Duty Station of the Consultancy:ย Remote and Coastal West Africa (TDY)
Duration of Consultancy:ย Approx.ย 10 workdays per month, 01 July 2025 โ 30 June 2026
Nature of the consultancy: Category B ย Project Context and Scope
The Coastal States Stability Mechanism (CSSM) aims to increase state presence and community resilience in remote areas of Benin, Ghana and Togo that are at risk of encroachment by violent extremist organizations. CSSM is currently funded by the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO), the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK FCDO) and aligns with GFFOโs Concept on Foreign and Security Policy Strategy for an Integrated Peace, as well as regional and national efforts to prevent violence. CSSM is implemented by IOM in close coordination with GFFO as well as with communities in priority zones and all levels of the host Governments.
CSSM seeks to strengthen its Knowledge Management System to better capture, analyze, and utilize data on results, outcomes, and impact. This consultancy will support the development and institutionalization of systems and tools to improve information storage, analysis, and reporting, including the integration of AI technologies.
ย Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing: Coastal States Stability Mechanism (CSSM) Program.
The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the CSSM MEL Lead and in close coordination with the CSSM Senior Management Team and relevant field staff. Tasks to be performed under this contract
ย Information Storage and Access: Assess and improve how information is stored and accessed on SharePoint and the Grants Management System (GMS), including Grants Notes, Survey Data, Community Consultations, Meeting Notes, FERs, and Atmospherics Data. Ensure all relevant CSSM members understand where and how to access information, and that data is properly classified. Leveraging AI for Information Processing: Develop a rationale for AI use in MEL and identify effective prompts for querying data, in conformity with IOM Guidance for the Ethical and Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Generate sample AI-driven reports and train staff on AI tools and a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for AI use. Ensure AI supports monthly and quarterly reporting processes. Improving Outcome Harvesting โ 'Thinking Like a Journalist': Review and enhance the outcome harvesting curriculum and tools to improve reporting frequency and reduce administrative burden. Design and implement a remote fellowship and mentoring process for MEL Assistants to build political thinking and inquiry skills. Periodically review the outcomes produced by the team, identify stories worth further investigation and gaps in reporting.ย Support Quantitative Program-Level Indicator Data Collection and Reporting: Support analysis of existing data and review report and infographic products. Inform the design of future data collection rounds. Design and Conduct Targeted Case Studies: Design and conduct case studies on specific geographies, programmatic objectives, or outcomes. Terms of Reference and research questions for such case studies will be developed subsequently.ย Facilitation of Knowledge Sharing Events Design and facilitate periodic knowledge sharing sessions (virtual or in-person) to promote cross-country learning, highlight emerging outcomes, and disseminate best practices across CSSM teams and partners. Coordinate with field teams and senior management to identify themes, prepare content, and document key takeaways from each session. ย Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
Deliverables:
Technical and Analytical Skills
Proven expertise in designing and implementing knowledge management systems in complex, multi-country programs. Strong command of MEL methodologies, including outcome harvesting, qualitative and quantitative data analysis, and adaptive learning approaches. Demonstrated experience in applying artificial intelligence tools to support data analysis, reporting, and decision-making in development or humanitarian contexts. Ability to synthesize large volumes of information into actionable insights and user-friendly formats (e.g., dashboards, infographics, briefs).Training and Facilitation
Experience in designing and delivering capacity-building initiatives, including remote mentoring, workshops, and training-of-trainers (ToT) models. Ability to tailor training content to diverse audiences, including field staff, technical specialists, and senior management.Communication and Collaboration
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; working proficiency in French is a strong asset. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government counterparts, donors, and community-based actors. Experience facilitating cross-cultural collaboration and knowledge exchange in fragile or conflict-affected settings.Innovation and Adaptability
Demonstrated ability to introduce and institutionalize innovative tools and practices in MEL and knowledge management. Capacity to work independently and adapt to evolving program needs and priorities. Familiarity with digital collaboration platforms (e.g., SharePoint, Teams, Power BI) and AI-enhanced tools for data processing and visualization.Values and Ethics
Commitment to IOMโs core values of inclusion, respect for diversity, integrity, transparency, and professionalism. Understanding of ethical considerations in data collection, analysis, and use, particularly in sensitive or high-risk environments. Languages Required: English (written and spoken - fluent) Desirable: French (highly preferred) 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 Work is carried out remotely. Data collection for case studies and event facilitation may require travel to Ghana, Togo and Benin, including to remote northern border areas of these countries.ย Required Competencies ย 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. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable. 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. For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website:ย IOM Careers and Job Vacancies