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.

IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

1. Evaluation Context

Trafficking in persons (TIP) in Tajikistan remains a serious human rights concern, with internal trafficking—particularly for sexual exploitation—largely invisible due to limited awareness, stigma, and discriminatory gender norms. Structural factors such as endemic corruption, declining remittances, and high levels of labour migration heighten vulnerability, while children left behind face psychosocial risks and reduced access to services. Despite legal frameworks and action plans, gaps persist in survivor-centred protection, consistent identification and referral, data availability, and effective investigation and prosecution. Law enforcement agencies often prioritise related offences over TIP-specific provisions (e.g., Articles 238 and 239), and internal labour exploitation cases rarely reach court under Article 130¹. The Government of Tajikistan (GoT) also struggles to harmonize and report reliable data on TIP, limiting evidence-based policymaking and accountability. 

Against this backdrop, the International Organization for Migration (IOM)—with two decades of counter-trafficking experience in Tajikistan, including assistance to approximately 700 victims of trafficking, support to five National Plans of Action, advocacy for two anti-TIP laws, operationalization of the National Referral Mechanism, and sectoral assessments—proposes 18-months (later received no-cost-extension) intervention that strengthens prevention, protection, prosecution and inter-agency coordination. The project’s vision is that GoT law enforcement actors collaborate to combat TIP through a survivor-centred, trauma-informed approach that identifies, prosecutes, and secures convictions of offenders, while contributing to the implementation of the National Plan of Action (2022–2024). Core activities include training and workshops for law enforcement on identification, investigation and prosecution; dissemination and institutionalization of SOPs developed in Phase I; review of prosecuted cases and monitoring of ongoing cases; and technical assistance to improve compliance with national and international standards. The project will also enhance the Inter-Ministerial Commission on Combating Trafficking in Persons’ (IMCCTiP) capacity to collect, harmonize, analyse and report gender-disaggregated data—drawing on tools such as the International Classification Standard for Administrative Data on Trafficking in Persons (ICSTIP) —embed reporting modules in law enforcement training centres, and develop a model national reporting template. Building on an earlier INL-funded project completed in May 2023 and complementing ongoing initiatives supported by USAID and Norway, the intervention emphasises sustained stakeholder engagement, government ownership, and regular coordination with the donor to ensure durability of results.
 

2. Evaluation Purpose and Objective

This end-of-project evaluation will assess the performance and results of the 30-month intervention that strengthens survivor-centred identification, investigation, and prosecution of TIP and improves interagency coordination and reporting. The timing—at project completion—supports accountability to the donor and national counterparts, captures lessons while activities and stakeholders are active, and informs follow-on programming and GoT reporting cycles.

The main objective is to determine the extent to which the project achieved its intended objective, outcomes and outputs across Prevention, Protection, Prosecution and Partnership, including uptake of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), quality of survivor-centred practice, improvements in case handling, harmonized gender-disaggregated data and reporting (e.g., alignment with ICSTIP), efficiency, and sustainability, and to generate actionable recommendations and value-for-money insights.

Findings will be used by the IOM project team and senior management for adaptive learning and design of any next phase; by the GoT (IMCCTiP, Prosecutor’s General Office (PGO), Ministry of Internal Affairs  (MIA), Supreme Court (SC), Drug Control Agency (DCA), Customs Service (CS), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), National Security (NS), Border Forces (BF) and other training centres) to refine SOPs, curricula, coordination and national reporting; by the donor to assess accountability and guide investment decisions; and by CTIP experts and partners to validate good practices and address gaps. A management response with time-bound actions will ensure use.

3. Evaluation Scope

This evaluation covers Phase II of “Tajikistan: Improved Prosecution of Trafficking in Persons and Victim Support” over the full 18 - month implementation period (May 2024–November 2025, project received no-cost extension until October 2026; however, implementation is almost done). It assesses Phase II results—law enforcement capacity building, survivor-centred identification/investigation/prosecution, interagency coordination, and national reporting—while drawing on Phase I outputs (e.g., SOPs, ToT curriculum) for continuity; it does not evaluate Phase I outcomes.

