Consultant to Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) aimed at enhancing social integration, inclusion, and cohesion of Afghan nationals in Kazakhstan.

Job Description

Established in 1951, IOM, the UN Migration Agency, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM established its office in Kazakhstan in 1997. Since then, the Organization has been promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefits of all, providing services and advice to the governement as well as to migrants. As the Country Office with Coordinating Functions for Central Asia, the IOM mission in Kazakhstan helps to address specific sub-regional migration issues and emerging trends in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, establishing priorities for project development in the country offices in the context of sub-regional strategies, policies and consultative processes. 

The regional project “Improving Migration Governance and Access to Services for Displaced Afghans in Pakistan and Central Asia” funded by Canadian Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canda (IRCC) focuses on supporting regional institutions and communities to address immediate protection and humanitarian needs of Afghan nationals and local communities, mitigate the mid-term impact of the crisis on societies in the region, and support recovery and resilience for longer-term sustainable development.

Under Activity KZ.1.1.1, IOM will provide technical support to the Government of Kazakhstan to develop and implement SOPs aimed at enhancing the social integration, inclusion, and cohesion of Afghan nationals in Kazakhstan, in line with IOM’s Essentials of Migration Management (EMM) 2.0 and the national Migration Policy.

As one of the main destination countries for Afghan migrants in Central Asia, Kazakhstan is taking steps to integrate inclusive migration governance approaches. The SOPs will provide practical guidance for relevant government bodies and local stakeholders—such as the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population, the Ministry of Culture and Information, local authorities, UN Women, and civil society organizations—on improving Afghan migrants’ access to services and participation in local communities.

The SOPs will be uploaded to the national online portal migration.enbek.kz and mainstreamed into existing migration and social inclusion programmes.

LMD / IS.0220

Responsibilities

Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment:

to develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that enhance social integration, inclusion, and cohesion of Afghan nationals in Kazakhstan.

Deliverables: 

Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that enhance the social integration, inclusion, and cohesion of Afghan nationals in Kazakhstan, in line with IOM’s Essentials of Migration Management (EMM) 2.0 and the national Migration Policy.

Tasks to be performed and deliverables

The Consultant will ensure that the SOPs are aligned with IOM’s Essentials of Migration Management (EMM) 2.0, IOM’s Integration Framework, and the Republic of Kazakhstan’s Migration Policy Concept, while promoting a rights-based, gender-responsive, and community-centered approach.

Inception and Planning

• Conduct an initial desk review of:

  • IOM’s Essentials of Migration Management (EMM) 2.0 modules relevant to integration, inclusion, and community engagement;
  • The Migration Policy Concept of Kazakhstan (2023–2027) and related regulations;
  • Existing IOM project documents and integration activities targeting Afghan nationals and host communities.

• Prepare an Inception Report outlining the methodology, consultation plan, and structure for the SOPs. Identify key institutions, partners, and stakeholders engaged in Afghan inclusion and social cohesion activities – 1^st deliverable by 31 May 2026

• Conduct targeted consultations and focus group discussions with:

  • Government agencies (e.g., Ministries of Labour, Internal Affairs, Education, Health, and local authorities);
  • Civil society organizations and community-based groups;
  • Afghan community representatives and local host communities. - 

and map existing service delivery pathways, referral mechanisms, and cooperation frameworks, Identify strengths, gaps, and best practices in promoting Afghan integration and social cohesion. - 2^nd deliverable by 15 June 2026

• Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that operationalize cooperation and coordination among relevant stakeholders.
  The SOPs should clearly define:

  • Objectives and guiding principles (based on EMM 2.0 and human rights standards);
  • Roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder;
  • Procedures for inter-agency coordination, information sharing, and referral of Afghan nationals to services (education, employment, social protection, health, etc.);
  • Steps to promote community participation, gender equality, and conflict-sensitive engagement;
  • Monitoring, feedback, and accountability mechanisms. 
  • Present the draft SOPs to relevant national partners, local authorities, and IOM units for review and feedback. -  3^rd deliverable by 15 June 2026

• Facilitate a validation workshop with stakeholders to finalize the SOPs. – 4^th deliverable by June -July 2026

• Revise the SOPs based on feedback received and produce the final version in English and Russian (and/or Kazakh, as applicable) and prepare a Final Consultancy Report summarizing activities, methodology, key findings, and recommendations for sustainability and follow-up. – 5^th deliverable by end of August 2026

• The quality of and the timely completion of deliverables;

• Feedback from the IOM Project Management Team, Thematic Specialist and counterparts;

• Compliance with IOM House style guidelines;

• Compliance with Gender-sensitive research guidance;

• Compliance with IOM Data Protection Principles. 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, law, social sciences, marketing, business administration, journalism, sustainable development or a related field with five years of relevant professional experience;

Experience

• Proven experience in developing analytical works, preferably in migration related fields;
• At least 5 years of proven experience preferably in social research areas;
• Previous experience in conducting international research including using research techniques such as surveying, KIIs and Focus Groups;
• Knowledge and understanding of the relationship between migration and development and diaspora engagement;
• Advanced experience in drafting research tools and sampling frameworks, as well as data management and analysis;

• Experience in working with international organizations and UN agencies is an advantage;

• Previous experience in developing reports for national governments is an advantage.

Skills

• Strong and demonstrable interest in migration, and human rights. 
• Excellent writing, communication, and analytical skills.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.
• Litigation and dispute resolution
• Communication and negotiation skills
• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Time management and organization
• Attention to detail
• Adaptability and staying current with legal trends

Languages 

• Kazakh, Russian are required, English is an advantage

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 – behavioral 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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