JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Summary

Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

Key Responsibilities

• In close cooperation with IOM and SBC, other stakeholders as relevant, to conduct a comprehensive desk review of existing national legislative and operational frameworks and approaches to responding to increased migration at borders. This will also include international best practices in cross-agency cooperation and referral mechanisms in the context of increased arrivals of migrants, while also considering the identified needs of the Technical Task Force (TTF).
• To actively cooperate with and take part in the TTF meetings in order to identify and analyze needs and gaps in existing legal frameworks and cooperation inter-agency mechanisms in the area of responding to increased migration at borders that will inform the scope of the desk review and the internal regulatory document (standard operating procedures/recommendations/algorithm of action).
• To present the findings of the conducted desk review/stocktaking exercise to the Technical Task Force and gather inputs for an internal regulatory document, which could take the form of standard operating procedures, recommendations or an algorithm of action.
• In close cooperation with IOM, SBC, and the Technical Task Force, to develop a context-specific internal regulatory document, which could take the form of standard operating procedures, recommendations or an algorithm of action, to steer inter-agency cooperation in responding to increased migration at borders, including the effective referral of migrants, following the desk review of the existing national legislative frameworks and practices with best international practices and mechanism to be taken into consideration.
• Ensure that gender, age, and vulnerability considerations are mainstreamed in all stages of the review and document development, in line with human rights-based and protection-sensitive approaches.

To present the draft internal regulatory document to IOM, SBC, and the Technical Task Force and based on the TTF discussions and feedback, to revise and finalize the internal regulatory document for validation by the TTF members, ensuring that it is accompanied by a concise executive summary outlining key procedures, referral pathways, and institutional responsibilities to facilitate its dissemination and practical use by operational staff. The internal regulatory document should include entry points and specific recommendations to enhance the cross-agency border governance efforts of Belarus in crisis-affected settings, any gaps and changes necessary, map out the role of relevant national and international stakeholders in responding to increased arrivals of migrants, and define inter-agency referral pathways for migrants from the border area to support services.

It is expected that the external expert will ensure the delivery of the following key outputs in the period from late October 2025 to February 28, 2026:
1) A desk review of national legislative and operational frameworks available in Belarus related to increased migration at borders is conducted, in close cooperation with IOM, SBC, and relevant stakeholders. The desk review also integrates international best practices and reflects needs and gaps in existing Belarusian legal frameworks and cooperation inter-agency mechanisms in the area of responding to increased migration at borders identified by the Technical Task Force (TTF).
2) A context-specific internal regulatory document to steer inter-agency cooperation in responding to increased migration at borders (e.g., in the form of standard operating procedures, recommendations, or an algorithm of action) is developed in cooperation with IOM, SBC, and the TTF. The internal regulatory document includes:
relevant international practices and lessons learned;
identified gaps and necessary changes in the national frameworks;
roles of national and international stakeholders;
defined inter-agency referral pathways for migrants from the border to support services;
recommendations to enhance inter-agency coordination in response to increased migration at borders.
3) The draft internal regulatory document to steer inter-agency cooperation in responding to increased migration at borders is presented to the TTF, finalized based on their feedback and validated. The internal regulatory document includes an executive summary outlining key procedures, referral pathways, and institutional responsibilities to support effective implementation by operational staff.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Advanced university degree in social sciences (Migration, Law or another related subject) from an accredited educational institution;

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of work experience in the field of migration and border governance, including practical engagement with inter-agency coordination;
• Minimum of 5 years of proven experience in research and producing evidence-based policy and/or regulatory documents preferably in the field of migration and border governance, law, etc., developing SOPs, training modules, instructions, manuals, preparing training materials, etc.;

Skills

• Ability to conduct advocacy and capacity building events and fulfill the requirements described in the Terms of Reference ensuring practical applicability of outcomes;
• Advanced level of written and spoken English;
• Advanced level of written and spoken Russian would be an asset;
• Knowledge of the regional and/or national context is mandatory;
• Ability to work with the diverse group of stakeholders, including government representatives, civil society etc.

Languages:

• Fluency in English (oral and written) is required. Working knowledge of Russian would be 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 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. Vaccination against COVID-19 will be required for IOM personnel who are hired or otherwise engaged by IOM. As part of the mandatory medical entry on duty clearance, candidates may be requested to provide evidence of full vaccination.
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 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.
5. 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