The geographical scope is national (Tajikistan), with emphasis on Dushanbe, Districts of Republican Subordination (DRS)-based institutions (IMCCTiP, PGO, MIA, SC, DCA, CS, MFA, NS, BF, and training centres) and the three oblasts (Sughd, Khatlon and Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast)  where targeted trainings on TIP data capture/analysis/reporting took place. 

Included are the design and delivery of trainings/workshops, uptake of Phase I SOPs for identification/referral, review of prosecuted TIP casesand monitoring of ongoing cases, technical support to implement the National Plan of Action (NPA) 2022–2024 (law enforcement components), NPA 20225-2027 strengthening of IMCCTiP data harmonization and reporting (including ICSTIP alignment), and post training knowledge retention. Excluded are activities fully outside this project (e.g., USAID/Norway projects, except for coherence checks), direct victim services beyond referral pathways, outcome level assessment of Phase I, fieldwork outside Tajikistan, and access to sealed/confidential case files or survivor PII.

The evaluation will produce concise, time-bound recommendations, and capture good practices and lessons learned to inform scale-up, institutionalization (SOPs/curricula), and future GoT reporting cycles. Crosscutting analysis will cover gender equality and survivor-/trauma-informed practice, human rights/Do No Harm/AAP/PSEA, child protection, disability inclusion, data protection and ethics (ICSTIP), and coordination/anticorruption risk awareness, noting any themes with limited relevance.

4. Evaluation Criteria

The evaluation will be based on the OECD DAC/UNEG criteria already referenced for this project: Relevance, Coherence, Effectiveness, Efficiency, Impact and Sustainability. Crosscutting themes (gender equality; survivor/trauma - informed practice; human rights/Do No Harm/AAP/PSEA; child protection; disability inclusion; data protection/ethics; and anticorruption risk awareness) will be mainstreamed across all criteria rather than treated as standalone criteria.

5. Evaluation Questions

6. Evaluation Methodology

Approach. Mixed methods, utilization-focused design with triangulation across sources and levels; emphasis on contribution analysis (not counterfactual impact) given the sensitivity of trafficking in persons and end of project timing. Final methods will be confirmed in an Inception Report. The evaluation will be assessed against the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Development Assistance Committee (DAC) / United Nations Evaluation Group) evaluation criteria.

Data collection. (i) Document and monitoring review (plans, reports, SOPs, training materials, pre/post and six-month knowledge retention data, outputs of the IMCCTiP; (ii) key informant interviews (KIIs) with IMCCTiP, PGO, MIA, SC, DCA, CS, MFA, NC, BF, NTC, training centres, countertrafficking in persons experts, and IOM; (iii) focus group discussions (FGDs) with trained officers (by institution/oblast); (iv) short surveys to validate knowledge retention and practice change; (v) review of nonidentifiable case materials; (vi) observation of a meeting/event where feasible.

All data handling will comply with IOM Data Protection Principles and Instruction IN/138, including data confidentiality, minimization, anonymization, secure storage and restricted access.

Sampling. Purposive selection of targeted institutions; national stakeholders in Dushanbe, DRS and the three oblasts reached by data/reporting trainings; strive for gender balance. Any access gaps will be documented as limitations.

Analysis. Evaluation matrix and rubric-based ratings for OECDDAC/UNEG criteria; descriptive statistics (including pre/post and six-month change); light value for money (VfM) where cost/output data allow; thematic coding; validation through a stakeholder workshop.

Crosscutting themes. Integrated throughout: gender equality and sexual and gender - based violence (SGBV), survivor and trauma - informed practice, human rights/Do No Harm/accountability to affected populations (AAP)/protection from sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA), child protection, disability inclusion, data protection and ethics (aligned, where relevant, with the ICSTIP, anticorruption/conflict sensitivity, and basic green practices.

Ethics & safeguarding. No interviews with survivors; no access to sealed/confidential files. Informed consent, anonymization, secure storage, trauma-informed protocols, and adherence to IOM data protection policies.

