Consultant to support for scoping study on CEFM

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

Lao PDR is a small landlocked least developed country of over 7.5 million, with women comprising 53% of the population. The constitution recognizes 50 ethnic groups and promotes national unity under the single ‘Lao’ nationality, with the Decree on Ethnic Affairs intended to protect ethnic group rights. However, in some contexts, the decree has been interpreted in ways that have been used to justify practices such as child, early, and forced marriage (CEFM), which disproportionately affects women and girls and heightens risks of exploitation and trafficking. Economic pressures and limited social protection in vulnerable areas can further contribute to harmful coping strategies, including unsafe migration and exploitative situations.

Consultations with provincial authorities in Luang Namtha (LNT) and Oudomxay (ODX) in July 2024 confirmed that CEFM and trafficking risks remain prevalent in these northern provinces, which are home to diverse ethnic communities (such as Mon-Khmer, Hmong-Lue, Mien, and Sino-Tibetan groups) and experience poverty (ODX: 28.9-36%; LNT: 9.1-14.2%) (LSB, WB Poverty Profile, 2020). IOM’s 2024 flow monitoring data further indicates significant cross-border mobility among ethnic populations (ODX: 44.9%, LNT: 20%) driven by long-term economic hardship, limited protective mechanisms, and constrained livelihood opportunities. Proximity to the People's Republic of China (PRC) and increasing cross-border engagement have, in some contexts, contributed to the continued use of CEFM as a coping strategy, including where facilitated by brokers.

Educational disruption remains a key vulnerability factor contributing to early marriage, unsafe migration, and exploitation. In Oudomxay, data from Muang Xay, Muang Namor, and Muang Nga indicate 820 primary school dropouts in 2025–2026 (352 girls and 468 boys). In Luang Namtha, Muang Long, Muang Namtha and Muang Xing recorded 201 dropouts, with girls representing 124 cases (61.7%), indicating a disproportionate impact on girls. These patterns align with field observations that early marriage, household labor demands, and limited livelihood options are driving school dropout, increasing the risk of unsafe migration and exploitation among out‑of‑school children and youth.

By addressing these challenges, the project on “Building Community Leadership and Resilience against Trafficking for Child, Early, and Forced Marriage through Community Awareness in Lao People’s Democratic Republic” was designed to strengthen community-led and survivor-informed awareness efforts. The project focuses on at-risk groups, particularly young women and girls from ethnic minority communities, to promote behavioral change on CEFM. By establishing a network of community guardians, the project aims to provide positive, culturally appropriate leadership and support informed decision-making, helping to reduce CEFM practice and associated risks of violence. 

As part of the CEFM project and in line with outcome 1.1, IOM seeks to generate evidence-based research on the social, behavioral, and cultural practices that contribute to child, early, and forced marriage (CEFM) and trafficking in persons (TIP) at the community level. In Lao PDR, vulnerabilities related to CEFM and trafficking are often shaped by intersecting socio-cultural norms, gender inequalities, and economic pressures. A deeper understanding of these drivers is essential for designing targeted, community-led, and context-appropriate prevention interventions.

To support this objective, IOM will engage a consultant to conduct a scoping study in Luang Namtha and Oudomxay provinces in close collaboration with the Social Welfare Department under the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare. The scoping study will analyze community practices, social norms, gender dynamics, and behavioral factors that contribute to CEFM and increase TIP risks among women and girls in the selected areas. The consultant will undertake desk research, field data collection, and stakeholder consultations with the National Project Advisory Committee (NPAC), selected civil society organizations (CSOs), and community members. The study will identify key drivers, existing protection mechanisms, and opportunities for strengthening community-based prevention efforts. 

The findings will be validated through workshops organized in partnership with selected CSOs involving local stakeholders and community representatives. This process will ensure that results are contextually accurate, culturally informed, and grounded in community perspectives. Based on the validated findings, the consultant will produce a comprehensive scoping study report in both English and Lao, including short-, medium-, and long-term evidence-based recommendations to inform project activities and enhance CEFM and TIP prevention strategies.

