The International Organization for Migration (IOM) based in Djibouti is recruiting a national consultant to conduct a feasibility study and the functional and technical design of a standard border post and a smart and interoperable digital platform for trade facilitation on the Djibouti-Ethiopia corridor “Smart Trade Border Platform”
I. Context and justification
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen African economic integration, boost intra-African trade, and facilitate the mobility of people, in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Within this framework, the Djibouti-Ethiopia corridor plays a vital role in trade and regional integration.
However, its operation remains limited by insufficient digital infrastructure, poor system interoperability, inadequate coordination between border actors, and unsuitable data exchange mechanisms. These constraints affect the fluidity, security, and efficiency of cross-border operations.
In this context, IOM plans to recruit a consultant to conduct a feasibility study and contribute to the design of a smart and interoperable digital platform to facilitate cross-border trade along the Djibouti–Ethiopia corridor. The consultancy will define the technical, operational, and institutional needs, the functional requirements of the solution, and a realistic approach for its phased deployment, while promoting digital modernization and institutional strengthening.
II. General objective of the consultancy
The consultancy aims to produce, for the Djibouti component, a feasibility study accompanied by a functional and technical design and a budgeted roadmap for the establishment of a standard border post and an interoperable digital platform on the Djibouti–Ethiopia corridor “Smart Trade Border Platform”.
III. Specific Objectives
Specifically, the consultancy aims to:
- Legal and institutional framework: Analyze existing policies, strategies, legal frameworks, technical standards and initiatives in border management, trade facilitation, digital transformation, legal identity and data protection, while examining the mandates, responsibilities and coordination mechanisms of the institutions concerned.
- Processes and stakeholders: Map public institutions, private operators and other stakeholders involved in border management and the operation of the Djibouti–Ethiopia corridor, document procedures for processing people, goods, vehicles, documents and information, and identify operational difficulties, institutional overlaps, repetitive controls and breaks in the flow of information.
- Existing infrastructure and systems: Assess the digital infrastructure, IT equipment, communication networks, power supply solutions and information systems used by the institutions concerned, paying particular attention to deficiencies related to their interoperability and their ability to ensure continuity of services.
- Needs and Solution Design: Assess the needs of border, customs, trade, port, security, immigration, and identity authorities, as well as those of border users, including traders, transporters, migrants, women, youth, and border communities. Based on this assessment, define the functional, technical, institutional, and security requirements of the intelligent and interoperable digital platform, and propose options for architecture, hosting, governance, maintenance, and service continuity.
- Roadmap, Capabilities, and Validation: Identify priority IT and digital equipment, as well as the training and technical assistance needs of the institutions involved. Develop a budgeted roadmap for the design and construction of a border post, as well as for the development, operation, maintenance, and potential scaling of the platform. Finally, contribute to the evaluation and validation of the proposed solutions with stakeholders at the selected sites.
IV. Expected Results
The following results are expected at the end of the consultancy:
- Legal and institutional framework: A diagnostic assessment of existing policies, strategies, legal frameworks, technical standards, and initiatives related to border management, trade facilitation, digital transformation, legal identity, cybersecurity, and data protection is conducted. Applicable institutional mandates, responsibilities, and coordination and governance mechanisms are analyzed and documented.
- Processes and stakeholders: A comprehensive mapping of institutions and stakeholders is produced, including their mandates, roles, interactions, systems used, data exchange needs, and coordination mechanisms. Procedures for handling people, goods, vehicles, documents, and information are documented, while operational constraints, institutional overlaps, repetitive controls, and breaks in information flow are identified.
- Existing infrastructure and systems: An inventory of the digital infrastructure, IT equipment, communication networks, power supply solutions, and information systems at the selected sites is compiled. Technical gaps, interoperability deficiencies, and risks affecting service availability and continuity are identified.
- Needs and Solution Design: The needs of the institutions involved and users of the corridor, including traders, transporters, migrants, women, youth, and border communities, are assessed through a participatory process. The functional, technical, institutional, security, and governance requirements of the border infrastructure and the Smart Trade Border Platform are defined. Options for architecture, interoperability, hosting, maintenance, and service continuity are proposed in a preliminary functional and technical design.
- Roadmap, Capabilities, and Validation: Priority IT and digital equipment, along with their technical specifications, as well as training and technical support needs, are identified. A budgeted roadmap is developed for the design and construction of a border post, as well as for the development, operation, maintenance, and potential scaling of the platform. The findings, the proposed solution, and the feasibility study are reviewed and validated with stakeholders, then incorporated into the final report and the mission report.
