Job Description
Introduction
Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency on migration. It works closely with governments, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, providing services, technical assistance, and policy advice to both migrants and States.
In Ethiopia, IOM supports the Government of Ethiopia (GoE) to reduce protection risks and respond to the needs of the most vulnerable populations. Its programming is guided by a rights-based approach that prioritizes safety, dignity, and accountability, while ensuring meaningful participation of affected individuals and communities. IOM is also committed to upholding child safeguarding principles and preventing sexual exploitation and abuse across all its interventions.
Within this framework, the Protection Unit plays a central role in ensuring that the rights, safety, and dignity of migrants and displaced populations are upheld through a “do no harm” approach. It delivers both mainstreamed and specialized protection services, including child protection, prevention and response to gender-based violence, mental health and psychosocial support, counter-trafficking assistance, and support to vulnerable migrants through return and reintegration programmes. In addition, the unit strengthens national systems by building the capacity of government and partners, supporting policy development, enhancing referral mechanisms, and engaging communities to reduce protection risks and promote safer migration.
East Hararghe is one of Ethiopia’s major migration-prone areas along the Eastern migration route, characterized by recurrent irregular migration, return migration, youth unemployment, limited livelihood opportunities, climate-related shocks, and socio-economic vulnerabilities. To address these challenges, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with government institutions, implementing partners, and local communities, has implemented a range of livelihood, community-based reintegration (CBR), and individual reintegration interventions aimed at improving economic self-reliance, strengthening community resilience, and promoting sustainable reintegration of returnees. These interventions have included the establishment and support of cooperatives, provision of livelihood assets and entrepreneurship and skills training, community infrastructure support, business development initiatives, and individual economic reintegration assistance across several woredas of East Hararghe.
Over the years, these interventions have contributed to improved access to livelihood opportunities in target areas and enhanced community involvement in reintegration processes. However, recent monitoring findings, field observations, and stakeholder consultations indicate that several cooperatives and livelihood initiatives are facing challenges related to profitability, operational functionality, governance, member participation, access to finance, market linkages, and long-term sustainability after the completion of IOM interventions. In addition, infrastructure limitations such as inadequate access to electricity, water, transportation, and communication services continue to constrain the growth and competitiveness of some livelihood initiatives. Furthermore, under the upcoming interventions, IOM is keen to ensure local socio-economic contexts, livelihood systems, migration dynamics, and market opportunities, as well as the degree of coordination and integration among relevant IOM units and external stakeholders including the local government are taken into consideration during intervention design and implementation.
Against this backdrop, the proposed assessment seeks to generate evidence on the livelihood and socio-economic context of East Hararghe, including existing livelihood zones, business opportunities, priority sectors, migration and re-migration dynamics, and community knowledge, attitudes, and practices that may influence reintegration outcomes. The assessment will examine the root causes of prior underperformance, assess the viability and sustainability of existing livelihood and cooperative models, identify feasible and scalable CBR business approaches for returnees and host communities, document lessons learned and good practices, and provide practical recommendations to strengthen future programming, sustainability strategies, and investment decisions aimed at achieving durable reintegration outcomes in East Hararghe.
Responsibilities
1. Conduct a contextual analysis livelihood systems, economic opportunities, migration and re-migration dynamics, and community knowledge, attitudes, and practices relevant to reintegration in East Hararge.
2. Assess the technical, financial, and commercial viability of existing CBR/CBP cooperative business models and other livelihood interventions such as planned Enterprise Development Fund (EDF).
3. Evaluate the performance, outcomes, and sustainability of existing livelihood and reintegration interventions and identify the root causes of underperformance, if any.
4. Explore linkages between livelihood opportunities, TVETs, JJob Centres, and sectors/business models that the communities and government stakeholders consider to be the best fit for the areas of intervention.
5. Assess the effectiveness of intervention design, participant selection and targeting, stakeholder engagement, and participation throughout the programme cycle.
6. Examine governance and coordination structures, institutional capacities, and the contributions of government institutions, implementing partners, and community stakeholders to programme sustainability.
7. Assess the effectiveness of internal IOM coordination and the application of integrated and multi-sectoral programming approaches as well as external coordination between IOM, the government counterparts, communities and other stakeholders.
8. Provide stakeholder mapping to inform programme design and future engagement.
9. Identify good practices, lessons learned, and scalable livelihood models that can strengthen sustainable reintegration outcomes in East Hararghe.
10. Develop evidence-based recommendations to improve the sustainability, profitability, scalability, and impact of future interventions.
Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
Key assessment questions
Below are the list of key questions the assessment needs to address or respond to.
