Job Identification (Reference Number): 18366
Position Title:ย Consultant - Pathways Pool Framework Audit
Duty Station: Homebased
Classification: Consultant, Grade Other
Type of Appointment:ย Consultant, one month
Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible
Closing Date: 28 January 2026
Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
Project Context and ScopeThe International Organization for Migration (IOM) operates the Pathways Pool as its central leadership and specialist assessment mechanism for key profiles, including Chiefs of Mission, Resource Management Officers, and Supply Chain Officers. Since 2019, assessment modalities have evolved significantly, shifting from in-person assessment centers to online and fast-track models in response to operational, financial, and contextual constraints.
Recent assessment rounds, including the November 2025 Pathways Pool cycle, revealed inconsistencies in outcomes across panels, profiles, and modalities, raising concerns related to scoring calibration, methodological consistency, and vendor implementation. Considering these observations, the Department of Human Resources Management (DHR) seeks to commission an independent audit to evaluate the effectiveness, fairness, transparency, and integrity of the Pathways Pool Assessment framework across its different iterations (Full Pathways, Fast-Track, and Recruitment Factory).
The consultancy will support evidence-based management decision-making related to future investments in assessment services, including potential adjustments to methodology, governance, or vendor arrangements, in line with the Pathways Pool Guidelines (Version 4, April 2025) and IOMโs People Strategy.
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
Department of Human Resources Management (DHR) Forecasting, Mobility and Planning Unit (FMP) Pathways Pool FrameworkReporting:
Under the overall supervision of the Chief, Integrated Talent Management Unit and direct supervision of the Senior Human Resources Officer (Strategic Workforce Planning), the Consultant will conduct an independent audit of IOMโs Pathways Pool Assessment framework to evaluate its integrity, consistency, equity, methodology, and vendor performance, and will provide evidenceโbased recommendations for improvement.
Category B Consultant: Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment
The consultant will be responsible for delivering the following tangible and measurable outputs:
Deliverable 1 โ Inception Phase
Deliverable 2 โ Analytical Findings
Quantitative and qualitative analysis of assessment outcomes across Pathways Pool cyclesReview of scoring consistency, rating application, and data qualityBias and equity analysis using available disaggregated dataVendor performance assessment against contractual and methodological expectationsDelivery: Mid-assignment (indicative) - 23 February to 6 March 2026Deliverable 3 โ Draft Audit Report
Consolidated findings across governance, methodology, data, stakeholder experience, and financial efficiencyPreliminary recommendations for improvement or reformDelivery: At least 10 working days before end of consultancy - 9-12 March 2026
Deliverable 4 โ Final Audit Package
Final audit report incorporating DHR feedbackFinancial comparison of assessment modalities (in-person, hybrid, online)Updated high-level process map and proposed revisions to Standard Operating ProceduresPresentation of findings and recommendations to DHR senior managementDelivery: within the 20-day timeframe. - 13 March 2026Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
Timely delivery of agreed outputs within the 20-day timeframeAnalytical rigor and clarity of findingsPractical, evidence-based recommendations aligned with IOMโs People StrategyDemonstrated objectivity, independence, and methodological soundnessUsability of outputs for senior management decision-making Education Advanced university degree in Human Resources Management, Organizational Psychology, Public Administration, Statistics, or a related field.Experience At least 10 years of professional experience in assessment design, talent selection, HR audits, or organizational diagnostics; and,Demonstrated experience auditing or evaluating assessment centres or large-scale selection systems.Skills Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills, including bias and equity analysis;Familiarity with UN Common System or international organizations is a strong asset; and,Proven ability to produce senior-level analytical reports and presentations.LanguagesIOMโs official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.
For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Travel required No travel required. All activities will be conducted remotely unless otherwise agreed.Required Competencies IOMโs competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process. 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 Competencies 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.NotesAny offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation. IOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.
IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
Subject to approval by the relevant IOM approving authority, the selected candidate is expected to work remotely/homebased.
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