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.
Project Context and Scope
The BRMM 2026–2027 project aims to strengthen safe employment and labour migration systems for Ugandans and other populations across the East and Horn of Africa (EHOA), while also supporting migration corridors to key Gulf destination countries, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The project addresses persistent challenges related to limited access to employment opportunities, entrepreneurship support, and structured labour migration pathways, while enhancing protection mechanisms for migrant workers throughout the migration cycle.
The project adopts a dual-track approach. First, it seeks to expand access to decent employment and entrepreneurship opportunities through Migrant Worker Support Centres (MWSCs) and Youth Business Incubation (YBI) initiatives. Second, it focuses on strengthening regular labour migration pathways by supporting the development and implementation of Bilateral Labour Migration Agreements (BLMAs), promoting ethical recruitment practices, and enhancing deployment and pre-departure support systems. Collectively, these interventions are intended to improve employability, facilitate safe and orderly labour mobility, and better prepare migrant workers for both domestic and international labour markets.
Within Uganda, IOM works closely with government institutions and other stakeholders to strengthen labour migration governance, enhance skills development systems, and improve the employability and competitiveness of migrant workers. However, a persistent challenge remains in the misalignment between national Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems, certification pathways, and the skills and qualification requirements of destination-country labour markets. This gap limits the ability of Ugandan workers to access international employment opportunities and compete effectively in global labour markets.
To address this challenge, the BRMM project focuses on assessing and aligning national training pathways with international labour market demand. Specifically, this consultancy will support in Mapping at least 2–3 Ugandan training institutions and certification pathways against validated demand and identify quick adjustments (e.g., bridging courses, additional certification, recognition of prior learning) to meet destination-country requirements.
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
Labour Mobility and Social Inclusion (LMI) Unit under the Better Regional Migration Management project.
Tasks to be performed under this contract
Education
- Master's degree in education, skills development, Social Sciences, Economics, Migration Studies, or related field
Experience
- Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience in:
- Demonstrated experience conducting labour market assessments, skills gap analyses, stakeholder consultations, and institutional mapping in Uganda or comparable regional contexts.
- Good understanding of Uganda’s occupational standards, assessment and certification arrangements, and relevant international or regional certification systems.
- Proven experience working with Government of Uganda institutions, TVET actors, employers’ organisations, recruitment agencies, workers’ organisations, and development partners.
Skills
- Strong analytical and report-writing skills
- Stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills
- Knowledge of migration governance and ethical recruitment principles
Languages
Fluency in English
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Required Competencies
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.
No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.