Technical Working Group (TWG) Consultant At International Organization for Migration

The Philippines has maintained Tier 1 (US TiP Report) for the last nine years and pride themselves for having a robust system to counter trafficking, even though the online scam operations in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hubs created an unprecedented challenge where the Philippines became a country of destination for trafficking at a large scale. This new trend in human trafficking has emerged, particularly in Southeast Asian countries and is known as trafficking in persons (TiP) for forced criminality in online scam hubs, underscoring the urgent need for intervention. While comprehensive legislation and guidelines on anti-trafficking exists, it does not adequately address the emerging trend that revealed a high number of foreign nationals who are victims of trafficking (VoTs) identified within the country as existing mechanisms and programmes focus on Filipino VoTs and does not include foreign nationals. Furthermore, there is an overwhelming demand for resources for victim protection as each case reach hundreds, putting strain on duty bearers. This, added with the involvement of criminal acts in the trafficking, increases the risk of victims being treated as violators of labour and immigration laws rather than human trafficking, depriving them of necessary protections.

The Government’s proactive operations demonstrate its dedication to tackling TiP for forced criminality, with a clear focus on prioritizing the safety and well-being of individuals who have been exploited in these settings. Recognizing the dynamic nature of human trafficking, there is a pressing need to strengthen coordination and collaboration between and within governments and frontline responders to ensure more effective prevention and protection measures against TiP. In December 2023, the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) introduced the Technical Working Group on Emerging Issues and Trends under the Manila International Dialogue. This initiative provides a vital platform for sharing knowledge and solutions among stakeholders, particularly in addressing the unique challenges posed by TiP for forced criminality. Notably, IOM serves as the co-chair of the TWG, actively advocating for both inter-agency and international cooperation and implementation of rights-based interventions in victim identification and protection.

The consultancy will be managed by the Protection Division (PxD) of the Migration Management Unit (MMU) in Manila.

Responsibilities

Category B Consultant: Tangible deliverables and measurable outputs of the consultancy

Under the direct supervision of the National Project Officer of PxD, the technical consultant will draft the Terms of Reference for the Technical Working Group on Emerging Issues and Trends and develop a work plan according to the priority actions identified by the TWG.

First Deliverable: Submission Inception Report (First instalment of payment: 50%)

• Conduct a desk review of key documents relevant to the issue of Trafficking in Persons for the purpose of Forced Criminality in the Philippines and the work of key agencies to address the issue
• Submit inception report, including a draft zero of the Terms of Reference and a template of the work plan
• Identify potential short-, medium- and long-term key outputs of the TWG that could be included in the work plan

Final Deliverable: Submission of Final TOR and Work Plan (Final Instalment of payment: 50%)

• Present the TOR and work plan to the TWG members for validation
• Consolidate inputs and revise the documents accordingly
• Submit final report which should include:
• Terms of Reference of the Technical Working Group on Emerging Issues and Trends
• Work Plan of the Technical Working Group on Emerging Issues and Trends
• Short write up on recommendations and ways forward

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

• Quality and timeliness of the expected deliverables (value of services rendered in relation to their cost)
• Application of a results-based approach to the consultancy – i.e., deliverables are aligned with project objectives and contribute concretely to the overall impact of the project
• Efficient coordination with the IOM’s project teams and all necessary stakeholders
• Strict adherence to ethical standards, including confidentiality and data protection

Travel required

Expected local travel within Metro Manila.

Qualifications

Education, Experience and/or skills required

• Demonstrated expertise and experience (at least 3 years) in organizing and work group coordination or related field;
• Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Political Science, and other related fields;
• Knowledge and experience in organization, coordination and/or management of working groups in government institutions is an advantage;
• Proven ability to produce high-quality work while meeting tight deadlines;
• Very good technical writing and proofreading skills;
• Fluency in English and Filipino is required.

Competencies

• Inclusion and respect for diversity respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
• Integrity and transparency: maintain 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.
• 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 action 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. Vaccination against COVID-19 will be required for IOM personnel who are hired or otherwise engaged by IOM. As part of the mandatory medical entry on duty clearance, candidates may be requested to provide evidence of full vaccination. Consultants engaged to work on a home-based consultancy who do not need to travel do not need to provide vaccination records, regardless of the length of the consultancy contract.
• 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 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.

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. Vaccination against COVID-19 will be required for IOM personnel who are hired or otherwise engaged by IOM. As part of the mandatory medical entry on duty clearance, candidates may be requested to provide evidence of full vaccination. Consultants engaged to work on a home-based consultancy who do not need to travel do not need to provide vaccination records, regardless of the length of the consultancy contract.
• 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 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.