1. What are the key socio-economic, livelihood, and migration dynamics in East Hararghe, and what livelihood opportunities and business models are most viable for returnees and host communities?
2. To what extent are existing livelihood and reintegration interventions achieving their intended results and demonstrating sustainability?
3. What factors contribute to intervention success, and what are the root causes of underperformance and sustainability challenges?
4. Were programme design, participant targeting, stakeholder engagement, and participation adequate and responsive to the local context and needs?
5. How effective are the governance arrangements, institutional capacities, and stakeholder contributions in supporting intervention performance and sustainability?
6. Are Bureau of Labor and Skills departments, decentralized agro-departments and any other relevant decentralized services supporting similar types of intervention? Is technical and monitoring support available? What are the identified bottlenecks and promising practices?
7. How many TVTs operate in East Hararghe? What are the core trainings available and modalities (i.e., enrolment, duration, certification, costs). How are training curriculum designed (respond to labor market demand?). Could TVT trainers support communities in designing relevant community projects whenever technically relevant?
8. To what extent did internal IOM coordination and integrated programming approaches influence intervention design, implementation, and outcomes?
9. To what extent did external IOM coordination and stakeholder engagement influence intervention design, implementation, and outcomes?
10. Are the existing CBR/CBP cooperative models technically, financially, commercially, and operationally viable?
11. What lessons learned, good practices, and recommendations can strengthen the sustainability, scalability, and effectiveness of future reintegration and livelihood interventions?
12. What contextual factors (e.g., insecurity, climate shocks, drought, market volatility, inflation, social tensions, or migration trends) have affected programme implementation, participant commitment, and sustainability?
13. To what extent are CBR/CBP interventions aligned with local market demand, value chains, and employment opportunities, and what barriers limit participants' access to markets, finance, inputs, and business development services?
14. How effectively are returnees, host communities, women, youth, and other vulnerable groups being integrated into CBR/CBP interventions, and are there any exclusion or social cohesion concerns affecting outcomes?
15. What are the key challenges faced by programme participants after project support ends, and what coping strategies are they using to sustain their livelihoods and reintegration outcomes?
16. What are the major differences between the processes and outcomes of IOM direct implementation and implementing partner implemented interventions when it comes to CBR?
17. To what extent have community ownership, local leadership, and government engagement contributed to the sustainability of CBR/CBP initiatives, and what gaps remain?
18. How functional are the established cooperatives, or community structures in terms of governance, financial management, member participation, and service delivery?
19. What protection-related risks and migration drivers continue to affect beneficiaries and communities, and how do these influence the sustainability of reintegration outcomes?
20. Are monitoring, mentoring, and post-establishment support mechanisms adequate to ensure business continuity and long-term sustainability of community-based reintegration initiatives?
21. What factors explain variations in performance between different cooperatives, livelihood sectors, geographical locations, or implementing approaches within East Hararghe?
22. What modifications to the current CBR/CBP model would be necessary to improve cost-effectiveness, ownership, scalability, and long-term socio-economic impact in East Hararghe?
23. Who are the key stakeholders influencing the success, sustainability, and scalability of CBR/CBP interventions in East Hararghe, and what are their respective levels of interest, influence, capacity, and commitment? How have stakeholder relationships, coordination mechanisms, and contributions affected project outcomes?
Assessment Methodology
The assessment will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis techniques to generate comprehensive evidence on the socio-economic context, livelihood opportunities, migration dynamics, programme performance, and sustainability of livelihood and reintegration interventions in East Hararghe. Quantitative data will be generated through a community survey and desk review of relevant project documents, while qualitative data will be collected through Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and direct observations, specifically engagement with all levels, starting from regional, zonal, woreada and kebele levels. The integration of multiple data sources will facilitate triangulation and enhance the validity and reliability of findings.
4.1. Data Collection Methods
A. Desk Review
Prior to fieldwork, the consultant will conduct a comprehensive review of relevant project documents, implementing partner progress reports, IOM monitoring reports, assessments, evaluations, and project design documents. The review will focus on project relevance, implementation performance, outcomes, sustainability, lessons learned, good practices, and operational challenges.
B. Community survey
A structured community survey will be conducted to generate quantitative data on socio-economic conditions, livelihood opportunities, knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP), migration and re-migration dynamics, perceptions of reintegration, business opportunities, market access, and factors affecting the sustainability of livelihood interventions. The survey will also help identify viable livelihood options and business models for returnees and host communities.
The survey sample size will be determined using the Cochran formula, applying a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error to ensure statistical validity and representativeness.
C. Key Informant Interviews (KIIs)
KIIs will be conducted with implementing partners, government officials, cooperative leaders, community representatives, and other relevant stakeholders to obtain in-depth insights into project performance, sustainability, governance, stakeholder engagement, coordination mechanisms, and livelihood opportunities.
