Key Responsibilities

Tasks to be performed under this contract

In line with the above objectives of the assignment, the consultant will conduct the following activities:

The specific tasks of this assignment are to:

1. Conduct an assessment on Gambian diaspora relations by performing a desk review of relevant research studies and policies regarding diaspora engagement (such as The RF-National Development Plan (2023-2027) Gambia’s Migration Profiles and the National Migration Policy, Labour Migration Strategy, etc.) to obtain a more in-depth understanding of the relationship between The Gambia and its diaspora.
2. Conduct meetings with representatives of the Government of The Gambia, diasporic organizations, and Gambian diaspora members with a view to explore and confirm the priorities for the different sectors, as it relates to diasporic contributions and engagement.
3. Arrange and conduct meetings with private sector and civil society groups to identify opportunities for diaspora investment and partnerships that support The Gambia”s national development priorities.
4. Develop a feasibility study to examine the most appropriate and effective means of coordinating and encouraging diaspora contributions based on information obtained from desk review and stakeholder meetings, ensuring the inclusion of gender considerations.
5. Draft an effective strategy for the successful engagement of the Gambian diaspora including recommendations of potential synergies with other existing sectoral policies (ex: trade and investment, etc.)
6. Create a detailed action plan with specific activities, timelines, roles, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure effective and sustained implementation of the Diaspora Engagement Strategy.
7. Participate in the launch event for the final report and handover of the strategy both in soft and hard copies, including a slide deck presenting the summary of the strategy.
9. Participate in meetings, workshops, and other events linked to this assignment as necessary.

Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment: 

• Inception report and consultancy methodology

• Draft strategy and its plan of action after data collection, summarizing the study’s methodology and specifying any limitations/complications and changes to the initial design.

• Pre-validation

• Final Draft

• Validation

Key Activities and Deliverables 

The Consultancy will submit the following reports within the designated timeframe. The receipt and approval of each deliverable are subject to approval by the Government of The Gambia and IOM:

Deliverables: Timeline

Submit inception report in preparation for The Gambia Diaspora Policy and/or strategy: within 7 days of signing the contract

Conduct consultations with NCM TWGs, relevant stakeholders and IOM The Gambia in preparations for Gambia’s Diaspora Policy.: Within 30 days after signing the contract

Interview with key stakeholders based in The Gambia (IOM The Gambia will support in making an appointment for the consultant): Within 40 days after signing the contract

Interview with diaspora identified by IOM / MoFA (either email, telephone, visit): Within 50 days after signing the contract

Present the first draft of the Updated Diaspora Strategy and its Plan of Action to the Migration and Development Technical Working Group.: Within 65 days after signing the contract

Revised the draft Updated Diaspora Strategy and its Plan of Action based on the inputs of the Migration and Development Technical Working Group and other relevant stakeholders: Within 70 days after signing the contract

Present the final draft to high level officials, mainly those from the NCM.: Within 90 days after signing the contract

Submit the final The Gambia Diaspora Policy and slides deck presenting its summary to IOM: Within 100 days after signing the contract

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

Satisfactory completion of tasks indicated.

Quality of elaborate analysis.

Timely delivery of outlines and the final draft.

Compliance with IOM/MoFA House style Guidelines.

Delivery of any other charges shown above

Required Qualifications

Education

• Advanced university master’s degree in international relations, Political Science, and International Development or other relevant fields.

Experience and Skills

• Minimum of 10+ years of relevant professional experience in migration and development within West and Central African Region.
• Experience in provision of policy or strategic plan advisory services to government counterparts

• Demonstrated substantive experience in conducting research in the field of diaspora engagement, youth employment, skills development, vocational education, and/or training for sustainable development.

• Strong knowledge of migration dynamics in The Gambia.

• Existing network and engagement with The Gambian diaspora in Spain will be considered an asset

• Good interpersonal and communication skills.

• Ability to work independently after consultations.

• Personal commitment, efficiency, and desire to achieve results.

• Prior experience of working with the UN and/or international organisations will be considered as an asset.

Languages

• Excellent written and spoken English; along with fluency in local languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish.

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 three 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

1. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
2. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies