CFA (Open to Internal Candidates Only):Research on Human Trafficking and Irregular Migration in the Kenya–Somalia–Ethiopia Borderlands,

Remote | Addis Ababa

  • Organization: IOM - International Organization for Migration
  • Location: Remote | Addis Ababa
  • Grade: Senior Executive level - Assistant Director - General level - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Social Affairs
    • Criminology, Extremism, Police Affairs and Anti-Corruption
    • Migration
    • Scientist and Researcher
    • Drugs, Anti-Money Laundering, Terrorism and Human Trafficking
  • Closing Date:

Job Description

Project Context and Scope

In response to this evolving context, IOM Kenya, with funding from the International Strategy Fund (ISF), is launching a targeted research initiative to better understand the drivers, routes, actors, and impacts of irregular migration and human trafficking in the KSE borderlands. The goal is to generate robust, localized, and policy-relevant evidence that can inform IOM programming, donor strategies, and government responses in the region. The research will also contribute to broader efforts to promote safe, orderly, and regular migration, while combating organized migration crime and improving protection mechanisms for vulnerable populations on the move.
 
To support this initiative, IOM Kenya is seeking to engage a highly qualified Research Consultant with proven expertise in migration research, trafficking dynamics, and irregular migration patterns across the Horn of Africa.

 
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing

The consultant will report directly to the Data and Research Coordinator at IOM Kenya and will work closely with a dedicated team comprising of a Senior Data and Research Assistant, a project assistant, IOM Displacement Tracking and Flow Monitoring enumerators, an independent security research firm and government officials where needed.

Responsibilities

The consultant will be responsible for:

Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment      

  • Deliverable A – Ongoing additions to literature review

Support IOM Kenya team by co-collaborating on the following materials:

  1. Three meta-analysis matrices for literature reviews concerning counter smuggling, EHoA-UK migration, EHoA-EU migration
  2. Additions to an existing literature review, including relevant national policies, academic research and project documents relevant to the East and Horn of Africa and inclusive of identification of knowledge gaps and successful interventions.

Deliverable to be submitted by finalized by 12 Feb 2026; interim updates provided on the following dates alongside updated invoices with hours worked: 4 November 2025; 7 December 2025; 16 Jan 2026

  • Deliverable B -Ongoing analysis of qualitative data and support to Final Report 
    1. Deliver a comprehensive analysis of all qualitative transcripts, including analyses of social networks using social network analysis, determinants of migrant vulnerability, criminological frameworks, and triangulation of secondary and primary data. 
      1. Data will be collected, cleaned and translated into English by IOM; 
      2. Analysis should be completed by the Consultant using the constant comparative method and grounded theory. 
      3. Consultant will work alongside two other IOM researchers and complete all coding in Dedoose platform. Cost of Dedoose is covered by IOM. 
      4. Qual Analysts meetings will be held remotely every week to discuss updates, align codebooks and discuss themes, as well as initial policy and intervention recommendations; Consultant is responsible for leading all meetings.
    2. Deliver final, coded qualitative transcripts, codebook, written narrative of findings, and recommendations to IOM by deadline.
    3. Respond to stakeholder feedback and requests for further information in reference to the final report, as requested.

Final analysis including all coded transcripts, codebook and drafted findings due by 7 December 2025

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

  • Conduct a thorough literature review throughout the assignment, utilizing relevant, high-quality sources, to deliver rolling updates on the subject matter.
  • Analyze primary qualitative data to provide detailed insights into migration and trafficking dynamics.
  • Deliver high-quality final data compendium including coded transcripts, codebook, written analysis and recommendations
  • Contribute to drafting components of the final report as requested
  • Demonstrate active engagement and collaboration with the IOM team and stakeholders by participating in hosting weekly coding workshops, responding constructively to feedback, and integrating inputs effectively and efficiently into all deliverables.

Qualifications

Education
  • Advanced university degree (master’s or above) in Research Methods, Public Health, Conflict and Securities, Migration Studies, Political Science, Sociology, International Development, or related fields
Experience
  • At least 8–10 years of research experience in East and Horn of Africa, with proven expertise in researching human trafficking, smuggling, migration, or border governance
  • Based in or with long-term experience working in Kenya, Somalia, or Ethiopia
  • Familiarity with UK migration priorities and programming is a strong advantage
  • Ability to operate independently in high-risk or hard-to-reach environments
Skills
  • Strong qualitative research skills
  • Excellent English writing and analytical skills; proven experience producing policy-oriented research
  • Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills
  • Ability to operate independently, manage deadlines and meet expectations
Languages
  • Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required
Travel required
  • No
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 three 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
  1. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

Required Skills

Job info

Contract Type: Consultancy (Up to 11 months)
Initial Contract Duration: 4 Months
Vacancy Type: Consultancy
Recruiting Type: Consultant
Grade: UG
We do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.
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