Key informants will include:
•Implementing Partner programme managers, officers, and technical focal points.
•Regional, zonal, woreda and kebele government officials and technical experts including from Job Center, TVT(s) and agro-services.
•Cooperative leaders and community representatives.
•Other relevant reintegration, livelihood, and humanitarian actors that are identified as a result of the key stakeholder mapping required to be delivered under this consultancy.
A semi-structured KII guide will be developed based on the assessment objectives and key questions.
D. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs)
FGDs will be conducted with programme participants, cooperative members, returnees, and host community members to explore experiences, perceptions, opportunities, challenges, community attitudes, migration intentions, sustainability of outcomes, and recommendations for future interventions. FDGs will also be conducted with partners, including representatives from regional, zonal, woreda and kebele government officials and technical experts and other actors identified as relevant by the key stakeholder mapping to be delivered under this consultancy. Where feasible, FGDs will also be conducted with non-participants to facilitate comparative analysis and better understand contextual factors influencing programme performance.
E. Observation
Field visits and observations will be undertaken to assess the operational status, functionality, utilization, profitability potential, and sustainability of project-supported infrastructures, businesses, cooperatives, and livelihood activities. Observation findings will be used to validate information gathered through desk reviews, surveys, KIIs, and FGDs. A standardized field visit and observation checklist will be developed to ensure consistency across assessment sites.
4.2 Data Analysis and Reporting
Quantitative and qualitative data will undergo systematic cleaning, verification, and quality assurance processes to ensure accuracy, consistency, and reliability. Quantitative data will be analyzed using Excel and other appropriate analytical tools to generate descriptive statistics and identify key trends and patterns. Qualitative data from KIIs, FGDs, observations, and document reviews will be analyzed using thematic content analysis.
Findings from all data sources will be triangulated to strengthen the credibility and validity of conclusions. The assessment will culminate in a comprehensive analytical report presenting key findings, lessons learned, good practices, challenges, and actionable recommendations. Where relevant, findings will be disaggregated by intervention modality, stakeholder category, geographic location, implementing partner, and beneficiary group to support evidence-based decision-making and future programming.
Learning and action planning
Following the assessment, IOM will convene a Learning and Action Planning Workshop to validate findings and reflect on the performance, sustainability, viability, stakeholder engagement, and coordination of livelihood, CBR, CBP, and reintegration interventions in East Hararghe. Discussions will be guided by two key questions: (i) What worked well, and why? and (ii) What did not work well, and why? The workshop will identify key success factors, good practices, implementation challenges, and root causes of underperformance to inform future programming.
Based on the findings and lessons learned, the consultant will facilitate an Action Planning Session to develop a prioritized action plan outlining key recommendations, corrective measures, responsible actors, timelines, and resource requirements to strengthen programme performance, sustainability, and future investments in East Hararghe.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
Advanced university degree (master’s degree preferred) in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Public Policy, Economics, Public Administration, Migration Studies, Humanitarian Studies, or other related fields.
Experience
• Minimum 7 years of relevant professional experience for candidates with a Master's degree, or 10 years for candidates with a bachelor’s degree.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting protection assessments, research studies, evaluations, and baseline assessments.
• Proven experience in livelihood, reintegration, and protection programming.
• Previous work experience in East Hararghe is highly desirable.
• Experience collaborating with implementing partners, government counterparts, and protection, reintegration, and humanitarian actors.
• Prior experience working with UN agencies, particularly IOM, is an advantage.
Skills
• Strong analytical and report-writing skills.
• Quantitative and qualitative research expertise.
• Data analysis and interpretation.
• Stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Travel required
The primary duty station for the assignment will be Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with possible travel to with field travel to assessment sites in East Hararghe, Oromia Region, subject to the agreed methodology, institutional authorization and operational requirements. All travel arrangements must be coordinated with IOM in advance.
Document required
Technical and Financial Proposal to be submitted along with the application
Languages: Fluency in English, Afaan Oromoo, and Amharic is required to effectively conduct interviews, facilitate discussions, and engage with diverse stakeholders throughout the assessment process.
Ethical Considerations
The consultant will adhere to humanitarian and safeguarding principles throughout the assessment process, ensuring informed consent, confidentiality, and the protection of personal data. Data collection will be conducted in a gender-sensitive, inclusive, and respectful manner, in full compliance with applicable data protection and ethical standards.
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: 4 Months
Org Type: Country Office
Vacancy Type: Call for Expression of Interest
Recruiting Type: Consultant
Grade: NO-A
Is this S/VN based in an L3 office or in support to an L3 emergency response?: No