Job Description
Responsibilities
Under the overall supervision of the Programme Coordinator (Protection), the direct supervision of the Protection Officer, and in close coordination with the International Consultant and National Protection Officer, the National Consultant will carry out the following tasks in support of a national research and capacity-building initiative on protection risks associated with human mobility:
a) Lead the design and operationalization of the research framework and implementation plan, ensuring that the methodology is contextually relevant, ethically sound, and aligned with IOM standards.
b) Coordinate and manage all aspects of in-country fieldwork, including preparation of logistical plans, supervision of data collection teams, and application of qualitative and quantitative research tools across selected provinces. Conduct interviews, discussions and surveys, as required.
c) In close coordination with the International Consultant, conduct an in-depth and comprehensive literature review of existing research and resources related to trafficking in persons in Pakistan.
d) Lead the development, adaptation and review of data collection tools (e.g. questionnaires, surveys, interview guides, glossaries). Ensure that tools are translated into local languages to ensure accessibility and cultural appropriateness.
e) Engage with government counterparts, civil society, and community stakeholders to support data collection, ensure local participation, and facilitate validation of findings.
f) Document field research activities and provide timely written inputs such as field reports, case studies, contextual analysis, and summaries of emerging themes for integration into the overall research report.
g) Draft a final report providing a comprehensive overview of findings, methodology, as well as actionable programmatic and advocacy recommendations. Liaise with the IOM team for feedback and reviews, finalise the report and support with its dissemination.
h) Contribute to the development of practical tools and guidance materials on counter-trafficking and migrant protection, including field-level SOPs, referral protocols, and checklists for frontline actors, in close coordination with relevant members of the Protection Unit and other relevant colleagues within the mission.
i) Design and deliver capacity-building activities (e.g. training modules, orientation sessions) for IOM staff and partners on topics such as identification of trafficking risks, ethical data collection, and protection-sensitive approaches, based on existing material and in line with IOM guidance and standards.
j) Facilitate the organization and implementation of at least one validation and feedback workshop with relevant stakeholders to present preliminary findings and gather inputs for finalization.
k) If required, lead the organization of a workshop to present findings and recommendations to external and/or internal stakeholders.
l) Maintain close coordination with the International Consultant to ensure national implementation reflects international best practices and aligns with the overall research strategy and quality benchmarks.
m) Support with other initiatives at the Unit level to strengthen the TiP portfolio in Pakistan, as required.
Key performance indicators for the National Consultant include:
• Effective Coordination: Ability to successfully organize and execute field activities as planned (e.g. meetings and data collection happening on schedule with targeted coverage). The consultant’s coordination skills will be reflected in minimal delays and efficient problem-solving in the field.
• Data Quality and Completeness: All required data (interviews, surveys, etc.) are collected in a thorough manner. Documentation from the field (notes, recordings, etc.) is clear, organized, and submitted to IOM/International Consultant.
• Responsiveness and Communication: Maintains responsive communication with IOM and the International Consultant, promptly reporting progress and any issues. Demonstrates proactive engagement with stakeholders and conveys information from the ground effectively.
• Quality of Inputs: The local insights and written contributions provided (for the inception report, draft report, etc.) are of high quality – factually accurate, context-rich, and well-presented. Translations (if done) are accurate and idiomatic.
• Stakeholder Feedback: Positive feedback from IOM and partners regarding the consultant’s professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and ability to engage constructively with community members and officials. The consultant’s role is crucial in building trust locally, which will be gauged by stakeholder willingness to participate and endorse the findings.
• Adherence to Standards: The consultant follows IOM’s ethical guidelines, including confidentiality and PSEA (Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse) standards, throughout the assignment. No violations of ethical research practice occur, and the consultant shows integrity in handling sensitive information.
Qualifications
- University degree (Bachelor’s or higher, Master’s preferred) in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Law, Migration Studies, Anthropology or a related discipline. Training in research methods, social work, or protection is advantageous.
- Minimum five years of relevant professional experience in research, assessment, or project implementation in areas such as migration, protection, human rights, or community development within Pakistan. Experience in conducting field research or surveys, especially with refugee or migrant populations, is required. Expertise on issues related to trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants in Pakistan, is required. Prior involvement in research studies related to trafficking in persons, smuggling of migrants, refugees, displaced populations, or other vulnerable communities in Pakistan, is highly desirable.
- Field Expertise: Demonstrated experience working at the grassroots level in Pakistan, including coordinating field activities, liaising with local authorities and communities. Familiarity with the socio-cultural dynamics of migrant and host communities is a strong asset.
- Analytical Skills: Proficient in qualitative data collection and analysis. Able to conduct interviews and focus groups, then synthesize information into coherent findings. Basic quantitative skills (handling survey data) are a plus.
- Communication Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Able to effectively engage with a wide range of actors – from high-level officials to community members – with tact and cultural sensitivity. Strong writing skills in English, with the ability to contribute clear narrative text for reports.
- Cultural Competence: Deep understanding of the cultural and gender norms in Pakistan, particularly as they affect Afghan refugee communities and protection issues. The consultant should have a demonstrated ability to navigate sensitive topics (like trafficking, gender-based violence) with appropriate discretion and respect.
- Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively in a team and follow guidance from an international team leader. Prior experience working with UN agencies, INGOs, or government offices on joint projects is an asset.
- Other Skills: Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Capable of managing multiple tasks and deadlines. Proficiency in common computer applications (MS Office suite) is required.
- Fluency in English and Urdu (written and spoken) is required. Pashto and/or Dari/Persian language skills are highly preferred). Knowledge of other local languages may be useful depending on research locations.
- Yes - extensive travel is anticipated for fieldwork across Pakistan.
- 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: 11 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