Homebased Consultant – Study to Inform the Development of an EAC Regional Framework

Job Description

This Consultancy offer is only open to the East Africans of the Eight (8) Partner States of the EAC (i.e the Republics of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Somalia, DRC, Uganda and Tanzania).

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

1.0 BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

In early April 2026, the 13th Joint Meeting of the Sectoral Councils on Cooperation in Defence Affairs, Inter State Security and Foreign Policy Coordination adopted the Terms of Reference (ToR) for a consultant to undertake a comprehensive and inclusive study to inform the development of a framework on return and reintegration of stranded migrants originating from the East African Community (EAC) Partner States. The Joint Meeting noted the need to separate the consultant of the study from the one for development of the framework subject to availability of funds from the development Partner (EAC/JSC-13/Directive 045).

This initiative responds to the directive of the 14th Meeting of the EAC Sectoral Council on Foreign Policy Coordination held in April 2024, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. At the request of the EAC, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is providing technical, operational and financial support in this process.

The Migration Policy Framework for Africa (MPFA, 2018–2030) recommends best practices and standards for return, readmission, and sustainable reintegration. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 10.7) call for facilitating safe and voluntary return, while the Global Compact for Migration (GCM, Objective 21) highlights the need for cooperation on return and reintegration. IOM’s approach is summarized in the comprehensive IOM Policy on the Full Spectrum of Return, Readmission and Reintegration (RRR). Despite the existence of these frameworks, there remains a policy gap in the EAC region, resulting in fragmented standards, lack of accountability, and limited cooperation between states on return and reintegration. Accordingly, an RFRR is considered an essential pillar for sustainable migration management and regional integration. Such a framework will harmonize approaches, fill protection gaps, and maximize the benefits of return for individuals, communities, and the region.

1.1 Rationale

Migration is a complex phenomenon, and its effective management requires a rights-based approach requiring coordination and cooperation with relevant stakeholders at country, regional and global levels. States are primary actors and retain the right and responsibility for decisions pertaining to migration management and governance in line with international law. Yet, at international level, growing consensus has been directed towards recognizing that no State acting unilaterally is able to fully manage international migration.

The EAC continues to observe high volumes of migration flows as it is a region of origin, transit, and destination for thousands of migrants who cite the effects of climate change, conflict, and deteriorating socio-economic conditions as the main drivers of migration. Thousands of men, women, boys, and girls in the EAC region leave their countries of origin for various reasons, including but not limited to pursue better livelihood opportunities abroad. While some migrate to neighboring countries, a significant number migrate outside the region through regular channels with the help of employment agencies. However, a significant majority migrate in an irregular manner with help from smugglers and traffickers to countries in the region, the Gulf Countries, Middle East, Southeast Asia, Southern Africa, and Europe.

While some arrive at their preferred destination and secure employment, many remain stranded in transit and host countries in vulnerable situations and exposed to various forms of protection risks. Migrants are at risk of being stranded, coerced, discriminated against, or falling into irregularity despite entering through regular pathways. Returns to EAC countries occur both voluntarily and involuntarily. Voluntary returns may be spontaneous, self-organized, or assisted with financial and logistical support. Involuntary returns conducted by states are also common. Migrants often return in vulnerable conditions, facing stigma, unaddressed root causes, and inadequate reintegration support, which increases the likelihood of irregular re-migration.

2.0 PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSULTANCY

2.1 Purpose of the Consultancy

The EAC and IOM are seeking a consultant with expertise in research, analysis and policy development on return and reintegration of migrants to undertake a comprehensive study on existing return and reintegration policy, practices, gaps and opportunities in the EAC region to inform the development of the regional framework on return and reintegration of stranded migrants within the EAC. The framework shall establish common standards, guiding principles, and coordinated approaches to be adopted collectively by EAC Partner States in the governance of return and sustainable reintegration of migrants. The framework seeks to strengthen regional cooperation, enhance policy coherence, and promote rights-based, safe, orderly, and dignified return and reintegration processes in line with applicable international, continental, and regional legal and policy instruments.

2.2 Specific Objectives

The specific objectives of the consultancy are to:

1. review existing practices, policies, legal, and institutional frameworks governing the return and reintegration of stranded migrants within EAC Partner States, with the aim of identifying gaps, overlaps, and opportunities;
2. undertake a Comprehensive and Inclusive Study to inform the development of EAC Regional Framework on Return and Re-Integration of Stranded Migrants;
3. facilitate National Consultations in each EAC Partner State and stakeholders;
4. convene an Online Partner States Experts meeting to validate the study report;
5. upon Approval of the Validation report by Partner States develop an appropriate outcome document (policy framework, Policy etc) for addressing the intervention; and
6. conduct a situational analysis on migration trends, drivers, challenges and incidences affecting return and reintegration in the EAC Region.

