The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

Background

Following two assessments conducted in 2017, several critical protection gaps were identified within assistance provided to refugees in migrants in Italy: mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), assistance to unaccompanied children, information provision and legal support. To respond to the identified gaps IRC established a small presence in Italy which has significantly grown over the past 8 years. Programs in Italy currently include Refugee.Info web-based information platform, protection programming targeting people arriving in Trieste through the Balkan route, initiatives aiming to the socio-economic inclusion of refugee youth and women, and educational projects (social emotional learning and healing classrooms).  

To give continuity to the protection work launched in April 2024 and consolidated in 2025, IRC Italia will work throughout 2026 in a joint effort with UNHCR teams to provide support to persons recently arrived in key disembarkation areas as well as in reception facilities and transit centers in Sicily (including Lampedusa) and Calabria.    

Context of the Assignment

REACHing — Reinforcing Assistance to Victims of Human Trafficking (Grant Agreement n. 101199093) is a 24-month project co-funded by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) of the European Commission and implemented in France, Italy and Greece. The project started in July 2024 and aims to strengthen the identification, protection and assistance of third-country nationals within European asylum systems who are victims or potential victims of trafficking in human beings, while at the same time responding to operational challenges and reinforcing the capacities of frontline professionals working in asylum, reception and protection contexts. REACHing focuses on improving early identification of trafficking risks and needs, enhancing coordination and referral mechanisms, and promoting survivor-centred and rights-based responses. In Italy, the project is implemented through two mobile teams operating in Sicily and Calabria, with the objective of supporting the pre-identification and protection of trafficking survivors hosted in reception facilities. The teams conduct group information sessions to raise awareness about human trafficking, available protection pathways and support services, work in close collaboration with reception centre staff, activate referrals to local services when needed and provide individual case management in more complex situations. Each mobile team operates through a protection expert and a cultural mediator, ensuring a culturally sensitive approach tailored to the specific vulnerabilities and needs of victims and potential victims of trafficking within the asylum system. 

Purpose of the Assignment

IRC Italy is seeking an experienced consultant with strong expertise in trafficking in human beings and labour exploitation to provide technical support to field teams and contribute to ensuring the highest standards of assistance and protection for survivors. The consultant will support case management approaches, strengthen identification and referral practices, and provide technical guidance to improve the quality of care for victims and potential victims of trafficking. In addition, the selected expert will act as a trainer during capacity-building sessions delivered to reception centre staff and frontline professionals, contributing to the reinforcement of skills, knowledge and operational responses related to trafficking and labour exploitation. 

SCOPE OF WORK

Specific objectives of the assignment

  • Provide ongoing technical supervision and support to IRC teams through monthly check-in meetings, addressing challenges, discussing cases and strengthening operational practices. 
  • Design and deliver training sessions on trafficking in human beings and labour exploitation for IRC staff and field teams. 
  • Conduct capacity-building sessions for frontline professionals and reception centre staff where the teams operate in Sicily and Calabria. 
  • Maintain regular coordination with the Program Manager, sharing updates on team activities, results achieved, emerging challenges and operational needs. 
  • Provide ad hoc support to reporting and documentation activities when required. 
  • Promote and actively participate in initiatives and efforts to establish team engagement, inclusion, and cohesion in IRC Italy. 
  • Foster ongoing learning, honest dialogue and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and to promote IRC values and adherence to IRC policies 
  • Contribution of technical analysis, case trends and good practices to support quality reporting and knowledge management.
  • Active participation in internal initiatives aimed at strengthening team engagement, inclusion and cohesion within IRC Italy.
  • Contribution to team learning moments and internal reflection sessions, as requested.

 Deliverables

  • Submission of a technical supervision plan within the first month of the assignment, outlining the methodology, objectives and schedule of monthly check-in meetings with IRC teams; delivery of monthly technical check-in meetings, including case discussions, identification of operational challenges and provision of technical guidance (at least 12 check-ins with the team).
  • Development of a comprehensive training package on trafficking in human beings and labour exploitation, including agendas, presentations, training materials and practical exercises; customisation of training content to the Italian operational context and to the specific needs of IRC staff, field teams and partner organisations (1 - 3 packages, according to the target group to be reached).
  • Delivery of training sessions (3 sessions) for IRC staff and field teams on trafficking in human beings and labour exploitation; facilitation of capacity-building sessions for frontline professionals and reception centre staff in the areas of operation in Sicily and Calabria (6 sessions).
  • Submission of brief training reports for each session, including number of participants, topics covered, feedback received and key recommendations (1 per each training).
  • Maintenance of regular coordination with the Program Manager through scheduled meetings and written updates.
  • Provision of ad hoc technical inputs to programmatic reports, narrative reports, concept notes and other documentation related to trafficking in human beings, upon request.

Timeframe

20/01/2026 – 31/12/2026

Competencies and skills:

  • An advanced university degree or equivalent experience in social studies, political studies, law, or other relevant social sciences. 
  • A minimum of five years of professional experience in human trafficking in Italy. 
  • Experience in training facilitation, especially on human trafficking. 
  • Proven ability to work independently and to meet timeframes.  
  • Strong interpersonal skills, able to connect with a diverse group of people. 
  • Proficiency in Italian; English desirable. 
  • Preferably based in Sicily. 
  • Availability to travel across Sicily and to Milan. 
  • Driving license (B). 

Application Process and Requirements:

This call for consultants is open to both individuals and groups of consultants who meet the required qualifications and possess the necessary expertise. All applications should be submitted through the IRC Portal. Applications by a group of consultants should be submitted in a single application.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, while the call for applications will be open until

Application Documentation:

  • Curriculum Vitae/s:  updated Curriculum Vitae/s, highlighting your key expertise, relevant experience, and a comprehensive list of performed and/or published research/publications/analysis.
  • Proposed Methodology (summary): Prepare a concise one-page document summarizing the key points of the approach you would employ in conducting this assessment. This should outline your proposed methodology, data collection techniques, and any other relevant aspects that demonstrate your understanding of the project requirements.
  • Anticipated Compensation: Provide a clear indication of your anticipated compensation for the assignment. This should include a breakdown of fees and any additional expenses associated with the consultancy.

Agreement and payment terms

The specific type of agreement will be determined and mutually agreed upon by the selection of the appropriate consultant/group of consultants for the project. The payment terms will be set with payment due within 30 working days upon the completion and submission of the final deliverable by the consultant/group.

IRC will reserve the right to the final publication of the assessment outcomes. Given the sensitive nature of the work and the need to maintain confidentiality, a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) will be signed between IRC and the selected consultant/group of consultants. This ensures that all parties involved are committed to safeguarding the confidentiality of the data, findings, and other relevant information throughout the engagement.

The specific details of the agreement, including the scope of work, timelines, deliverables, intellectual property rights, and any other pertinent provisions, will be negotiated and outlined in the contractual agreement to ensure clarity, transparency, and mutual understanding between IRC and the consultant/group of consultants.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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