Consultant for Development and Piloting of a Methodology to Assess Return, Readmission and Reintegration Systems in North Africa

IOM · Cairo, Egypt · Deadline: 25 Oct 2026

Grade: UG

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Project Context and Scope

This consultancy is part of the Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration Programme in North Africa (MPRR-NA), funded by the European Union, as well as the governments of Italy, Norway, Denmark and Sweden. It builds on a consultancy to map return and reintegration systems in Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia and is aimed to develop and pilot a standardized institutional methodology that IOM can maintain, replicate and adapt. The methodology will cover legal and policy frameworks, institutional mandates, coordination, referral pathways, services, data collection and analysis guidance protection and operational practices. The consultant will develop and pilot the methodology in one country, provide training and quality assurance, and consolidate the institutional guidance and training package, while RDH will lead primary data collection, analysis, and country drafting for the remaining four countries, in coordination with Country Offices.

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing

IOM MENA Regional Office for North Africa and Middle East, Regional Data Hub, in close coordination with Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration Programme (MPRR-NA), relevant IOM Country Offices and relevant thematic units

Tasks to be performed under this contract

First deliverable – Submission of Inception Report and Draft Standard Methodology:

  • Develop a draft standard methodology, assessment dimensions, research questions, evidence standards and analytical approach.

  • Prepare standardized tools and guidelines, including the country profile template, template interview guide for KIIs by set of stakeholder, stakeholder mapping tool, data analysis methodology (incl coding, thematic analysis, and triangulation), quality assurance checklist and ethical and data-protection guidance.

  • Provide a detailed workplan confirming responsibilities, dependencies and timelines.

Tentative timeline: November 2026, to be completed by 5 November

First instalment payment (24% of the total contract value, i.e., USD 9,063) - payable within 15 days of receipt and approval of the required deliverable.

Second deliverable – Submission of Pilot Application and Template Country Chapter :

  • Pilot methodology through data collection and drafting of country level chapter

  • Apply the methodology and produce a complete country chapter serving as the template for the remaining profiles.

  • Document lessons from the pilot and propose revisions to the methodology and tools.

Tentative timeline: November 2026, to be completed by 10 November

Second instalment payment (32% of the total contract value, i.e., USD 12,500) - payable within 15 days of receipt and approval of the required deliverable.

Third deliverable -Submission of Training and Methodology Roll-out:

  • Prepare a practical training package and supporting materials on the application of the methodology, KII guide, evidence documentation, stakeholder mapping tool, template country chapter, quality assurance checklist and ethical and data-protection guidance as well as lessons learned from the pilot

  • Deliver a virtual regional training following the training package developed.

  • Revise the tools based on feedback from the training, if any.

Tentative timeline: November 2026, to be completed by 15 November

Third instalment payment (8% of the total contract value, i.e., USD 3,125) - payable within 15 days of receipt and approval of the required deliverable.

Fourth deliverable -– Submission of Technical Review, Quality Assurance of Four Remaining Country Profiles and Validation Support:

  • Provide technical guidance to IOM staff during primary data collection and drafting for Algeria, Egypt, Libya and Tunisia.

  • Review the four draft chapters for methodological consistency, evidence, data limitations and comparability.

  • Provide consolidated comments and support final revisions.

  • Support country and regional validation and document substantive feedback.

Tentative timeline: December 2026, to be completed by 31 December

Fourth instalment payment (11% of the total contract value, i.e., USD 4,375) - payable within 15 days of receipt and approval of the required deliverable.

Final deliverable -– Submission of Final Standard Methodology, Guidelines and Training Package:

  • Produce final implementation guidance with annexed tools, templates, evidence standards and quality assurance procedures.

  • Prepare a final reusable training package for future application by IOM teams.

  • Support technical validation with relevant Regional Office and Headquarters counterparts, incorporate consolidated feedback, and take part in a dissemination webinar for the final package.

  • Submit all final products and editable source files in an organized handover package.

Tentative timeline: February-April 2027, to be completed by 30 April

Final instalment payment (25% of the total contract value, i.e., USD 9,687) - payable within 15 days of receipt and approval of the required deliverable.

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

  • Timely submission of all deliverables.
  • Quality and depth of analysis in the research report.
  • Practicality and relevance of recommendations.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

  • Advanced university degree in migration, social sciences, international relations, or a related field.

Experience

    • At least 10 years of experience in migration, return, and reintegration, including work with IOM or similar international organizations.

    • Proven experience in developing guidance, conducting feasibility/risk assessments, and supporting policy operationalization in migration contexts.

    • Regional expertise in the MENA region and experience with comparative research.

Skills

  • Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder coordination skills.

Languages

For this consultancy, Excellent command of English and French; knowledge of Arabic or Italian is an asset.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Travel required:

Travel within North Africa may be required for stakeholder interviews in 1 country and validation meetings.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five 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.

Notes

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.

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, security clearances.

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 e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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