Project Context and Scope
The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM), adopted in December 2018, provides a cooperative, non-legally binding framework that comprehensively addresses all dimensions of international migration. Serbia, as a GCM-endorsing state, has committed to aligning its migration governance with the Compactโs 23 objectives, based on principles such as human rights, gender-responsiveness, child-sensitivity, and whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches.
Since 2020, Serbia has demonstrated strong engagement in the GCM follow-up and review process through the preparation of its first Voluntary National Review (VNR) and its 2022 Addendum, facilitated by the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration (SCRM) and in partnership with IOM Serbia. These efforts reflect the countryโs intent to mainstream migration into national development plans and implement GCM-aligned policies.
The second International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) will take place in 2026 in New York. It will serve as a platform to discuss progress on the implementation of all aspects of GCM and will conclude with the adoption of a Progress Declaration. The IMRF presents a strategic opportunity for Member States to discuss matters related to international migration in a multilateral setting with stakeholders, and to identify priorities and challenges for the forthcoming four-year cycle.ย
In preparation for the second IMRF in 2026, which will culminate in the adoption of a Progress Declaration, Serbia seeks to strengthen evidence-based reporting, identify potential gaps between national migration policy and GCM and enhance international cooperation
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributingย
ย Promoting Evidence-based Migration Governance for Maximizing Development Potential of Migration (MD0038) Tasks to be performed under this contract
Under the โPromoting Evidence-Based Migration Governance for Maximizing the Development Potential of Migrationโ jointly implemented by UN in Serbia and funded by MMPTF, IOM Serbia is seeking a consultant to develop a Report on Gap Analysis between national migration policies and GCM objectives. This report will inform Serbiaโs strategic engagement at IMRF 2026, including its inputs to the Progress Declaration and participation in preparatory roundtables.
The analysis will:
- Map progress in achieving the 23 GCM objectives by implementation of existing national migration policy using a structured approach.
- Identify policy and operational gaps, with forward-looking recommendations for addressing them.
- Provide inputs aligned with the four IMRF 2026 roundtable themes.
- Highlight promising practices and initiatives that reflect whole-of-government and whole-of-society collaboration.
Through desk review and consultations with the Serbian Commissariat for Refugees and Migration (SCRM) and the members of the Working Group for the Reporting in the area of Migration Management, the GCM Gap Analysis Report is supposed to provide updated information on policy and strategic framework underpinning GCM implementation in Serbia, update on progress of implementation of objectives of the GCM, illustrating ย existing policies or promising practices ย related to any of the objectives and actions relevant to them. This would prepare government for participation in IMRF 2026 and provide support in further formulating positions in this forum. The report is to also highlight critical difficulties envisioned or encountered in reaching GCM objectives and how they could be addressed moving forward. The analysis of objectives and pertinent actions will focus on trends, successes, challenges, emerging issues and lessons learnedย ย and describe what actions have been taken to address existing gaps and challenges. The report should identify opportunities for further actions which could be put forward at IMRF.ย
The report should contain the following:ย
- Methodology for preparing the GCM objectives Gap Analysis Report (outlining consultative process if any)
- Updated assessment of legislative, strategic and institutional framework underpinning GCM implementation in Serbia
- Mapping out policies/legislation/projects/initiatives that enhance the implementation of the GCM objectives in Serbia
Information relevant for GoS participation in IMRF 2026.
Tasks to be performed:
- Draft the consultation methodology incorporating participatory processes and reflecting GCM principles
- Coordinate with SCRM ensuring national ownership and coherence.
- Prepare the analysis to assess to which extent GCM objectives and actions are currently incorporated in the national legislative and strategic framework, and further map out projects/initiatives implemented by responsible institutions that enhance the implementation of the GCM objectives in Serbia including local, bilateral, and multilateral efforts.
- Document promising practices, innovations, and challenges and highlight those implementing GCM principles.
- Support GoS participation in the forthcoming IMRF 2026 in accordance with UN Migration Network Workplan and timeline of events stipulated in it, more particularly four thematic round tables which cluster 23 GCMโs objectives through preparation of relevant materials ย
- Ensure alignment with IMRF 2026 themes, including cross-cutting issues (e.g., climate mobility, labor migration, return and reintegration, migrant protection).
1st Instalment
TIMELINEย
Deliverable 1:ย
Draft the consultation methodology note outlining the consultation process, including:
- participatory approach and stakeholder mapping
- structure to report on integration of GCM objectives and actions into policy documents and on existing practices
- timeline and tools for consultation
ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 2 days
Deliverable 2:ย
Prepare a comprehensive draft gap analysis report to assess to which extent GCM objectives and actions are currently incorporated in the national legislative and strategic framework. The report should identify detailed mapping of ongoing national, bilateral and multilateral projects/initiatives that contribute to the implementation of the GCM objectives in Serbia.
8 days
2nd Instalment
TIMELINE
Deliverable 3:ย
Identify progress in achieving the GCM objectives since the submission of first VNR in 2020 (and its 2022 update) and highlight those requiring concerted action in 2026 Based on the findings, develop a set of actionable policy recommendations to guide future GCM implementation and strategic engagement.
ย
5 days
Deliverable 4 :
Preparation of material to support GoS participation in the forthcoming IMRF 2026 in accordance with UN Migration Network Workplan and timeline of events
ย
5 days
ย Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
The Consultancy and its tasks hereunder shall be performed during the period September โ December 2025 through up to 20 working days to carry out the entire assignment. The fee will be paid to the Consultant in two instalments, upon completion by the Consultant of the task 2 and task 4 respectively ย ย as specified in these terms of reference and the above table, subject to satisfactory completion of the analysis, and as endorsed by CRMS and IOM. Education- Advanced degree (PhD or MA) in migration, law, economy, statistics, public affairs and/or other social science related areas relevant for the assignment;
- Other formal education relevant for the assignment;.Experience
- At least 3 years of proven experience in execution of assessment reports on migration policies, legislation and good practices, development of migration strategies/policy papers/legislation, action plans;
- At least 3 years of proven experience in developing analytical work in migration-related fields;
- Experience in working with public administration agencies, international organizations and IOM and/or UN agencies in particular.Skills
- Strong analytical, writing and communication skills;
- Strong knowledge of migration regulatory and legal framework at the international level required;
- Knowledge of the Serbian migration regulatory, legal and institutional framework;
- Familiarity with IOMโs mandate and role of the national institutions in the area of migration management in Serbia.Languages
- Excellent oral and written English;
- Fluency in Serbian.IOMโs official languages are English, French and Spanish.Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.ย Travel required
- Travel is not required for this assignment.Required Competenciesย IOMโs competency framework can be found atย this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.ย Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:
- Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
- Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
- Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
- Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
- Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.Core Competenciesย โ behavioural indicators
- Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
- Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
- Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
- Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organizationโs priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
- Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.Notes
- Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.