National Consultant on Development of Simulation-Based Training Modules on Ethical Recruitment, Online Fraud and Cybercrime Prevention

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

The contract value will be determined based on the financial and technical proposal submitted by the selected consultant.

All travel-related costs, accommodation, local transportation, communications and any other expenses required for successful completion of the assignment shall be included within the consultant's proposed fee. No DSA will be paid separately by IOM.

1. Background

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is implementing activities under the Safe Migration and Reintegration Support for Central Asian Migrants under the UK Seasonal Worker Scheme Programme. The programme aims to promote safe labour migration, strengthen migrant protection mechanisms, and reduce vulnerability to trafficking in persons, labour exploitation, fraud and other migration-related risks.

The growing use of online platforms and social media for overseas job searches and recruitment has increased migrants’ exposure to cyber-enabled scams, identity theft, phishing attacks, fraudulent recruitment agencies, fake job advertisements, financial fraud and other forms of online deception. Prospective migrant workers often face difficulties distinguishing legitimate employment opportunities from fraudulent offers, increasing their vulnerability to exploitation and financial losses.

Recognizing these risks, IOM Kazakhstan, in partnership with the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) of the Republic of Kazakhstan, seeks to strengthen prevention efforts through innovative simulation-based learning tools that build practical skills in identifying, preventing and responding to online fraud and unethical recruitment practices.

The consultant is expected to possess demonstrable hands-on experience in personally developing, designing and/or delivering simulation-based training programmes, curricula,

learning products, behavioural learning interventions, or scenario-based exercises related to migration, cybercrime prevention, fraud prevention, ethical recruitment, trafficking in persons, law enforcement, or related fields. IOM intends to engage an expert who will directly undertake the substantive work under this consultancy rather than primarily coordinating, facilitating or outsourcing the technical development of the products to third parties.

The consultancy will support the development of two complementary training products:

1. A simulation-based training module for prospective migrant workers focusing on safe migration, ethical recruitment and online fraud prevention;

2. A simulation-based training module for the Ministry of Internal Affairs and relevant frontline specialists focusing on fraud typologies, cybercrime prevention, victim identification, investigation support and migrant protection mechanisms.

The modules shall be based on realistic cases and fraud typologies encountered in Kazakhstan and incorporate practical prevention, referral and reporting mechanisms.

2. Objective of the Consultancy

To develop two-fold interactive simulation-based training modules that enable prospective migrant workers and relevant government stakeholders to identify, prevent and respond to online fraud, cyber-enabled recruitment scams and unethical recruitment practices through realistic simulations based on actual cases and typologies shared by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and other relevant stakeholders.

Responsibilities

3. Scope of Work

The consultant shall personally lead and undertake the core technical tasks associated with the assignment, including research, instructional design, scenario development, module development, simulation design, validation and finalization. Any external support or specialized contributions shall be disclosed in advance and shall not replace the consultant's own substantive technical contribution or responsibility for the quality and completeness of deliverables.

Under the overall supervision of IOM Kazakhstan and in close coordination with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and relevant project stakeholders, the consultant shall:

A. Research and Stakeholder Consultations

• Review national legislation, policies, strategies and institutional mechanisms related to labour migration, ethical recruitment, cybercrime prevention, trafficking in persons and online fraud.

• Conduct and document consultations with relevant Ministries, experts, practitioners and institutions to validate the realism and practical applicability of the proposed simulation scenarios and fraud typologies.

• Review existing training materials and awareness-raising products.

• Identify key fraud typologies, cybercrime trends and online recruitment risks affecting migrants in Kazakhstan.

• Prepare a brief typology mapping report summarizing key risks and learning needs.

B. Development of Training Architecture

• Develop a detailed simulation methodology demonstrating how participants will engage with decision-making pathways, consequences, learning feedback loops, scenario progression and assessment mechanisms.

• Design learning objectives, competency frameworks and assessment approaches.

• Develop a scenario-based learning structure using realistic migration and recruitment pathways.

• Ensure all content aligns with international ethical recruitment principles and Kazakhstan's legal framework.

C. Development of Simulation Module for Prospective Migrants

The consultant shall develop a practical simulation-based module for prospective migrant workers that equips participants with the skills required to safely navigate online recruitment processes.

The module shall cover, at minimum:

Topic 1. Safe Labour Migration and Ethical Recruitment

• Principles of ethical recruitment;

• How to verify recruiters and employers;

• Worker rights and responsibilities;

• Red flags during recruitment.

Topic 2. Fraudulent Online Job Advertisements

• Fake recruitment agencies;

• Unrealistic job offers;

• Social media recruitment scams;

• Verification techniques.

Topic 3. Identity Theft and Personal Data Protection

• Phishing attacks;

• Fraudulent websites;

• Safe document sharing;

• Protection of personal information.

Topic 4. Financial Fraud and Online Payments

• Recruitment fee scams;

• Fake visa and permit services;

• Fraudulent financial transactions;

• Safe payment practices.

Topic 5. Reporting and Assistance Mechanisms

• Reporting fraud;

• Preserving evidence;

• Available support services in Kazakhstan;

• Referral mechanisms.

D. Development of Simulation Module for the Ministry of Internal Affairs

The consultant shall develop a specialized simulation-based training module tailored for representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and other frontline specialists.

The module shall cover, at minimum:

Topic 1. Emerging Fraud Trends Affecting Migrants

• Current online fraud schemes;

• Cyber-enabled recruitment scams;

• Regional and international trends.