Responsibilities

3.0 SCOPE OF WORK

In undertaking the assignment, the Consultant shall perform the following tasks:

1. liaise with the EAC Secretariat and the IOM Regional Office for East, Horn and Southern Africa through a joint technical team that will guide and support the consultancy process, including coordination with Partner States and facilitation of consultative meetings;
2. prepare and submit an Inception Report to the EAC Secretariat and the IOM Regional Office outlining the proposed methodology, work plan, timelines, and partner state engagement approach;
3. Conduct a study on the existing National, Regional, Continental and Global legal policies and Institutional Frameworks governing the return and reintegration of stranded migrants within the EAC Partner States with the view of identifying gaps overlaps and areas of aligning or harmonization and develop a report.
4. Provide actionable information reliable data that can help national authorities and international organizations develop effective responses
5. Collate relevant information that could inform proactive and reactive regional and national responses
6. Conduct a situational analysis on the current migration trends, drivers and challenges affecting return and reintegration of stranded migrants in the EAC region

4.0 DURATION, TIMELINE AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE

The duration of the consultancy shall be up to 7 months depending on the consultants agreed fee, commencing from the date of contract signature. The expected overall duration of the consultancy is between June 2026 and January 2027. There may be a possibility of adding a follow-up consultancy after this period. The suggested dates are tentative and can be amended according to the dynamics of the process.

Payment will be made upon the successful completion and approval of each step.

4.1 Deliverables

The Consultant shall deliver the following outputs upon signing the contract:

1. An inception report detailing the consultancy methodology, work plan, stakeholder engagement strategy, and implementation timelines
2. A situational analysis on the current migration trends, drivers and challenges affecting return and reintegration of stranded migrants in the EAC region, including actionable, reliable data that can help develop effective responses
3. An outline on the roles and responsibilities of countries of origin, transit, and destination, as well as mechanisms for proactive and reactive regional cooperation on return and reintegration (including drafts of a regional framework document on return, and reintegration)
4. National consultation meetings in all eight Partner States with subsequent reports
5. A draft Study Report presenting findings on the policy, legal, practices and institutional landscape of return and reintegration in the EAC Partner States
6. An online Regional Validation Meeting of the draft study, including follow-up with the approved validation report
7. Final Outcome Report of the study, incorporating comments and input from the regional validation meeting and national consultations, for addressing the suggested intervention

5.0 REPORTING AND SUPERVISION

5.1 Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing

1. The Consultant shall report to the relevant department at the EAC Secretariat, in close cooperation with the IOM Regional Office for East, Horn and Southern Africa. Regular progress updates shall be provided in accordance with the agreed work plan.
2. The Consultant shall regularly liaise with both the EAC Secretariat and the IOM Regional Office for East, Horn and Southern Africa through a Joint Technical Team that will guide and support the consultancy process, including coordination with Partner States and facilitation of consultative meetings.
3. After submission of the deliverables, the EAC Secretariat and IOM may have some comments and revision requests on the deliverables. Approval from the EAC Secretariat and IOM will be required for the deliverables, upon submission of the deliverables stipulated.
4. The reporting and deliverables language shall be English. All information shall be provided in electronic versions in Word and PDF format. All deliverables shall be submitted both electronically and in hard copy, in line with EAC Secretariat requirements. The consultant shall be solely liable for the accuracy and reliability of the data provided and links to sources of information used. If translations to other languages are required, IOM will translate the outputs into relevant languages.
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6. The consultant’s functions do not include managerial, supervisory and/or representative functions.
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8. All documents and data provided to the consultant are confidential and cannot be used for any other purpose or shared with a third party without any written approval from IOM and the EAC Secretariat.
9. The listed activities are subject to further revision with the consent of IOM, in coordination with the EAC Secretariat in line with the emerging requirements of the Project. If required by IOM, the consultant may provide additional consultancy services related to her/his competencies and expertise, in line with the attached EAC Terms of Reference.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

6.0 REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

1. The Consultant shall possess the following qualifications and competencies:
2. Education: A Bachelor’s degree and a Postgraduate Degree (master’s level or higher) in International Relations, Migration Studies, Law, Social Sciences, Business Studies, Public Policy, Public Administration, or a related field is required.

6.1 Experience:

1. Minimum of ten years of proven professional experience in the field of migration, return and reintegration or related thematic areas.
2. Demonstrable track record in drafting or developing regional or national frameworks, policies, or guidelines, preferably in migration management.
3. Extensive knowledge of regional and international legal instruments, standards, and best practices related to migration, return, and reintegration.
4. Experience engaging with Partner States, regional bodies, and relevant stakeholders, including governmental and non-governmental organisations. Experience working with the EAC or governments in the region is an advantage
5. Strong analytical, research, and report-writing skills, with evidence of previous consultancy or expert assignments on similar topics.
6. Proven capacity to coordinate technical aspects of the Consultancy. Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective relationships.

6.2 Language: Excellent written and spoken English is required; knowledge of Kiswahili or French is an asset.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

7.0 ETHICAL AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

In undertaking the assignment, the Consultant shall adhere to the highest ethical standards. This includes ensuring confidentiality, neutrality obtaining informed consent where applicable, respecting cultural sensitivities of the EAC Partner States, and conducting all research and consultations in accordance with internationally accepted ethical research principles.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

7.1 Competencies

Values

1. Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
2. Integrity and transparency: maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
3. Professionalism: demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.

Behavioural indicators

1. Teamwork: develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
2. Delivering results produces and delivers high quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner, action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
3. Managing and sharing knowledge continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
4. Accountability: takes ownership to achieve the set priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
5. Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Notes

Joint recruitment by the EAC Secretariat and the IOM Regional Office for East, Horn and Southern Africa. Open to EAC Citizens Only.

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 work permit, 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

8.0 APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should submit:

1. CV and cover letter to the IOM Regional Office for East, Horn and Southern Africa.
2. Technical proposal (methodology and work plan)
3. Financial proposal