Responsibilities

IOM is seeking a national consultant to conduct desk research, field data collection, and stakeholder consultations and provide an induction briefing to provincial authorities and local stakeholders prior to fieldwork. The consultant will work closely with the IOM team to ensure the scoping study aligns with the IOM’s knowledge products and messaging. The scope of work will be defined jointly by IOM and the Department of Social Welfare under the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare.

Key deliverable tasks

1. Develop an inception report covering research background, proposed methodology, work plan, and stakeholders involved throughout the study at both national and provincial levels.
2. Conduct a desk review of relevant literature, policies, research, and available data related to trafficking in persons (TIP), child, early, and forced marriage (CEFM), gender norms, and community practices in Lao PDR as per the agreed inception report. 
3. Develop an inception report and conduct the study, including facilitating the FGD and/or validation workshop to share the study results with relevant partners; draft and finalize a report incorporating in-depth analysis from the scoping assessment and feedback gathered from the FGD/workshop.
4. Carry out primary data collection through field missions and consultations with relevant government authorities, civil society organizations, UN agencies, community leaders, and community members in Luang Namtha and Oudomxay provinces.
5. Analyze qualitative and quantitative data to identify social norms, cultural practices, and behavioral factors contributing to CEFM and TIP risks in the target provinces.
6. Prepare a draft scoping study report in English and Lao summarizing key findings and preliminary recommendations.
7. Present preliminary findings to IOM and relevant stakeholders through internal briefings and a validation workshop to ensure the contextual accuracy and community-infirmed results.
8. Incorporate feedback received from IOM and stakeholders into the report's findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
9. Submit the final scoping study report in English and Lao, including evidence-based recommendations outlining short-, medium-, and long-term strategies to address drivers of CEFM and TIP in the target provinces.
10. Participate in coordination meetings and consultations with IOM and relevant stakeholders as required throughout the consultancy, as required.

Category B consultant hired to deliver a report on a three-installment payment basis:

1. First deliverable no later than 22 May 2026: Completely develop a detailed work plan and timeline, interview form (Lao and English), questionnaires (Lao and English), data collection tools, completion of the desk review, and initial consultations with relevant stakeholders. All items must be reviewed and approved by IOM; the first installment payment is 20%.
2. Second deliverable no later than 21 August 2026– After submission of the first draft report of the scoping study on CEFM to IOM, the second installment payment is 40%.
3. Third deliverable no later than 30 September 2026 – After submission of the final scoping study report (English and Lao), incorporating all comments from IOM, DSW, and other stakeholders; this installment payment is 40%.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree or equivalent in legal studies, applied human rights, humanitarian assistance, global trends in international migration, development studies, or a related field from an accredited academic institution or high school diploma.

Experience and Skills

• At least 8 or 10 years of relevant experience in research study, survey, assessment, and evaluation for government and nongovernment staff working with labor migration, vulnerabilities, prevention, protection, and assistance to child, early, and forced marriage, and human trafficking in person and migration workers. 

• Demonstrate practical experience in the development of scoping studies, research studies, survey evaluations, and assessments for institutional capacity building in relevant areas.

• Demonstrated practical experience in training preferably with an international or intergovernmental organization working on issues related to emergency response and protection of migrants, CEFM, and other vulnerable populations. 

• Demonstrated experience and understanding of social norms, cultural beliefs, and community practices on CEFM and of the vulnerabilities experienced by migrant populations. 

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to maintain trust and good working relationships with counterparts, local stakeholders, and the community.

• Personal commitment, efficiency, and flexibility.

• Strong organizational and time management skills and the ability to deliver under tight timelines.

• Strong interest in the issue of CEFM, labor migration, and anti-trafficking in persons.

• Experience in working effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from various cultures and professional backgrounds.

• Gender-sensitive, culture-sensitive, and able to work with colleagues from different cultural backgrounds.

• Commitment to the Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (PSEA).

• Excellent abilities in writing and drafting reports.

• High level of computer literacy, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

• Excellent analytical, communication, and negotiation skills.

• Ability to work under tight timelines. 

• Excellent English writing and communication skills.

Languages

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

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, making 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.

The 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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