Consultant - Mapping of transnational counter trafficking initiatives

Job Description

Libya has been a destination country for migrants since the 1970s. After a peak of labour migration in the 1990s and an economic downturn due to international sanctions in the 2000s, Libya has increasingly become a transit country for migrants hoping to reach Europe. Since 2011, the country has faced political and security, leading to the rise of influential militias, transnational criminal networks, and armed groups involved in illicit activities such as human trafficking. Since 2020, IOM Libya assisted over 7,000 victims of trafficking (VoTs), about 60% males and 40% females. A large majority of them were over 18 years old and were subjected to forced labour, sexual exploitation or slavery. A smaller number reported being victims of forced begging. The top five countries of origin of victims assisted are: Nigeria, Somalia, Sudan, Bangladesh and Ethiopia.  A significant percentage of Somali (55%), Ethiopian (41%) and Nigerian (14%) migrants were identified as VoTs for the last five years. Although Nigerians comprise of the largest number of migrants from these nationalities, IOM data shows that Somali and Ethiopian Nationals are disproportionately affected by trafficking. Despite their smaller numbers, irregular migrants from these nationalities often pay more for their trip and face a higher risk of falling victim to trafficking networks. However, there has been a notable increase of child VoTs, who are predominantly from Nigeria .  

IOM Libya's Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) programme identified a total of 867,055 migrants from 44 nationalities across the 100 Libyan municipalities in March and April 2025. Most migrants identified by DTM during the latest reporting round were from North Africa (52%), sub-Saharan Africa (41%), while a minority were from the Middle East (4%) and Asia (3%). These trends point to the influence of geographical proximity and diasporic ties that continue to shape migration patterns in Libya. The population of Sudanese nationals in Libya has increased during 2024 and 2025, mainly due to the armed conflict that began in Sudan on 15 April 2023. As a result, Sudanese nationals currently represent 33 per cent of mobile population in Libya, making them the largest group[1].  

The Central Mediterranean Route (CMR) remains one of the most dangerous migration routes worldwide. A significant number of migrants continue to travel from their countries of origin to Northern Africa enroute to Europe, in search of better economic opportunities. International Organization for Migration (IOM) data shows that from 2017 to date, 30% of migrants in transit and destination countries in the CMR route experience exploitative practices during their migratory journey and are in need of protection services. Those identified in Libya, receive need-based support from IOM protection teams. Libya criminalizes irregular entry and exit of migrants. The migration landscape in Libya is characterized notably by kidnapping, trafficking in persons and arbitrary detention. The most vulnerable groups are disproportionately affected, and severe human rights violations continue to be perpetrated with impunity. IOM counter trafficking work in Libya is multi-fold and aims notably to improve service delivery to victims of trafficking; implement community-based protection programming to raise awareness and foster resilience; strengthen institutional mechanisms through capacity building and advocacy; and reinforce cross border collaboration. In this context, with Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office funding, IOM implements the Project Addressing Trafficking in Persons (TiP) in Libya Through Reinforced Cross-border Coordination. In line with IOM Counter trafficking theory of change[2] and in complementarity with other counter trafficking projects, the overall objective of this action is for stakeholders to demonstrate enhanced coordination and information sharing on TiP, leading to more effective prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnership efforts. 

Trafficking in persons in Libya represents a complex phenomenon. It is shaped by a complex mix of different factors and entailing various layers of government led coordination efforts[3] and non-governmental programmatic interventions. In this context, IOM is promoting a route-based coordinated approach to counter trafficking. IOM works in close cooperation with Libyan partners as well as counterparts in neighboring and countries of origin.  

IOM Libya DTM https://dtm.iom.int/fr/libya 

[1] https://migrantprotection.iom.int/en/resources/guideline-manual/iom-counter-trafficking-theory-change 

[1] Ongoing Attorney General Office led National initiative on counter trafficking and to be set up National Committee on Counter trafficking

Responsibilities

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing IOM Libya Protection Division (PXD)

Category B Consultants: Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment 

The work assignment is to be completed under the direct supervision of the Policy and Capacity Development Protection Officer and in coordination with other Protection officers and staff in addition to the Senior Programme Coordinator. When relevant, the consultant will also coordinate with IOM Libya programme support, data & research and labor migration teams as well as experts based in IOM Regional Office in Cairo and Headquarters. The consultant is being sought to develop a comprehensive updated mapping of existing cross-border structures, coordination mechanisms and relevant bilateral agreements between the Government of Libya, neighboring countries and key countries of origin along the CMR.

The mapping should build on existing relevant resources[1] and put a focus on instruments relevant to counter trafficking programming in Libya. It will also include an analysis of each instrument, its status and lesson learned from implementation to date. Two version of the mapping will be produced: one in English and one in Arabic. The consultant will also be asked to present its work during different forums (online, hybrid and/or in person in Tunis or Tripoli depending on visa and other logistical considerations). Following each presentation, the consultant will as needed edit the material developed, in line with IOM and participants comments and recommendations.

1. First deliverable – Desk review of existing resources available at the global, regional and/or country level relevant to IOM Libya counter trafficking interventions; meetings with IOM colleagues, and relevant partners (government and non-government actors); online presentation of proposed methodology and work plan for the remaining deliverables, integration of feedback. Inception report (around 10 page), approved methodology and workplan. Outline of proposed mapping – First instalment payment - Deliverable in English by email by 31 December 2025. 
2. Second deliverable – Draft mapping of existing cross-border structures and existing bilateral agreements between the Government of Libya, neighboring countries and key countries of origin along the CMR - Second instalment payment - Deliverable by email in English and Arabic by 31 January 2026.
3. Final deliverable – Consolidated mapping and report inclusive of findings, gap analysis, recommendations for IOM programming integrating internal and external feedback – Third and final instalment payment - Deliverable by email by 28 February 2026.

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

• Rapid and clear understanding of the scope of the assignment by developing a relevant workplan that accurately assess the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish the tasks.  
• Deliverables submitted in a timely manner. 
• Length of internal review and number of rounds of comments to ensure the quality desired. 
• Final version of the documents submitted reflect inputs from IOM specialists, field staff and relevant partners. 

Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree in economics, social work, international studies, law, political or social sciences, development studies, or a related field from an accredited academic institution;   
• A minimum of four years of experience on migration, social work and/or capacity development, preferably with a Media, Civil Society Organization, United Nations Agency or International Organization; 
• Experiences related to strategic government engagement is a clear advantage;   
• Experience of developing mapping and coordination tools for practitioners and/or  government officials;  
• Knowledge of participatory reporting methods and related topics; 
• Good understanding of migration issues, in particular migrants’ rights and migrants’ protection; 
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal;  
• Fluency in English; Arabic is a strong advantage;

Required Skills

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