DEVELOPMENT OF STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR COUNTERING SMUGGLING OF MIGRANTS (HOMEBASED, ABUJA NIGERIA)

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

Project Context and Scope

Smuggling of Migrants (SoM) remains a significant transnational crime affecting Nigeria as a country of origin, transit, and destination, particularly across regions characterized by porous borders and mixed migration flows. It poses serious risks to migrants’ safety, undermines border governance systems, and is often linked to organized crime networks. These factors collectively threaten national security, contribute to exploitation and human rights’ violation of migrants, and place significant strain on institutions. While Nigeria has several frameworks addressing migration management and transnational organized crime, the absence of an updated, practical, and operational Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) on combating SoM continues to hinder effective coordination among relevant actors. There is a critical need for a comprehensive SOP that clearly outline institutional roles, referral pathways, investigative procedures, data‑sharing mechanisms, interagency coordination, migrant protection standards aligned with national frameworks and international instruments, including the UN Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants (2000).

To support improved national response mechanisms, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) seeks to support the efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the NIS to strengthen institutional capacity to prevent, detect, investigate, and respond to SoM. The development of comprehensive, rights-based, and operational SOP will provide a standardised national framework guiding NIS, frontline officials and other relevant stakeholders in delivering coordinated, efficient, and protection-sensitive responses.

This initiative is implemented under the auspices of the CAPACITY Programme, funded by the Government of Denmark under the Danish Migration Management Programme (2024–2029). The Programme seeks to support Nigeria in enhancing migration governance through strengthened border management systems, improved identity management frameworks, and targeted institutional capacity-building interventions.

Responsibilities

• TANGIBLE AND MEASURABLE OUTPUT OF THE WORK ASSIGNMENT: 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• A master’s degree from an accredited academic institution in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, or a related field.

• A first-level university degree, combined with five additional years of relevant experience, may be accepted in place of a master’s degree.

Experience and Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in policy development and frameworks

• Verbal and written proficiency in English, knowledge of at least Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba or/and any other local dialect is an asset. 

• Strong Analytical, Communication and Reporting Skills

• Extensive work experience in migration protection, counter trafficking and migration governance.

• Ability to work with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds. 

• Excellent understanding of gender-related needs, perspectives, concerns, and participation.

• Willingness to travel

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANTS: Upon the advertisement of the Consultancy Notice, qualified individual consultants are expected to submit: 

• CV/Resume, indicating comprehensive experience in similar projects/assignments, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the candidate and at least three (3) professional references. 

• Technical Proposal (Narrative) detailing methodology approach for the consultancy. 

• Financial Proposal with detail breakdown of costs. 

  *Pre-selected candidates will be called for interviews. 

  *Applications without the adequate set of documents will not be considered in the selection process.

Travel Required

Yes (IOM will bear the cost of travel as per IOM standard)

Languages

Proficiency in English language (written and oral) - knowledge of at least Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba or/and any other local dialect is an asset. 

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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