Recruitment of a national consultant for a
Study on the recruitment methods of migrant workers and Djiboutians in Djibouti.
Context :
The Republic of Djibouti, strategically located between East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, is a migration hub. Thanks to its geographical position, dynamic port infrastructure, and relative stability, Djibouti has long hosted diverse categories of migrants: economic workers, refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, people in transit to the Arabian Peninsula, as well as returnees. The Djiboutian labor market includes a high proportion of migrant workers, particularly in the construction, domestic services, informal trade, and port services sectors.
However, the procedures and methods for recruiting these workers, whether national or foreign, remain poorly documented.
In a concerted effort to improve labor migration governance and ensure workers’ rights, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Djibouti, in partnership with the Ministry of Labor, is launching a nationwide study. This initiative aims to explore current recruitment methods in depth, while identifying good practices and existing gaps. The ultimate goal is to identify opportunities and challenges that will better regulate the Djiboutian labor market, with the aim of building a recruitment system that is more transparent, equitable, and respectful of human rights.
In this context, Djibouti has implemented several strategies and policy frameworks aimed at promoting workers’ rights and strengthening labor market governance. The country adopted a Labor Code (Law No. 133/AN/05/5th of January 26, 2006), which guarantees fundamental workers’ rights, including non-discrimination, the right to an employment contract, access to social security, and protection against abuse and degrading working conditions, for all workers.
In addition, the National Employment Plan adopted by the authorities in Djibouti in 2014, with an operational version from 2014 to 2018, aims to promote the professional integration of young people and women, encourage the creation of decent jobs, and promote skills development. This plan also incorporates an inclusive approach to migrant workers, recognizing their contribution to the national economy while ensuring that their rights are protected.
Djibouti has also been working since 2024 on developing the National Strategy on Labor Migration, with the support of the International Labor Organization and in collaboration with several national and international institutions, in order to harmonize recruitment mechanisms, combat forced labor and abusive practices, and encourage balanced bilateral partnerships with destination countries.
These efforts are part of a broader effort to align with Djibouti’s international commitments made by the Republic of Djibouti, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. Furthermore, on August 3, 1978 , the country marked a significant turning point in labor rights by ratifying two fundamental conventions of the International Labor Organization (ILO). First, Convention No. 100 on Equal Remuneration , adopted in 1951, which aims to ensure fair remuneration for men and women for work of equal value. On the same day, Convention No. 105 on the Abolition of Forced Labor , adopted in 1957, was also ratified, affirming the country’s commitment to eliminating all forms of forced labor.
Later, on 28 February 2005 , the country took a further step in its fight against inequality by adhering to Convention No. 111 , adopted in 1958, on discrimination in employment and occupation . This convention aims to promote equality of opportunity and treatment in employment, by prohibiting all forms of discrimination based on race, sex, religion or political opinions.
To date, these three conventions are in force , demonstrating the country’s continued commitment to aligning its policies and legislation with international labor standards.
General objective of the mission:
To carry out an analytical and descriptive study on the recruitment methods of migrant workers and Djiboutians in Djibouti, in order to propose recommendations to strengthen ethics, transparency, fairness and protection in recruitment processes.
Specific objectives:
- Mapping formal and informal channels for recruiting migrant and national workers.
- Identify the key players involved in the recruitment process (agencies, employers, intermediaries, public institutions, etc.).
- Analyze the legal and institutional frameworks governing recruitment in Djibouti.
- Examine recruitment practices in key sectors (e.g. construction, hotels, restaurants, domestic work, commerce, etc.).
- Highlight potential risks of exploitation, abuse or discrimination.
- Formulate practical recommendations to improve recruitment practices, in line with international standards (including the IOM General Principles and Operational Guidelines for Fair Recruitment).
Expected deliverables and forecast schedule:
The consultant will be required to deliver the following products
- Framework note outlining the methodology that will be used to carry out this consultation, including the mission timetable
- Preliminary report (draft version for comments).
- Validated final report which includes a documentary review, an analysis of recruitment practices and actors, an analysis of the legal and institutional framework, a comparative analysis with regional/international good practices and recommendations
- PowerPoint presentation for the restitution workshop.
- End of mission report including the materials produced, the challenges and perspectives on the theme Indicative methodology
Dates and Calendar:
The consultation will take place in the capital of the Republic of Djibouti. The consultation will last 30 days from the start date.
Supervision modalities:
The consultant will work under the direct supervision of IOM Djibouti (Labor Migration Project Manager). Regular follow-up meetings will be organized between IOM and the consultant, in coordination with the Ministry of Labor, in order to validate the various stages of implementation and ensure the smooth progress of activities.
Profile sought:
- Djiboutian nationality.
- University degree (at least Bac+5) in law, sociology, economics, migration management, social sciences or related field.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in social research, public policy analysis or work on migration or employment.
- In-depth knowledge of the Djiboutian context and the legal framework for labor and migration.
- Fluency in French; knowledge of Arabic or Somali is an asset.
- Excellent writing and analytical skills.
- Previous experience with United Nations agencies or international NGOs is a plus.
Submission of applications:
Interested candidates are invited to submit:
- A detailed CV;
- A cover letter;
- A succinct technical proposal (2 pages max) including an understanding of the terms of reference and the methodological approach;
- A financial offer.
Any questions regarding this consultation (for information purposes only and not for submissions) should be addressed to Choukri SALEBAN: csaleban@iom.int
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted