Job Description

Project Context and Scope
This consultancy is part of a broader initiative to strengthen border management, security, and cross-border cooperation at Belize’s borders through the adoption of an Integrated Border Management (IBM) approach. The project aims to enhance the Government of Belize’s capacity to govern its borders by developing a National IBM Strategy, improving inter-agency coordination, fostering bilateral cooperation, building institutional capacity, and providing essential equipment for effective border operations. Additionally, the project seeks to revise national conservation frameworks to protect forests in border areas by updating management plans, training enforcement agencies, and supporting conservation NGOs.

Within this framework, the gender sectoral assessment will ensure that gender considerations are systematically integrated into border management strategies, policies, and operational procedures, promoting inclusive and equitable governance.

Responsibilities

Objectives 

  1. Conduct a gender analysis of the border management sector in Belize to identify gaps, roles, and dynamics, and collect baseline data.

  2. Map stakeholders working on gender equality and with intersectional groups.

Provide actionable gender and GBV mainstreaming recommendations, aligned with human rights-based and inclusive approaches, for integrating gender-sensitive measures into the National IBM Strategy, SOPs, and capacity building initiatives.

  1. Advice and provide actionable recommendations on the design of gender-responsive capacity-building initiatives for border and conservation agencies.

  2. Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing: The consultancy will contribute to the EU–Belize Multi-Annual Indicative Programme (MIP 2021–2027), Priority Area 2: Regional Integration and Border Management, under the Immigration and Border Governance (IBG) Unit in Belize.

  3. Reporting: The Consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Project Manager and the overall guidance of the Head of Office. The Consultant will maintain regular communication with the Immigration and Border Governance (IBG) Unit and coordinate closely with relevant technical teams and government counterparts to ensure timely delivery of outputs and alignment with project objectives.

  4. Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing: The consultancy will contribute to the EU–Belize Multi-Annual Indicative Programme (MIP 2021–2027), Priority Area 2: Regional Integration and Border Management, under the Immigration and Border Governance (IBG) Unit in Belize.

  5. Reporting: The Consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Project Manager and the overall guidance of the Head of Office. The Consultant will maintain regular communication with the Immigration and Border Governance (IBG) Unit and coordinate closely with relevant technical teams and government counterparts to ensure timely delivery of outputs and alignment with project objectives.

  6. Category B Consultants: Tasks to be performed under this contract:  

 

  1. Conduct a desk-based review of literature on gender and GBV dynamics, and intersectional considerations for marginalized groups in the context, within the border management context in Belize, including review of existing policies, frameworks and practices. 

  2. Based on the literature review findings, develop a detailed research plan, including research questions, methodology, and data collection tools based on IOM Intersectional Gender Analysis Toolkit.

  3. Gather and analyze quantitative and qualitative baseline data and identify gender-specific needs, risks and opportunities in the area of border management in Belize’s land border locations, and the two main cities (Belmopan and Belize City). 

  4. Engage with stakeholders, including women-led organizations and organizations representing relevant marginalized groups, government officials, community leaders, community members, project staff, NGO/INGO partner staff and UN agencies to gather insights.

  5. Facilitate a validation workshop to present and discuss the draft report with relevant stakeholders, including the technical committee of the EU-funded project. 

  6. Finalize the report based on feedback from the validation workshop.

  7. Develop actionable recommendations for integrating gender-responsive and inclusive measures into policies, SOPs, and capacity building initiatives in border management in Belize. 

  8. Expected deliverables:

First Deliverable Develop a detailed research plan and methodology utilizing the IOM Intersectional Gender Analysis Toolkit, including a desk-based literature review, data collection tools and ethical considerations for analysing gender and border management in Belize. Submit for approval to the supervisor.

Second Deliverable: Conduct primary qualitative and quantitate data collection in three land border locations, and the two main cities (Belmopan and Belize City), utilizing participatory methods, such as key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and/or surveys with relevant stakeholders, including migrants, service providers, and community organisations. Submit advance report analysis for approval to the supervisor.

Third Deliverable: Submission of final gender analysis of the border management sector in Belize, identifying gaps, roles and dynamics, key findings, challenges and opportunities at the intersection of gender and border management in selected locations in Belize. Include actionable recommendations for gender-responsive programming and policy in border management in Belize. The report shall include an executive summary and a PowerPoint presentation highlighting key findings. Facilitation of a validation workshop to members of the project technical committee coordination mechanism to present key findings. 

Performance Indicators for the Evaluation of Results

  • All deliverables completed and submitted on time and to the required standard.

  • Research findings are robust, evidence-based, and relevant to Belize’s context.

  • Recommendations are practical and clearly linked to research findings, supporting gender-responsive project implementation. 

  • Comprehensive report and presentation delivered within the timeframe. 

Qualifications

Education, Experience and/or Skills Required

  • Advanced university degree in Gender Studies, Migration Studies, Social Sciences or related field. 

  • Minimum 5 years of experience conducting gender or intersectional analysis in humanitarian or development contexts. Experience in gender sectoral assessment in the area of immigration and border governance is an asset. 

  • Demonstrated experience in conducting gender analysis utilizing qualitative and quantitative methods, with a focus on gender analysis and/or migration issues.

  • Strong analytical and report writing skills, with a proven record of producing research for international organisations or NGOs.

  • Ability to coordinate, convene and facilitate participatory workshops.

  • Experience working in Belize or similar contexts is an asset.

  • Excellent intercultural and communication skills, with ability to engage diverse stakeholders sensitively and effectively.

IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish.
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Travel required

  • Yes

  • Candidates are required to submit their CV, along with technical and financial proposal for this consultancy. Candidates should include all relevant expenses linked to this research work, including data collection, transportation, workshop organization, consultancy fees, among others. 

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

  • Accountability
  • Communication
  • Delivering Results
  • Integrity
  • Managing and Sharing Knowledge
  • Professionalism
  • Teamwork

Job info

Contract Type: Consultancy (Up to 11 months)
Initial Contract Duration: 3 Months
Org Type: Country Office
Vacancy Type: Consultancy
Recruiting Type: Consultant
Grade: UG
Is this S/VN based in an L3 office or in support to an L3 emergency response?: No
At Impactpool 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.