Limitations & mitigation. Potential constraints (access to cases, recall/desirability bias, incomplete cost data) mitigated via triangulation, careful instrument design, conservative claims, and transparent reporting of gaps.

Deliverables. Inception Report (methods/tools/workplan), draft and final reports with actionable, time‑bound recommendations and a management response.

This evaluation will be conducted in full compliance with the IOM Data Protection Principles and related guidance (including IOM’s Data Protection Manual and Data Responsibility practices), the UNEG Norms and Standards for Evaluation (2016), the UNEG Ethical Guidelines for Evaluation, and the UNEG Code of Conduct for Evaluation. All evaluation stakeholders are expected to be familiar with these standards; the evaluator(s) will explicitly commit to them in writing (including conflict of interest and confidentiality declarations).

7. Ethics, norms and standards for evaluation

Core ethical and professional commitments:

  • Independence, impartiality, credibility and utility: Uphold UNEG norms on objectivity, transparency, quality assurance and use of findings.
  • Do No Harm and safeguarding: Apply a survivor and trauma-informed approach; no direct data collection from victims/survivors of trafficking; no access to sealed/confidential case files; child safe and protection sensitive practice throughout.
  • Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) and Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP): Zero tolerance for SEA; clear information to participants about voluntary participation and feedback/complaints channels.
  • Data protection and privacy: Lawful, fair and transparent processing; informed consent; data minimization; anonymization/pseudonymization; secure storage; restricted, need-to-know sharing; alignment, where applicable, with the ICSTIP.
  • Non-discrimination and inclusion: Respect for gender equality, disability inclusion and accessibility; culturally appropriate engagement.
  • Legal compliance: Adherence to applicable Tajik national laws and UN/IOM policies and standards
  • The final evaluation report (and evaluation brief) will be shared with key stakeholders and, subject to data protection and confidentiality considerations, will be made publicly available and uploaded/listed in IOM’s evaluation repository/webpage in line with IOM Evaluation Policy (IN/266)
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing

MIGRANT PROTECTION AND ASSISTANCE

Responsibilities

8. Evaluation Deliverables

The evaluator(s) will produce the following deliverables. All products must comply with IOM Data Protection Principles and the United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG) Norms and Standards, and integrate the agreed methodology, criteria, and crosscutting themes (gender equality; survivor/trauma-informed approaches; human rights/Do No Harm/AAP/PSEA; child protection; disability inclusion; data protection/ethics; anticorruption/conflict sensitivity).

Core deliverables (required) 

9. Recommended annexes to the Evaluation Report

The final report must include a recommendations matrix that clearly links each recommendation to the corresponding findings and conclusions, and identifies priority level and responsible actors.

  • Terms of Reference (ToR)
  • Inception Report and Evaluation Matrix
  • Data collection tools (interview/FGD guides; survey instrument)
  • List of documents reviewed and stakeholders consulted (anonymized as needed)
  • Evidence matrix (findings–evidence links) and analysis rubric
  • Quantitative tables (outputs, participation; pre/post and 6month knowledge retention summaries; disaggregations)
  • Value for Money (VfM) notes/assumptions (if applicable)
  • Ethics and data protection statement (procedures, consent, storage)
  • Limitations and mitigation log
  • Comment resolution matrix (for the move from draft to final)

10. Quality and formatting standards

  • Reports follow UNEG quality standards; clear logic from findings → conclusions → prioritized recommendations (SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time‑bound).
  • Plain, professional language; minimal jargon; consistent terminology (e.g., standard operating procedures, survivor centred).
  • Visuals: simple charts/tables with titles and sources; ensure accessibility (alt text; readable fonts).
  • Citations/references for all secondary sources used.

11. Specifications of roles

Governance & roles

While the evaluation is managed/commissioned by IOM, the external evaluator will have full independence over the evaluation design, data collection, analysis, findings, conclusions and recommendations, in line with IOM Evaluation Policy (IN/266)

Evaluation Manager (IOM): Owns the Terms of Reference (ToR), manages the contract, ensures quality and compliance (incl. IOM Data Protection), approves inception and final reports.