V. Description of expected activities
Activity 1 : Define the mission framework, conduct a literature review and develop data collection tools.
Activity 2 : Map the public and private stakeholders and analyze the existing coordination and governance mechanisms.
Activity 3 : Evaluate border processes, operational flows and the state of existing infrastructure and equipment.
Activity 4 : Consult with corridor users to identify their needs, constraints and priorities regarding border services.
Activity 5 : Define the functional, technical and governance requirements of the border infrastructure and the smart and interoperable digital platform for facilitating border trade in the Djibouti–Ethiopia corridor “Smart Trade Border Platform”.
Activity 6 : Develop the technical design of the solution and a detailed roadmap for its gradual deployment.
Activity 7 : Identify priority equipment and prepare technical specifications
Activity 8 : Validate the results with stakeholders and finalize the feasibility study as well as all project deliverables.
VI. Methodology
The consultancy will adopt a participatory, multi-sectoral and user-centered approach, integrating human rights, gender, interoperability and sustainable, evidence-based solutions.
The methodology will combine literature review, consultations, interviews, focus groups, field visits, technical analyses and validation workshops, with data collection tools previously approved by IOM and stakeholders.
VII. Expected deliverables and provisional schedule
This consultancy, lasting 30 working days, will be implemented through four successive deliverables covering the methodological framework, the national diagnosis, the functional and technical design of the solution, and the finalization of the feasibility study and roadmap. Payments will be made in installments after validation of the deliverables by IOM, according to the following breakdown: 10% (Deliverable 1), 40% (Deliverable 2), 40% (Deliverable 3), and 10% (Deliverable 4).
Summary
Deliverable
Estimated timeframe
Payment options
Deliverable 1: Scoping note and methodological tools
5 days
10 %
Deliverable 2: National diagnosis and mapping
10 days
40 %
Deliverable 3: Provisional functional and technical design
10 days
40 %
Deliverable 4: Final validated report and mission report
5 days
10 %
Total
30 business days
100 %
The exact deadlines will be confirmed at the kick-off meeting. All deliverables will be submitted in editable electronic format as well as in PDF format. Payments will remain conditional upon written validation of the deliverables by IOM.
VIII. Stakeholders and beneficiaries of the consultation
Key stakeholders will include government institutions responsible for border management, trade, customs, transport, logistics, health, and security, as well as private sector actors and economic operators along the Djibouti-Ethiopia corridor. Direct and indirect beneficiaries will include national institutions, economic operators, migrants, travelers, women and youth cross-border traders, and communities, businesses, and investors whose livelihoods depend on the smooth functioning of the corridor.
IX. Roles and responsibilities
National partners and IOM will verify the quality of deliverables and validate them before payment is made. IOM will be responsible for the logistical aspects of organizing the evaluation missions.
X. Required technical and functional qualifications
The National Consultant must meet the following criteria:
- Professional experience : At least 7 years of experience in the fields of migration governance, integrated border management, cross-border trade, digital transformation or information systems.
- Technical expertise : Proven experience in feasibility studies, technical assessments, systems digitalization, process mapping, needs analysis and the development of functional and technical specifications.
- Sector knowledge : Good understanding of the issues related to migration governance, border management, trade facilitation, system interoperability, data protection and the institutional and logistical context of Djibouti.
- Analytical and operational skills : Experience in data collection and analysis, facilitating multi-stakeholder consultations, writing technical reports and working with government departments, international organizations or partner-funded projects.
- Professional and linguistic qualities : Excellent communication skills in French and English, ability to work in the field and in a team, professional integrity, cultural sensitivity, discretion and respect for the values and standards of IOM and the United Nations.
XI. Submission File
The application file must include:
a. A cover letter specifying the candidate’s availability;
b. An up-to-date curriculum vitae clearly indicating relevant qualifications and experience;
c. Technical proposal of three to five pages including understanding of the mission, proposed methodology, implementation steps, as well as quality control and risk management mechanisms.
d. A work plan and an indicative timetable for the completion of the work;
e. A separate and detailed financial proposal, expressed in United States dollars, including fees;
f. The contact details of at least three professional references;
g. Examples or links to at least two similar works carried out by the candidate;
h. A copy of the highest university degree and relevant certifications;
i. Any administrative document required by the call for applications.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.