Job Description
Tajikistan, a disaster-prone country located in a seismically active zone, is periodically affected by localized emergencies such as floods, avalanches, mudflows, landslides, and conflict-related displacement across all regions. These events-particularly floods and earthquakes-often result in internal displacement.
In addition, recent security developments in Afghanistan and subsequent large-scale population movement have rendered the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border increasingly fragile and at risk of mass influx. The Republic of Tajikistan already hosts the largest number of refugees in Central Asia, primarily from neighboring Afghanistan. The sudden drop in direct international development assistance in Afghanistan, growing unemployment, a weakening banking sector, continuing economic collapse is expected to drive more Afghans to seek better opportunities and safety abroad.
These events have led to recurrent temporary displacement of populations, often necessitating the establishment of informal or ad-hoc displacement sites. While national and local authorities, primarily the Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defense (CoES), are the designated lead agencies for emergency response, recent incidents have revealed critical gaps in preparedness, site coordination, and frontline response capacity.
IOM, through its engagement with the Government of Tajikistan and humanitarian partners, has noted the absence of a structured Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) framework embedded within national response systems. Although some elements of site management have been informally carried out by CoES and its local branches, there is a lack of institutionalized roles, dedicated tools, or training related to CCCM in temporary displacement contexts. This challenge was echoed during consultations with CoES, who expressed a desire to improve their internal capacity, clarify institutional roles, and develop practical tools for displacement site management.
Following the signing of a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IOM and CoES in 2025, both entities agreed to jointly develop a tailored Capacity Building Strategy. To inform this, a baseline study will be conducted to assess the current legal, institutional, operational, and training systems related to displacement site management in Tajikistan. The study will also draw from lessons learned globally, such as nationalized cluster systems to identify effective entry points for integrating CCCM functions into Tajikistan's emergency response system.
Purpose and Objectives of the Assignment
Overall Purpose: To assess the institutional, legal, operational, and training readiness of CoES and related stakeholders in fulfilling CCCM responsibilities in temporary displacement scenarios, and to provide evidence-based recommendations for the development of a contextualized capacity-building strategy.
Specific Objectives:
To analyze the extent to which CCCM roles and principles are reflected in national emergency response frameworks, laws, and operational protocols.
To assess CoES’ functional capacity and institutional preparedness for site coordination and camp management.
To evaluate the scope and content of existing training content delivered by the CoES Training Center, with a focus on displacement-related preparedness.
To map current practices, coordination mechanisms, and informal arrangements used during recent temporary displacements.
To generate practical recommendations to support the localization of CCCM, including training modules, institutional frameworks, tools, and coordination models.
Improving Migration Governance and Access to Services for Displaced Afghans in Pakistan and Central Asia
Responsibilities
3.1 Desk Review:
Review national policies, disaster risk management plans, contingency frameworks, and emergency SOPs.
Analyze the legal mandates of CoES and other relevant entities regarding temporary displacement and site management.
Examine any existing associated temporary shelter/CCCM-related materials, checklists, guidelines, or sector-specific coordination protocols from partner agencies.
3.2 Institutional Functional Review:
Analyze the capacity, assess the organizational structure, mandates, and operational protocols of CoES at both national and sub-national levels.
Identify overlaps or gaps in CCCM roles and responsibilities across government and humanitarian actors.
Evaluate CoES’ coordination capacity with partners such as Rapid Emergency Assessment and Coordination Team (REACT), the Red Crescent Society, local authorities, and UN agencies.
3.3 Training and Capacity Assessment:
Conduct an in-depth review of the existing CoES Training Center's training curriculums, educational and methodological resources and delivery mechanisms, including staff development, mentoring and technical support.
Identify existing content relevant to CCCM (e.g., site planning, protection, WASH, shelter, GBV, community engagement).
Recommend specific CCCM modules for integration, with suggestions on delivery methods (simulations, workshops, online modules).
3.4 Stakeholder Consultations:
Conduct Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with CoES leadership and technical staff at national and regional levels.
Organize Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with local-level first responders and operational actors.
Engage with representatives from relevant ministries, NGOs, UN agencies, and community-based organizations.
3.5 Mapping of Practices and Lessons Learned:
Document how past displacement responses were managed (e.g., 2023 and 2024 flood/clash-related events).
Map coordination and site management roles performed informally or formally by different actors.
Identify gaps, challenges, and lessons learned from these events.
3.6 Gap Analysis and Recommendations:
Analyze the findings in relation to global CCCM standards and regional best practices.
Provide detailed and actionable recommendations for:
Institutionalization of CCCM roles within CoES
Capacity building plan outlining the development and delivery of CCCM training content
Development or adaptation of CCCM tools (site assessment forms, coordination templates, SOPs)
Strengthening inter-agency coordination and involvement of the local community and displaced persons' participation
Mainstreaming protection and gender considerations into site management functions
Methodology
The study will utilize a qualitative, participatory, and context-sensitive approach. The methodology will consist of:
Document review: analysis of national policy frameworks, SOPs, laws, and training materials.
Semi-structured interviews and FGDs: using thematic tools developed in the inception phase.
Comparative analysis: referencing localization approaches used in other settings (e.g., Indonesia, Nepal).
Field visits: to at least two regions affected by past displacement events, if security and access permit.
The consultant is expected to work closely with IOM Tajikistan and CoES, ensuring buy-in and validation throughout the assessment process.
Deliverables
# | Deliverable | Description | Timeline |
1 | Desk Review | Review and analysis of relevant literature, national policies, legal and regulatory frameworks, project reports, statistical data, and other relevant studies. | Week 1 |
2 | Inception Report | A detailed workplan describing the final methodology, research tools, stakeholder mapping, fieldwork plan, as well as the scope and limitations of the assessment. | Week 2 |
3 | Data Collection Tools and Interview Protocols | Development and validation (with IOM) of tools for Key Informant Interviews (KII) and Focus Group Discussions (FGD). | Week 3 |
4 | Field Data Collection | Conducting interviews, focus group discussions, consultations and field visits; collection and initial systematization of data (brief mission and consultation summary). | Week 4 |
5 | Draft Baseline Report | Preparation of a draft report including analytical findings, institutional assessment, identified gaps and preliminary recommendations. | Week 5 |
6 | Presentation of Preliminary Findings | Preparation and delivery of a presentation summarizing key findings and preliminary recommendations to IOM and CoES. | Week 6 |
7 | Validation Workshop/ Consultation Meeting | Organization of a validation meeting/workshop with IOM and CoES to discuss and validate findings and recommendations and collect feedback. | Week 7 |
8 | Final Baseline Report and Finalization of Deliverables | Submission of the final baseline report incorporating comments, including annexes and final presentation materials. | Week 8 |
Qualifications
- Advanced university degree in Disaster Risk Reduction, Humanitarian Affairs, Public Policy, or related field.
- At least 5 years of professional experience in CCCM, displacement site coordination, or institutional capacity assessments.
Familiarity with CCCM Cluster standards, localization of humanitarian tools, and DRR structures in Central Asia.
Experience working with national disaster authorities or civil protection structures is an advantage.
Strong analytical and report writing skills; experience in participatory assessment methodologies.
Fluency in Russian required; knowledge of English and/or Tajik is preferably.
- Travel is required
- 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.
- 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.
- 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, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.
- 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.
- 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 online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
Required Skills
Job info
Contract Type: Consultancy (Up to 11 months)Initial Contract Duration: 2 months
Vacancy Type: Consultancy
Recruiting Type: Consultant
Grade: UG