Job Description

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

 

Project Context and Scope

The JPST is the operational arm of the Joint Peace and Security Committee (JPSC) and was formed as the result of the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement for the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and MILF. It is a transitory mechanism composed of contingents from the AFP, PNP, and MILF-BIAF, established to operationalize the security component of the Normalization track of the CAB. The JPSTs are mandated to support the maintenance of peace, order, and stability of the mutually agreed areas by the GPH and MILF. At present, there are 24 JPST stations deployed and activated all over Mindanao specifically in the provinces of Maguindanao del Sur and Norte, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat province, Lanao del Sur and Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Basilan. Guided by the results of the IOM research evaluation on the JPST in April 2023, findings reveal that the JPST has not only exhibited good practices in maintaining peace and security in their areas of coverage but, more importantly, built trust, confidence, and good relationship with the immediate and adjacent communities.

Building on the research findings, IOM has continued its collaboration and partnership with the JPSC to strengthen the capacity of the JPSTs in conducting meaningful community engagement while contributing to broader peacebuilding efforts. One of the key milestones achieved through this partnership is the development of a culturally sensitive SOP designed to enhance JPSTs’ ability to manage and respond to GBV and other gender-related risks in conflict‑affected communities. The SOP reflects the local context, available resources, existing referral mechanisms, and the roles of local duty bearers and institutions operating in JPST areas. Another major milestone is the conduct of an exploratory study, which provided critical analysis on the feasibility of deploying women to JPSTs. The study also offered recommendations to strengthen the operational readiness of the JPSC, JPSTs, and other peace mechanisms and stakeholders in preparation for the potential inclusion of women in JPST formations.

To advance this ongoing effort, IOM will engage a technical consultant who will lead the operationalization of the SOP, ensuring that JPSTs are adequately equipped to respond to GBV and other gender‑related concerns in an effective, sensitive, and survivor‑centered manner. Specifically, the consultant will develop SOP training tools and materials and organize relevant TOT as well as rollout training covering all JPST stations, providing practical support to sustainable application of survivor-centered case management and referral mechanisms. Meanwhile, the consultant will also provide complementary support in the development of the operational framework and the enhancement of the JPST Pre‑Deployment Training Curriculum, working in close coordination with IOM’s Peace and Gender Consultant who will lead these initiatives.

The project will employ inclusive, gender‑sensitive, and consultative approaches, recognizing the broad range of stakeholders that must be engaged—particularly within the peace mechanisms—to ensure alignment and complementarity with existing peace and security initiatives in JPST operational areas. This includes close coordination with the JPSC/T, Joint Normalization Committee (JNC), and relevant BARMM Ministries (MOAs) to harmonize efforts and avoid duplication. Engagement will extend to the Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC), as the mandated regional body providing policy oversight on gender inclusion and Women, Peace and Security (WPS) initiatives; the Bangsamoro Darul‑Ifta, which offers cultural and legal guidance based on Islamic principles; and the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC) in its role as

the Gender Ombud. Additional BARMM MOAs—including the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG), Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS)—as well as other community protection structures such as the Local Committees on Anti‑Trafficking and VAWC, will likewise be engaged. The approach may further involve consultations with relevant community leaders, including former women combatants and religious leaders, to ensure that interventions are culturally appropriate and locally grounded. This coordinated engagement framework reinforces the sustainability of JPST capacity‑building efforts beyond the project period and maximizes the JPSTs’ potential contribution to ongoing peace and security initiatives led by BARMM institutions.
 

Responsibilities

First deliverable: Submission of inception report incorporating work plan and methodology/tools for trainings (First Instalment Payment: 25%)
•March 2026 – Submission of the Inception Report, including the detailed workplan; conduct of preparatory meetings with the project team, JPSC/T, relevant BARMM ministries, offices, and agencies, as well as other key regional and national stakeholders.
•March 2026 – Development of the training concept note/design and information materials relevant to the operationalization of the SOP and GBV referral system, in close coordination with IOM and JPSC.
•April 2026 – Submission of the draft training concept note and information tools/materials to IOM and JPSC for review and finalization.

Second Deliverable: Organization of training activities on SOP operationalization (Second instalment payment: 50%)
•April 2026 – Submission of the finalized training design and training materials for SOP operationalization to IOM.
•May 2026 – Lead and facilitate the conduct of trainings, including Training of Trainers (TOT) and roll‑out sessions for JPSC/Ts, covering the SOP, gender mainstreaming, and GBV referral mechanisms.
•May 2026 – In collaboration with IOM’s Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) teams, develop the training pre‑ and post‑tests, as well as the post‑activity evaluation tools, and administer these M&E activities to assess JPSTs’ increased knowledge and appreciation of the SOP and GBV referral processes.
•May 2026 – Work collaboratively with the Gender and Peace Policy Consultant, providing complementary technical inputs in designing and organizing consultation activities on the development of the operational framework and the enhancement of JPST Pre‑Deployment Curriculum

Final Deliverable: Finalization and Submission of Final Report (Final Instalment payment: 25%)
•June 2026 – Submission of the Final Report for the consultancy engagement, including the handover of all finalized deliverables; compiled and cleaned datasets; narratives elaborating the activities conducted and the results; photo documentation; analysis of JPSTs’ knowledge and skills improvements and remaining capacity gaps; and recommendations for additional actions required to address the identified gaps.
•July 2026 – Work collaboratively with the Gender and Peace Policy Consultant, providing complementary technical inputs on analyzing the needs, priorities, and approaches to developing the operational framework and enhancing the JPST Pre-Deployment Curriculum.
•July 2026 – End of Contract.
The Consultant shall attend online or in‑person meetings with the IOM project team and/or relevant stakeholders on an ad hoc basis to provide updates on deliverables, discuss progress, and ensure alignment with other project components. The Consultant shall primarily be based in Cotabato City, with telework arrangements permissible upon agreement with the supervising staff—the National Peace, Transition and Recovery Coordinator. The Consultant is also expected to undertake necessary travels to support the implementation of project activities, including consultations, trainings, and coordination engagements.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education/ Experience/ Skills

• A minimum of Master’s degree in Gender Studies, Women, Peace and Security, Peace and Conflict Studies, Peace and Conflict Resolution, or other similar disciplines is required
• At least ten years of specialized experience in the field of gender, WPS, and/or peace and development
• At least two years of experience in providing policy or programming advice and technical assistance on gender and WPS to government institutions is required, especially in post-conflict or emergency contexts
• Strong background and demonstrated knowledge in gender and peace and security in the context of the Bangsamoro peace process particularly on Normalization
• Excellent analytical skills and organizational skills, with proven capacities in community organizing, capacity-building, and stakeholder engagement and networking
• Prior advocacy or research experience on women, peace and security and gender-responsive planning and programming in fragile contexts
• Experience/familiarity with local gender and development and WPS policies and practices in BARMM and in Mindanao is preferred

Languages

For this consultancy, fluency in English and Filipino is required. Knowledge of another BARMM local language is desirable.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Travel required
Expected local travel will be within project areas, especially in Mindanao, such as Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Basilan, and/or Zamboanga Sibugay. Travel costs—covering transportation and allowances in accordance with UN standard rates—will be provided solely for project‑related activities approved and mutually agreed in prior with IOM. These provisions will not cover expenses such as for relocation or transfer purposes.

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 five 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

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. 

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, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

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 e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

Required Skills

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