriers to access, and relevant capacities that could be better utilized or adapted. The findings will inform practical improvements to existing protection mechanisms and services, contributing to a regional assessment of migrant protection frameworks and services in Central Asia. The consultant will work closely with the Migrants Assistance and Protection Unit of IOM Uzbekistan and will be responsible for ensuring that the assignment is conducted in accordance with the approved methodology and work plan, maintaining regular coordination with IOM throughout the assignment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key tasks:

• Identify protection needs of vulnerable migrants in Uzbekistan by reviewing national legal frameworks, available data, and relevant sources.
• Assess the relevance of identified protection needs through consultations with stakeholders.
• Identify types of protection services required to address these needs.
• Map existing governmental and non-governmental services that respond to the identified protection needs.
• Assess access to existing services, determining eligibility and practical barriers to access.
• Evaluate the capacity of existing services to address the identified protection needs.
• Identify significant gaps in the existing protection response.
• Develop prioritized and practical recommendations to address the identified gaps, focusing on improving existing services and mechanisms rather than creating new ones.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Migration, Social Sciences, Law, Human Rights, Social Protection, Public Policy, International Development, or a related field. They should have at least five years of relevant professional experience in migrant protection, social protection, human rights, or related areas. Demonstrated experience in conducting research, assessments, or mappings, including qualitative analysis, is essential. A good understanding of protection frameworks relevant to vulnerable migrants, including children and victims of trafficking, is required. Knowledge of the institutional context in Uzbekistan and experience engaging with government institutions and civil society organizations are also necessary. Strong analytical skills, excellent drafting and communication skills, and the ability to translate findings into practical recommendations are crucial for this role.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Migration, Social Sciences, Law, Human Rights, Social Protection, Public Policy, or International Development is required for this position. This educational background will provide the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to effectively conduct the mapping and analysis of protection services for vulnerable migrants.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of relevant professional experience in areas related to migrant protection, social protection, human rights, or the protection of vulnerable groups. This experience should include conducting research, assessments, or similar analytical assignments, demonstrating the ability to collect and analyze qualitative information effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in Russian and Uzbek is required for this consultancy, along with a working knowledge of English. The proficiency in these languages will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments to ensure effective communication and understanding of the tasks at hand.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy will be performed on a home-based basis in Uzbekistan, with no travel required. The consultant must ensure they hold all necessary permissions to perform the assignment in Uzbekistan. All deliverables must be submitted electronically in editable digital format, and the final report should be prepared in both Russian and English. 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, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security clearances, and compliance with IOM's zero-tolerance policy on misconduct.