Result of Service

The implementation of the policies on prevention of Trafficking in Persons in Africa (TIP ) and Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants in Africa.

Work Location

In person

Expected duration

12 months

Duties and Responsibilities

I. BACKGROUND International migration stands as one of the most significant societal transformations of our time. This phenomenon is shaped by a complex interplay of demographic, economic, social, political, and cultural elements across origin, transit, and destination countries. Since World War II, human mobility has surged markedly, largely driven by globalization, which has diminished geographic barriers and increased access to information opportunities abroad. Current estimates indicate that over 1 billion individuals are on the move globally, including approximately 250 million international migrants and 750 million domestic migrants. Countries have adopted diverse responses to rising migration levels. Some nations actively promote emigration to enhance remittances and engage their diaspora in developmental initiatives. Conversely, skepticism prevails in various countries, particularly those grappling with governance issues that contribute to economic decline and citizen flight. Overall, public opinion in receiving nations is polarized, with pro- and anti-immigration sentiments, complicating the political landscape. As noted by Collier (2015), migration policy discussions tend to be shaped more by conflicting values than by empirical evidence. The rise in irregular migration has highlighted the urgent need for sustainable reintegration strategies, multi-layered governance, and comprehensive migration management. To address these challenges, the African union in cooperation with various key stakeholders utilizes several key policy frameworks to guide its work which are as follows: – The revised Migration Policy Framework for Africa (2018): which serves as a crucial reference for governments and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) in devising migration policies. – The Addis Ababa Declaration on Population and Development (AADPD): which advocates for partnerships aimed at dismantling barriers and upholding migrant rights. – The Global Compact for Safe Regular and Orderly Migration: which outlines 23 objectives designed to harness migration’s potential for development, while tackling its associated challenges. This joint project, spearheaded by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the African Union Commission (AUC), focuses on six thematic areas concerning migration: 1. Economic Empowerment of migrant returnee women. 2. Improving Migration Statistics and legal identity for migrants in the East and Horn of Africa. 3. Providing Technical Support to the AUC migration governance facility. 4. Combating Trafficking and Smuggling along the Southern Migratory Route – the Joint Operations Initiative Against Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants on the Southern Migratory Route 5. Collecting Data on migrant health and infectious disease surveillance. 6. Promoting Free Movement and labour mobility across Africa. The specific aim of this Terms of Reference is to engage a consultant to implement thematic area #4, with a focus on supporting the Horn of Africa (HoA) region, which faces volatile and insecure conditions driving migration. The HoA continues to be a significant area of concern for irregular migration, characterized by large numbers of individuals migrating both regionally and internationally. The complex motivations behind migration vary widely—some flee political unrest and persecution, while others seek to escape resource scarcity, drought, food insecurity, and poverty. Although exact statistics on trafficking and smuggling are difficult to ascertain, it is estimated that between 2009 and 2013, 25,000 to 30,000 people in the HoA fell victim to trafficking. Furthermore, many irregular migrants rely on smugglers for their journeys, with the Regional Mixed Migration Secretariat indicating that at least 73% seek the assistance of smugglers. In light of the growing irregular migration phenomenon, the African Union has adopted/implemented various policy frameworks/declarations to mitigate these challenges, including: 1. The AU Migration Policy Framework for Africa. 2. The Policy on the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons in Africa. 3. The Policy on the Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants in Africa. 4. The Khartoum Declaration on the AU-Horn of Africa Initiative on Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants (October 2014), and 5. The Declaration on Migration (Assembly/AU/Decl.6(XXV)). These frameworks underscore the importance of strengthening regional and bilateral cooperation among Member States and organizations to effectively combat trafficking in persons and the smuggling of migrants. The Joint Operations Initiative Against Trafficking and Smuggling. The objective of the AU Joint Operations Initiative Against Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants on the Southern Migratory Route is to reduce instances of human trafficking and migrant smuggling through enhanced inter-country cooperation among law enforcement agencies (LEAs). The initiative seeks to support participating LEAs from countries including Botswana, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Somalia, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, each playing a role as source, transit, or destination points. Key actions encompass stakeholder consultations, joint planning, and coordinated operational activities, culminating in a comprehensive evaluation of the initiative to identify best practices and lessons learned for future endeavors. By addressing the complexities of cooperation among affected countries through a structured and well-coordinated regional operation, this initiative aims to mitigate the pressing challenges posed by irregular migration in the Horn of Africa.

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced degree (Master’s Degree) in the field of political/social science, international relations is required. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of 5 years of demonstrable experience in the areas of combating irregular migration in Africa, especially on issues of trafficking in person and smuggling of migrants. Experience in working in the law enforcement area on issues of transnational crime is highly desirable. An in-depth knowledge and specialization in the field of human trafficking and migrant smuggling in Africa.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in either working language is required. Knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.