Project Context and Scope
he Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is home to a complex ecosystem of regional and subregional entities that influence migration governance, policy dialogues, and intergovernmental collaboration. Numerous regional organizations, intergovernmental dialogues, and technical platforms shape migration governance and related policy across the region. These include the League of Arab States (LAS), the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU), the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Arab Migration Working Group (AMWG), and platforms under the Rabat and Khartoum Processes, among others.
Despite their political leverage and growing involvement, there is a lack of consolidated knowledge and strategic coordination across these entities and IOMโs engagement with these entities remains fragmented and largely ad hoc, often dependent on individual missions or personal networks. The need for a more coherent, strategic, and informed approach has become increasingly urgent as Member States seek stronger regional coordination on migration, especially in relation to the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM). Mapping these regional actors and dialogues will support IOM and its partners in identifying engagement opportunities, avoiding duplication, fostering synergy, and aligning initiatives with global frameworks such as the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs).
A systematic mapping of these entities and their migration-related work and identification of strategic engagement areas in relation to โclimate action and mobilityโ and โdataโ, will provide IOM with the tools to strengthen its policy leadership, increase institutional coherence, and better position itself to support Member States at both operational and normative levels.ย The activities will be carried out by utilizing funding allocations from the Danish-funded IOM โClimate Change and Migration Data Programmeโ.ย
This initiative directly supports GCM Objective 23 on international cooperation, and Objective 1 on evidence-based policymaking. It also aligns with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and IOMโs Strategic Vision to enhance cooperation and coherence across migration governance structures. ย Tasks to be performed under this contract
First deliverable โ To be delivered via email by 12 September 2025 payment to be paid within 15 days of receipt of approval of the required deliverable. This includes submitting:
b.1. Policy briefs on regional entities: The consultant is expected to develop concise, standardized briefs on regional organizations active in MENA migration governance. One brief per entity (5โ10 pages each). with dedicated sections on โclimate action and mobilityโ and โdataโ. Each brief Covers:ย
b.2. Policy briefs on inter-regional dialogue mechanisms one brief per entity (5โ10 pages each). with dedicated sections on โclimate action and mobilityโ and โdataโ. Each brief cover:ย
Objectives, governance models, member states, and priorities for the next 5 years Financial model Past and current engagement with IOM Existing partnerships/ collaboration with other UN agencies Linkages to other multilateral actors, for example other regional or global initiatives or frameworks Strategic thematic engagement areas for expanding collaboration (incl. climate action and mobility) Recommendations for positioning IOM strategically Dialogues covered will include: Khartoum Process Rabat Process Rome Process Abu Dhabi Dialogue Doha Dialogue Mediterranean 5+5 Dialogue Eastern Africa DialogueA mapping report -ย Development of a structured matrix categorizing each entity (inter-regional dialogues and regional entities) by thematic and geographic focus, and strategy for regional collaboration: (intended for IOM internal audience) recommendations for IOMโs engagement, highlighting strategic thematic engagement areas for expanding collaboration (โclimate action and mobilityโ and โdataโ). A summary of the key recommendation of entry points for IOM strategic engagement to these regional entities and mechanisms.
Second deliverable โย Submission of the final versions of briefs, recommendations, strategy, and mapping report after review.ย
To be delivered via email by 30 September 2025 payment to be paid within 15 days of receipt of approval of the required deliverable. ย Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
Timely submission of all deliverables according to the agreed schedule. Quality and clarity of the inception report, including a well-defined methodology and work plan. Depth and accuracy of the mapping report and policy briefs. Relevance and feasibility of recommendations provided in the final report. Responsiveness to feedback from IOM and stakeholders during the validation process. Alignment of outputs with IOMโs strategic frameworks and internal strategies (e.g., GCM, SDGs, Migration Data Strategy, MECC Institutional Strategy and Climate Mobility Roadmap). Effectiveness of communication and collaboration with IOM teams and national counterparts. Education, Experience and Skills: ย Advanced university degree (PhD or equivalent) in Migration Studies, Social Sciences, or related field. Minimum of 15 years of professional experience in migration data analysis, research, or policy development, preferably in the MENA region. Proven experience in conducting assessments, evaluations, or research related to migration governance and policy. Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information and produce high-quality analytical reports. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills. Fluency in English required; knowledge of Arabic or French is an asset. Languages 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 No Travel is required 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