Consultant International

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants alike. Established in 1951, IOM has grown to include 173 member states and operates in over 100 countries worldwide. The organization aims to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, ensuring that migration is safe, orderly, and dignified. IOM's mission includes addressing the challenges of migration, providing humanitarian assistance, and supporting the development of migration policies that respect human rights and promote social cohesion.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be tasked with generating evidence necessary to guide the design and implementation of alternatives to detention (ATD) interventions within the context of Comoros. This role involves conducting a comprehensive baseline assessment of the current use of detention for migration-related reasons in the Union of Comoros. The consultant will evaluate the existing legal and institutional framework, relevant national legislation, international obligations, and protections against arbitrary detention. The position requires a thorough analysis of the capacities of national institutions and stakeholders to implement ATD, as well as an assessment of current procedures for screening, identification, and protection of vulnerable migrants, particularly women and children. The consultant will also map existing services and referral pathways for vulnerable migrants and identify community care mechanisms that could support ATD. The ultimate goal is to develop practical recommendations and a roadmap to strengthen national ATD systems, ensuring that they are tailored to the specific context of Comoros.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct a baseline assessment of the current use of detention for migration-related reasons, including the applicable legal and institutional framework.
• Evaluate the existing capacities of national institutions and stakeholders to implement alternatives to detention.
• Analyze current procedures for screening, identification, case management, and protection of vulnerable migrants, focusing on women and children.
• Map existing services and referral pathways for vulnerable migrants, including both governmental and non-governmental service providers.
• Identify existing community care mechanisms that could support alternatives to detention.
• Assess protection risks associated with current detention practices, particularly for unaccompanied or separated children, women, trafficking victims, and other vulnerable groups.
• Identify legal, institutional, operational, and coordination gaps that hinder the implementation of ATD.
• Analyze opportunities and entry points for gradually establishing rights-based alternatives to detention in the Comorian context.
• Evaluate the feasibility of concrete ATD options on each island, considering legal bases, responsible authorities, available services, costs, risks, monitoring mechanisms, and implementation conditions. 1
• Develop practical recommendations and a roadmap for strengthening national ATD systems, including policy development priorities, institutional strengthening, standardized operational procedures, and pilot interventions.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in law, human rights, migration studies, international relations, public policy, social sciences, international development, or a related field.
• At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in migration governance, migration law, human rights, child protection, or related fields.
• Proven experience in conducting institutional assessments, legal analyses, or public policy studies related to migration governance.
• Demonstrated experience in alternatives to detention (ATD), immigration-related administrative detention, protection programs, migration management, or refugee protection.
• Experience working with governments, UN agencies, and civil society organizations.
• Proven experience facilitating multi-stakeholder consultations and validation workshops.
• Previous professional experience in the Western Indian Ocean, East Africa, or Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is an advantage.
• Excellent analytical and report writing skills.
• Proven experience using qualitative research methodologies, including key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and stakeholder mapping. 1
• Strong understanding of international human rights standards, child rights, migration governance, and protection principles. 1
• Knowledge of IOM's framework on alternatives to detention and rights-based approaches is an advantage. 1
• Ability to formulate practical recommendations for public policy and operational interventions. 1
• Excellent command of French, both written and spoken, is required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in relevant fields such as law, human rights, migration studies, international relations, public policy, social sciences, or international development. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to effectively address the complexities of migration governance and the legal frameworks surrounding it.

Experience:
The position requires at least seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in areas related to migration governance, migration law, human rights, and child protection. Candidates should have a proven track record of conducting institutional assessments and legal analyses, as well as experience in alternatives to detention and collaboration with various stakeholders, including governments and civil society organizations. Experience in facilitating consultations and workshops is also essential, along with a solid understanding of international human rights standards and migration governance principles.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory, both written and spoken. This is crucial for effective communication and reporting in the context of the job. While not explicitly stated, proficiency in English or other languages relevant to the region may be considered an asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders and resources.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy requires a minimum of one field visit as part of the mission. Interested candidates are invited to submit an updated CV, a cover letter, a technical proposal outlining their understanding of the mission, methodological approach, and indicative timeline, as well as a financial proposal detailing the fees for the completion of the mission. The position is likely to be project-based, with specific deliverables and timelines outlined in the consultancy agreement.