International Consultant - Development of Minimum Operational Protection and Technical Standards for Temporary Holding Centres

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 operates in numerous countries, providing services and advice to governments and migrants, and is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally. IOM aims to harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move, inviting candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and providing reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required.

Job Overview:
The consultancy will be implemented within the framework of the NORAD-funded regional project aimed at enhancing the protection of migrants from violence, exploitation, and abuse in Central Asia, specifically in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The project focuses on strengthening protection systems for migrants in vulnerable situations through improved institutional capacities, access to protection services, regional cooperation, and practical tools for identification, referral, and response. In Uzbekistan, there is a recognized need for practical standards and tools to support the organization, management, and operation of temporary holding centres for migrants. The consultant will develop a comprehensive framework of minimum operational, protection, and technical standards and practical tools for these facilities, ensuring they accommodate migrants with different legal and operational statuses. The assignment will also involve the development and pilot delivery of a competency-based training package, which will be converted into a self-paced digital learning module.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will perform a variety of tasks, including reviewing applicable legal, institutional, and international frameworks; identifying and structuring applicable categories and regimes of migrants; developing common minimum operational, protection, and technical standards; establishing a vulnerability identification and differentiated protection response framework; developing inter-agency protection and referral pathways; creating practical operational tools; validating and revising draft standards and tools; developing a competency-based training package; piloting the standards, tools, and training package; and finalizing the operational and training package. The consultant will also be responsible for ensuring that the developed standards and tools are practical and applicable in the day-to-day management of temporary holding centres, integrating protection considerations throughout the process.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, human rights, migration studies, public administration, social sciences, international relations, or a related field, with at least five years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, a university degree in the aforementioned fields with at least seven years of relevant professional experience is acceptable. Candidates should have demonstrated professional experience in migration management, migrant protection, human rights, return and removal procedures, and immigration detention or temporary holding. They must also have experience in analyzing legal, institutional, and operational frameworks and developing practical standards, procedures, guidelines, or operational tools. A sound knowledge of applicable international human rights and migrant protection standards is essential, along with strong analytical, drafting, and communication skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as law, human rights, migration studies, public administration, social sciences, or international relations. A university degree in these fields, combined with extensive relevant professional experience, is also acceptable.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of relevant professional experience for candidates with a Master’s degree, or seven years for those with a university degree. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in migration management, migrant protection, human rights, and related areas, as well as experience in analyzing legal and operational frameworks and developing practical standards and tools.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English and Russian is required for this consultancy, while knowledge of Uzbek is considered an advantage. 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 be home-based, with the requirement for the consultant to participate in a face-to-face pilot training in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. If the selected consultant is based outside Uzbekistan, one mission to Tashkent will be necessary for the delivery of the pilot training. Travel will be arranged and covered separately by IOM, and should not be included in the consultant's professional fee. The consultancy is expected to be conducted in accordance with the agreed methodology and workplan, with regular coordination with IOM throughout the assignment. All deliverables must be submitted in fully editable formats, and the consultant will maintain confidentiality regarding any non-public information obtained during the assignment.