Position Title: International Consultant in Charge of an Assessment on Labour Migration and Trafficking in Armenia
Duty Station: Yerevan, Armenia
Type of Appointment: Consultancy, 6 months
Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible
Closing Date :10.11.2023
Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
Context:
Background of the activity
In recent years, Armenia has emerged as an attractive destination for migrants, including migrant workers. This influx has brought significant economic benefits to the country, with a notable increase in the country’s GDP in 2022. However, it has also heightened the risks associated with human trafficking, exploitation, and the abuse of migrants.
In May 2021, the Armenian National Assembly adopted legislation requiring online registration of all foreign workers in Armenia. The electronic Work Permit Issuance System (WPS), established in 2022, processed nearly 11,000 applications from migrant workers during that year. Most of these workers were from Eurasian Economic Union countries, such as the Russian Federation, along with migrants from the Islamic Republic of Iran and India. Notably, there is anecdotal evidence suggesting that a significant number of migrants are engaged in the agricultural and construction sectors (amongst other sectors) across various provinces of Armenia, often remaining unregistered and employed irregularly. This situation poses an additional risk factor for human trafficking.
In September 2023, the IOM Mission in Armenia launched the project titled “Combatting Trafficking in Persons in Armenia: Improving Victim Identification and Referral Systems.” This two-year initiative, funded by the IOM Development Fund (IDF), is aimed at strengthening the protection of migrant rights and combatting human trafficking in Armenia. The project’s rationale is grounded in the need to strengthen the capacity of government institutions and civil society organizations, as well as systems used, to prevent and combat human trafficking and protect the rights of migrant workers in Armenia.
General Objectives of the Consultancy
As a foundational component of the project, IOM plans to conduct an assessment aimed at identifying prevailing patterns in labour migration to Armenia and migrant recruitment.
The primary goal of the study is to pinpoint economic sectors with a higher prevalence of migrant workers, including those who are not registered in the work permit issuance system. The assessment will analyze recruitment practices and working conditions, emphasizing potential risk factors related to trafficking and exploitation. This understanding is crucial for comprehending the multifaceted challenges and risks faced by migrant workers in Armenia, forming the basis for evidence-based strategies to combat Trafficking in Persons (TiP) in the country.
In preparation for the assessment’s implementation, the IOM Mission in Armenia is seeking to recruit an international expert to support the Mission in designing and implementing the study.
Core Functions / Responsibilities:
Under the overall supervision of the Head of Office and the direct supervision of the Programme Manager, the successful candidate will undertake the following tasks and provide the following deliverables:
- Inception Report: Initiate the consultancy by conducting a comprehensive literature review to gain insights into the existing body of knowledge related to human trafficking and labor migration in Armenia. Map available data sources relevant to the assessment’s objectives. Prepare and submit a detailed Inception Report that includes the proposed research methodology, leading research questions, and a comprehensive work plan. This Inception Report will serve as a foundational document for the assessment process.
Deliverable: Inception Report comprising the proposed research methodology, leading research questions, and a comprehensive work plan.
- Support to the selection of a Local Firm/Consultant: Facilitate the process of selecting a qualified local firm/consultant specializing in gender and age-sensitive data collection and research. Collaborate closely with the local firm/consultant to ensure alignment with the assessment’s objectives and methodologies.
- Data Collection Coordination: In coordination with IOM and the local consultancy firm/ consultant, develop questionnaires, interview protocols, and other relevant tools for data collection. Support the data collection activities with the selected local firm/consultant and IOM Armenia. Ensure the seamless execution of data collection in alignment with the established research methodology and timeframes.
- Data analysis: Focus on the identification and analysis of key patterns in labor migration and migrant recruitment within selected sectors of Armenia’s economy. Employ rigorous analytical techniques to derive meaningful insights from collected data.
- Collaborative report drafting: Collaborate closely with the local firm/consultant to draft a comprehensive assessment report. Ensure that the report encompasses all relevant findings, conclusions, and actionable recommendations.
Deliverable: Assessment report featuring findings, conclusions, and actionable recommendations for countering trafficking and improving labor migration practices in Armenia.
- Incorporation of comments from stakeholders and final report: Act as a liaison between project stakeholders, including IOM Armenia and various partners, to receive, integrate, and incorporate their inputs, feedback, and recommendations into the final assessment report.
Deliverable: Final Assessment report incorporating inputs and recommendations from project stakeholders for enhanced quality and relevance.
- Report presentation: present the report in a workshop gathering key stakeholders.
Deliverable: Power Point presentation to be presented during the workshop
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
- MA, MSc or PhD in Sociology, International Affairs, Political Science, Law, Human Rights, Migration Studies or a related field;
Experience
- A minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in conducting quantitative and/or qualitative social and economic research;
- Proven experience in designing surveys and undertaking data collection;
- Integrity and ability to handle confidential information in accordance with policies and protocols on use of information, data and research;
- Knowledge of migration trends in South-Eastern Europe, Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
- Demonstrated experience in working with international organizations, governmental institutions and non-governmental organizations;
- Excellent ability in writing and drafting of reports;
- High level of computer literacy, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel;
- Excellent analytical, communication and negotiation skills;
- Ability to work under tight timelines;
- Ability to multi-task and work efficiently with minimal supervision;
- Prior experience with IOM or a relevant UN agency will be considered an advantage;
Languages
Fluency in English is required.
Required Competencies
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 Competencies – 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 Organization’s 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.
Other
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, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
Posting period:
From 25.10.2023 to 10.11.2023