Consultant Type B. Research on secondary movements and mobility patterns within the European Union, focusing on Sweden as a destination

Job Description

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. 

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Europe continues to experience evolving migration dynamics across interconnected routes, with increasing evidence of secondary movements within the European Union, including onward migration toward Nordic countries such as Sweden. While existing data provides insights into initial migration intentions, EU entry channels, and known migrant populations in Sweden, there remains limited understanding of how and why some migrants alter their intended destinations after departure, during transit or after residence in another EU country.

This research is situated within IOM’s Route-Based Approach (RBA), which emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of migration dynamics across origin, transit, and destination countries. Key corridors of interest include the Central Mediterranean route, the Eastern Mediterranean/Western Balkans route, and the Central Asia–Nordics corridor. Findings from previous research indicate that migration trajectories are often non-linear, with migrants frequently residing in or transiting through multiple countries before reaching their intended destination.

To address these knowledge gaps, IOM will conduct research on secondary movements within the EU, focusing on migration routes, key inflection points and shifts in intentions along the migration journey, decision-making processes, and the role of irregular migration networks in shaping onward movement to Sweden. The study will generate evidence to support policy development and operational programming.  

To this end, IOM will hire a research consultant, who will assist IOM to conduct desk analysis and research design, collect and process primary data through key-informant interviews and interviews with migrants, and analyse findings in a final written report.  

IOM will mainstream gender throughout the project design, implementation, and reporting. The collection, storing and handling of data will be done in full compliance with IOM's Data Protection Principles. 
 

Project Context and Scope

Under the overall coordination of the IOM Regional Office (Data and Research Unit) in Vienna, Austria, and under the direct supervision of the relevant project manager, the consultant will lead the design and implementation of a mixed-methods research study on secondary movements to Sweden.

The consultant will generate evidence-based insights into migration trajectories, drivers, and factors associated with onward movements within the EU, with a particular focus on Sweden as a destination. The consultant will undertake the following main deliverables:

Lead the research work and ensure timely deliverables of indicated tasks and close coordination with IOM during the whole period of research.

Using the IOM approved data collection tools, conduct desk-analysis, key informant-interviews with relevant stakeholders, and in-depth-interviews with migrants.

Draft and finalize final report based on obtained findings, including the results of desk-analysis and interviews.  

Develop the final report in line with IOM brand guidelines.  
 

Responsibilities

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Postgraduate degree, preferably in Research, Migration Studies, Law, Diaspora Studies, Social Sciences, Sociology, or other related fields from an accredited academic institution with at least five years of relevant professional experience; or
• Undergraduate degree preferably in Research, Migration Studies, Law, Diaspora Studies, Social Sciences, Sociology, or other related fields from an accredited academic institution, with seven years of relevant professional experience. 

Experience

• Experience in planning and conducting research, studies and other evidence-generating activities is a must.
• Experience in designing and delivering sessions (presentations) at workshops and other meetings is a must.
• Demonstrated professional experience on migration-related topics, human rights, law, and/or governance is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated professional experience related to migration studies is highly desirable.
• Experience in liaising with government institutions, diaspora organizations, academia, civil society organizations, UN agencies and/or other international organizations as well as migration-related stakeholders is an asset. 

Skills

• Sound understanding of research and desk-review analysis.
• Excellent proven analytical and communication skills, including presentation skills.
• Excellent organizational and creative thinking skills.
• Excellent time-management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Ms Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. 

Languages

For this consultancy, fluency in English is required. Fluency in another UN language is an asset. 

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, 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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