Project Context and Scope
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Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is committed to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. This is achieved through the provision of services and advice to governments and migrants.
Labour migration to Cyprusย involves a significant population ofย third-country nationals (TCNs), especially from countries like the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, who often fill domestic, agriculture, care, and construction roles. While these migrants are crucial to the Cypriot economy, a recentย Council of Europeย report highlighted alarming levels of exploitation, including sub-minimum wages, excessive work hours, and poor legal protections.ย
The Cyprus National Migrant Integration Strategy and the National Action Plan are structured around a number of strategic goals that are closely interlinked and interdependent and include economic and social integration, healthcare and training underpinned by legal and policy alignment. The purpose of the study is to support the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection with the baseline information which will contribute towards the implementation of the National Migrant Integration Strategy (2025 โ 2029) and the National Action Plan. Based on this initiative, the Deputy Ministry and its partners will be able to identify priority areas for the reform of national legislation and procedures, the purpose of which would be the effective design and eventual implementation of regular migration pathways and effective integration of migrants in the Republic of Cyprus; adding ultimately to a comprehensive protection-centered migration governance framework.
To this end, IOM will hire a national consultant, to carry out a research study analyzing legal frameworks and procedures related to the admission and stay of migrants in regular situation in Cyprus, covering their access to various integration services such as VET training, education, language courses, health care, sociocultural integration, housing, employment. IOM will mainstream gender throughout the research design, implementation, and reporting. The collection, storing and handling of data will be done in full compliance with IOM's Data Protection Principles.
ย Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
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Under the overall coordination of IOM Cyprus and the Regional Coordination Officer on Regular Pathways in Regional Office in Vienna (Regular Pathways), the Consultant willย provide expert support to IOM.
- Primary objective: Analyse the current status of the national legal framework regulating labour migration, including recruitment, admission, employment, integration, return, protection, and dispute resolution.
- Secondary objective: Assess stakeholders' needs and challenges - migrant workers (regular/irregular), employers, recruiters, government entities, trade unions, and civil society โ in order to identify priority areas for the reform of national legislation and procedures. Tasks to be performed under this contract ย
The consultant will undertake the following main deliverables:
- Lead the research work and ensure timely deliverables of indicated tasks and close coordination with IOM during the whole period of research.
- Using the IOM approved instruments, conduct desk-analysis, key informant-interviews with government agencies both in the CoO and CoD and conduct online survey among migrants in Cyprus.
- Draft and finalize final report based on obtained findings, including the results of desk-analysis, interviews and surveys.ย
- Develop a publishable version of the final report in line with IOM brand guidelines.ย
The Consultant may work individually or in cooperation with a team. IOM will sign a consultancy agreement with the leading Consultant.ย ย Performance indicators for the evaluation of results ย Deliverable TASKS DELIVERY DATES 1 Develop legal research methodology in line with IOM's standards and the guidance from IOM for online survey and key informant interviews. 15 October 2025 2 Plan and conduct desk-analysis onย the national legal framework regulating labour migration, including recruitment, admission, employment, integration, return, protection, and dispute resolutionin line with IOM's standards and the guidance from IOM Cyprus.ย ย 30 October 2025 3 Plan and conduct key informant-interviews with relevant stakeholders. 30 November 2025 4 Conduct online survey among migrants in Cyprus in line with the developed tool and methodology.ย ย 30 November 2025 5
Outline and preliminary findings draft reportย
Finalize full report on the findings in line with the review and endorsement of IOM. ย
5 December 2025
21 December 2025 The proposed delivery dates are indicative and may be subject to adjustment depending on the timeframe and progress of the recruitment process. Education
- Postgraduate degree, preferably in Research, Migration Studies, Law, Diaspora Studies, Social Sciences, Sociology, or other related fields from an accredited academic institution with at least five years of relevant professional experience; or
- Undergraduate degree preferably in Research, Migration Studies, Law, Diaspora Studies, Social Sciences, Sociology, or other related fields from an accredited academic institution, with seven years of relevant professional experience. Experience
- Experience in planning and conducting research, studies and other evidence-generating activities is a must.
- Experience in designing and delivering sessions (presentations) at workshops and other meetings is a must.
- Demonstrated professional experience on migration-related topics, human rights, law, and/or governance is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated professional experience related to migration studies is highly desirable.
- Experience in liaising with government institutions, diaspora organizations, academia, civil society organizations, UN agencies and/or other international organizations as well as migration-related stakeholders is an asset. Skills
- Soundย understanding of research and desk-review analysis.
- Excellent proven analytical and communication skills, including presentation skills.
- Excellent organizational and creative thinking skills.
- Excellent time-management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
- Demonstrated proficiency with Ms Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Languages
- Fluency in Greek and English required.ย 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
- xxx Add in details xxx Required Competencies ย IOMโs competency framework can be found atย this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process. ย Valuesย - 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.