Project Focal Point (IOM): Provides documents and monitoring data, facilitates access to stakeholders, coordinates logistics, co‑organizes validation/presentation events.

Evaluator: Leads methodology, data collection/analysis, reporting, and delivery.

Subject Specialists (e.g., CTIP/legal; M&E/data): Provide technical analysis (SOP uptake, prosecution practice, survey/VfM).

National Researcher/Interpreter (as needed): Local access, scheduling, translation, note‑taking.

Evaluation Reference Group (ERG): IOM, donor (as relevant), and Government focal points (e.g., IMCCTiP/PGO/MIA). Advises inception, facilitates access, and reviews key deliverables.

Stakeholder Focal Points (GoT institutions): Coordinate interviews, share non‑confidential data, and confirm factual accuracy.

Donor Focal Point: Provides inputs via IOM; ensures alignment with funding requirements.

Access & logistics

IOM shares a document package and introduces the evaluator to counterparts; institutional focal points support scheduling in Dushanbe and targeted oblasts; translation/venues arranged as needed.

Quality assurance (minimum)

ToR agreement between Evaluation Manager and evaluator (scope, methods, ethics, deliverables, timeline.)

Inception Report reviewed and approved by IOM (with ERG inputs).

Draft Report reviewed; evaluator addresses consolidated comments; Final Report approved by Evaluation Manager.

(Optional QA:brief progress update; validation workshop; comment‑resolution matrix.)

Independence & ethics

Evaluators operate independently, declare conflicts of interest, and adhere to IOM Data Protection Principles and UNEG Norms, Standards and Ethical Guidelines.

Communication

Single points of contact: Evaluation Manager (contract/QA). Brief check‑ins during fieldwork; issues escalated to the Evaluation Manager.

12. Time schedule

In Overall duration: The evaluation will be completed within 90 days after project completion. The plan below assumes ~12 weeks total from contract signature. Days shown are working days and indicate the evaluator’s level of effort unless noted otherwise. Exact dates will be finalized in the Inception Report.

Weeks 1–3 cover contracting, document handover, document review, and the Inception Report (with evaluation matrix/tools). Weeks 4–6 focus on data collection (key informant interviews, focus groups, short survey, case material review, observation where feasible) in Dushanbe and the three targeted oblasts. Weeks 7–9 cover analysis and draft reporting, followed by reviews, final report, evaluation brief, final presentation/user workshop, and management response drafting by IOM in Weeks 10–12.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

  • Masters in evaluation/social sciences/law/criminology/human rights (or related).

Experience

  • 7+ years leading mixed‑methods evaluations in justice/protection; strong use of evaluation matrix, contribution analysis, KIIs/FGDs, basic stats, and proportionate VfM.

  • Central Asia/Tajikistan experience; evaluation of ToT/Law Enforcement training; familiarity with NPA 2022–2024, 2025-2027 and TIP legal provisions.

Skills

  • CTIP focus: Proven expertise in counter‑trafficking with law‑enforcement/prosecution emphasis (identification, investigation, prosecution, referral, SOPs, non‑punishment).

  • Data/reporting: Experience with administrative data and national reporting; ICS‑TIP familiarity as an asset.

  • Ethics/standards: Full adherence to UNEG Norms/Standards & Ethical Guidelines, IOM Data Protection, Do No Harm, PSEA, AAP; robust consent/confidentiality practice.

  • Independence: No conflict of interest; formal COI declaration.

  • Communication: Clear reporting with actionable, time‑bound recommendations; strong presentation/facilitation.

  • Stakeholders: Effective engagement with stakeholders, Law Enforcement Agencies

  • Availability: Complete within 90 days post‑project; travel to Dushanbe and target oblasts.

Languages

For this consultancy, fluent English and professional Russian is required. Tajik is an asset.

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

Subission of application

What to submit: Cover letter (availability + daily fee), CV, Technical proposal, financial proposal (USD; taxes incl.; LOE), 2 sample evaluation reports (lead author), 3 references, signed COI/ethics declaration; (firms: registration/tax docs). 

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

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
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