Mission and objectivesThe International Organization for Migration (IOM) is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It supports governments and migrants by offering services and policy guidance to ensure migration is managed safely, responsibly, and with dignity; contributing to development, humanitarian response, and the protection of human rights. In the Caribbean, migration has been central to shaping the regionโs identity. From the tragedy of slavery to todayโs vibrant diasporas and multi-generational migrant communities, mobility remains both a cornerstone of society and an enduring aspiration. Today, the region faces growing challenges such as climate change, demographic shifts, and labor shortages among them. Migration can serve as a vital tool to enhance resilience, foster inclusive development, and support effective governance. Composed largely of small island developing states (SIDS), the Caribbean has unique vulnerabilities. Economies are dependent on imports, tourism, and remittances, with populations clustered in coastal areas. This makes countries especially vulnerable to climate-related disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and sea level rise. Without stronger investment in preparedness and adaptation, the risk of displacement is likely to grow. At the same time, ageing populations and ongoing outward migration, especially to the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., are creating labor gaps in key sectors. While CARICOMโs intra-regional labor mobility offers solutions, attracting external labor may become necessary, marking a shift for a region traditionally seen as one of origin.
ContextThis assignment falls under the work of the IOM Barbados office, which serves as the Sub-Regional Coordination Office for the Caribbean. As part of its role, the office provides technical support and coordination across multiple Caribbean countries and territories. The regional migration policy being edited is a collaborative product developed through consultation with stakeholders across the Caribbean. It reflects shared priorities and approaches to migration governance in the region. Ensuring the document is clearly written and professionally presented is essential for effective dissemination, advocacy, and adoption by national and regional partners.
Task DescriptionIOM is seeking an online volunteer to support the copyediting of a regional migration policy document. This assignment aims to ensure the document is clear, consistent, and easy to read, particularly for a broad regional audience. The volunteer will be responsible for reviewing the text to correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation, as well as improving sentence structure and eliminating redundancy. The goal is to enhance the overall flow and legibility of the document, without altering its substantive content or policy recommendations. This is a light to moderate copy edit, focused on polishing the final draft. The volunteer will work remotely and coordinate with IOM staff for guidance, clarification, and feedback during the process. This is a focused copyediting task, with an expected time commitment of 16 to 20 hours. The work should be completed within one week of the assignment start date. The volunteer will coordinate remotely with IOM staff, who will provide guidance and feedback throughout the process.
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