Project Context and Scope ย
The IOM Mission in Armenia is implementing the project โStrengthening Regular Pathways through the Improvement of the Visa Issuance Framework in the Republic of Armeniaโ. This two-year project is funded by the IOM Development Fund (IOMDF) and aims to enhance pathways for regular migration to Armenia through an improved visa issuance system. Specifically, it aims at supporting the enhancement of the Armenian Migration and Citizenship Serviceโs (MCS) capacity to process e-visa applications and provide quality service to applicants. The MCS is aiming to implement a series of upgrades for the system and integrate functionalities to handle the cases more efficiently and consistently such as streamlined online application forms, document upload and verification, data analysis and reporting, and data backup and recovery, in line with international and European standards.
The responsibilities of the consultant will be primarily focused on assistance to the MCS with optimization of the e-visa issuance workflows through process mapping exercise and recommendations on streamlining the processes, in coordination with other State bodies such as the National Security Service, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Information System Agency of Armenia.
ย Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing ย IOM Armenia, Immigration and Border Governance unit, โStrengthening Regular Pathways through the Improvement of the Visa Issuance Framework in the Republic of Armeniaโ project,ย IV.0085. Tasks to be performed under this contract
Under overall supervision of the Head of Office in IOM Armenia and direct supervision of the Programme Officer, the consultant will be expected to conduct the analysis of the business processes behind the e-visa system, find ways for their optimization and develop recommendations.
I.ย ย ย ย Perform the process mapping exercise.
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- Conduct a desk review and on-site analysis of existing procedures of the e-visa system. This includes a detailed description of the current workflow, focusing on procedural specifics. The consultant will scrutinize the system and workflows, identifying strengths and weaknesses in the procedures.
- The objective of this phase is to prepare a comprehensive overview of the operational landscape describing the current state of processes related to issuance of e-visas, outlining breakdown of workflows and key operational aspects.
- Consult with the Migration and Citizenship Service, the National Security Service, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Information System Agency of Armenia.
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II.ย ย ย Present optimized process design.
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- Building on the insights gathered during the process mapping exercise, the consultant will, in collaboration with MCS and other relevant stakeholders, formulate the blueprint for optimized procedures and workflows.ย
- The design of these workflows should consider existing legislation governing the e-visa issuance process and advise if the amendments are required to ensure that the workflows are efficient. Additionally, the consultant will be required to ensure gender mainstreaming.ย
III.ย Develop standard operating procedures (SoP) for the MCSโ e-visa unit.
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- Having the complete report mapping existing processes and recommendations, in close collaboration with IOM and MCS, the consultant will develop SoPsย for the assessment and case management of e-visa applications. SoPs will be expected to establish clear and consistent procedures for assessing and managing visa applications.ย
- The activity will involve consulting with relevant stakeholders, such as MCS management, staff, and external partners in order to identify best practices in visa processing, gender considerations and data protection principles to include them in the SoPs.
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Category B Consultant is hired to provide the bellow deliverables, according to the proposed timeline:
ย DELIVERABLEDeliverable 1
- Perform desk review of the existing processes and workflows of the e-visa issuance procedures.
- Conduct meetings and interviews with MCS and other relevant stakeholders during the processes mapping stage.
- Draft the report outlining the results of process mapping exercise, consisting of a description of current e-visa workflows, recommendations on improvement and best practices.
Deliverable 2ย
- Gender-sensitive SoPsย for the assessment and case management of e-visa applications in line with provided recommendations and international best practices. ย Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
The Consultant Evaluation will be carried out based on the following indicators: - Understanding of the scope of the assignment.
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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