Topic 2. Victim Identification and Protection

• Indicators of fraud and exploitation;

• Vulnerability factors;

• Referral pathways;

• Protection-sensitive approaches.

Topic 3. Cybercrime Prevention and Response

• Evidence collection considerations;

• Digital fraud reporting;

• Prevention mechanisms;

• Coordination between relevant institutions.

Topic 4. Ethical Recruitment Frameworks

• International recruitment standards;

• Due diligence considerations;

• Preventive approaches.

Topic 5. Institutional Response Simulations

• Multi-agency coordination exercises;

• Case management simulations;

• Response planning exercises.

E. Development of Interactive Fraud Scenarios

The consultant shall develop a package of not less than seven (7) interactive simulation scenarios based on fraud typologies and online scams identified by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Each scenario shall include:

• Scenario narrative and script;

• Learning objectives;

• Decision-making pathways;

• Multiple outcome options;

• Facilitator notes;

• Participant instructions;

• Discussion guide;

• Debriefing questions;

• Key learning messages;

• Referral and reporting mechanisms;

• Visual storyboard.

Required Scenarios

Scenario 1. Fake Overseas Job Offer

A migrant encounters an attractive online job advertisement offering unusually high salaries and favourable conditions.

Scenario 2. Identity Theft and Data Harvesting Scam

A prospective worker is requested to provide passport information, banking details and personal documents through fraudulent channels.

Scenario 3. Visa and Documentation Fraud

A migrant receives offers of expedited visas and work permits in exchange for online payments.

Scenario 4. Recruitment Fee Scam

A recruiter demands excessive placement fees, deposits and undocumented service payments.

Scenario 5. Social Media Recruitment Fraud

Fake recruiters use social media and messaging platforms to target migrant workers.

Scenario 6. Financial Scam Targeting Migrants

Fraudsters request payments through fraudulent links, fake banking platforms or cryptocurrency schemes.

Scenario 7. Reporting and Response Simulation

Participants navigate fraud reporting procedures, evidence preservation and referral mechanisms through an interactive decision-making exercise.

F. Validation and Finalization

The consultant shall:

• Organize and facilitate validation workshops with IOM, MIA and relevant stakeholders;

• Pilot selected simulation exercises;

• Incorporate feedback received during validation sessions;

• Finalize all training products;

• Prepare implementation guidance and facilitator manuals

4. Deliverables

5. Performance Indicators

• Timely completion of all agreed deliverables.

• Development of two comprehensive simulation-based training modules.

• Development of at least seven interactive fraud scenarios.

• Quality and relevance of fraud typologies and learning content.

• Successful integration of ethical recruitment and cybercrime prevention principles.

• Incorporation of MIA and IOM feedback.

• Practical applicability of the modules for awareness-raising and capacity-building activities.

• Quality of reporting and documentation in accordance with IOM standards.

Qualifications

6. Education and Experience

Education

Master's degree from an accredited academic institution in Law, Criminology, Cybersecurity, Information Security, Public Administration, Migration Studies, Social Sciences, Education, Communications or a related field.

Experience

At least five years of relevant professional experience in cybercrime prevention, fraud prevention, ethical recruitment, trafficking in persons prevention, migration governance, behavioural learning design, curriculum development, simulation-based learning or related fields; experience working with law enforcement institutions, government agencies, international organizations or donor-funded projects is highly desirable, while demonstrated knowledge of migration challenges, online fraud risks and migrant protection mechanisms in Kazakhstan is considered a strong advantage.

The consultant will also be selected based on:

• Proven experience personally designing and developing simulation-based learning products, scenario-based exercises, interactive training programmes, serious games, behavioural learning interventions or comparable educational tools;

• Demonstrated experience producing original training curricula, facilitator guides, participant manuals, case studies, simulations or learning materials developed directly by the consultant;

• Experience working directly with government institutions, law enforcement agencies, migration authorities, international organizations or development partners on related thematic areas;

• Strong understanding of cyber-enabled fraud, online scams, ethical recruitment, labour migration pathways and migrant protection issues within the Kazakhstan context.

7. Languages

Required: Kazakh and Russian.

Desirable: English.

8. Competencies

Strong analytical, research, facilitation, training design, stakeholder engagement and report-writing skills, with demonstrated ability to develop innovative learning products, work independently, meet deadlines and maintain a high level of professionalism and integrity.

9. Intellectual Property and Data Protection

All materials, training modules, scenarios, scripts, participant materials, facilitator manuals, reports and other products developed under this consultancy shall become the exclusive property of IOM. The consultant shall not reproduce, distribute or use any products developed under this assignment without prior written authorization from IOM.

The consultant shall comply with IOM data protection principles and applicable data protection requirements, ensuring confidentiality and appropriate handling of any information obtained during implementation of this assignment.

10. Evaluation Criteria

Technical Proposal

The technical proposal should include:

• Understanding of the assignment and proposed methodology;

• Approach to simulation-based learning design;

• Methodology for development of migrant and MIA training modules;

• Approach to incorporation of fraud typologies and cybercrime prevention principles;

• Proposed stakeholder engagement methodology;

• Workplan and indicative timeline;

• CV demonstrating relevant qualifications and experience.

Financial Proposal

The financial proposal shall provide:

• A lump-sum consultancy fee in KZT;

• Confirmation that all consultancy-related expenses are included in the proposed fee.

Evaluation Methodology

Technical Evaluation (70 Points)

Financial Evaluation (30 Points)

Financial Score = (Lowest evaluated financial proposal / Candidate's financial proposal) × 30

Final Score = Technical Score (70%) + Financial Score (30%).

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