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.
Nature of the Consultancy
The consultant is assigned to conduct research and develop a report that will support the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and other relevant duty bearers in enhancing policies and mechanisms for reporting grievances of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and for providing access to remedies for these grievances. Working in collaboration with IOM Philippines, the consultant is expected to:
(1) map existing State-based grievance mechanisms and relevant operational-level grievance mechanisms in the Philippines, including reporting channels, referral pathways, and case management systems for OFWs’ grievances; (2) based on an analysis of available data from the Government and supplementary data from non-government sources, map the most common grievances reported through these mechanisms since the establishment of the DMW in 2022, and the most common reporting/referral channels used, as well as challenges in accessing these channels and facilitating resolution of cases; (3) identify and document best practices and challenges in the current role of private sector-facilitated grievance mechanisms, in particular processes for reporting grievances through the Welfare Desk Officers (WEDOs) of private recruitment agencies (PRAs) or licensed manning agencies (LMAs); (4) present the research findings to key stakeholders for validation; and (5) develop a report based on this research, with a set of policy recommendations to strengthen the mechanisms identified and to facilitate enhanced access to remedy for OFWs.
The research output produced under this consultancy aims to support both Government policymakers and the private sector (recruitment industry) in aligning their policies and practices with international human rights standards on access to remedy. This would be done by assessing the existing grievance mechanisms in relation to the effectiveness criteria in the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and benchmarking against IOM’s Operational Guidelines on Remediation of Migrant Worker Grievances. It would also provide recommendations on possible improvements to enhance the effectiveness of these mechanisms. These recommendations should also be informed by and aligned with outputs from IOM-supported consultations with civil society organizations working on facilitating access to justice for migrant workers.
Project Context and Scope
MBHR in Asia is a regional programme aimed at promoting corporate responsibility to respect migrant workers’ rights in line with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), implemented in the Philippines, Viet Nam, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Nepal and Malaysia.
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
The consultant will report to IOM Philippines’ Migration Management Unit in close coordination with the MBHR PH and regional team.
Tasks to be performed under this contract
Education
- Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in public policy, law, social science, business management, labour relations, international relations, international development, migration studies or related courses with a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience, or an advanced/ graduate degree with at least five years of relevant professional experience
Experience
- Previous experience in grievance management and resolution and/or in conducting research on this topic, particularly in cases involving international labour migration, is preferred.
- Advanced understanding of internationally recognized frameworks and standards on human and labour rights, particularly relevant principles on the right to remedy
Skills
- In-depth knowledge of the laws, policies and cross-cutting issues in Philippine labour migration.
- Strong communication skills
- Excellent writing skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise, and structured outputs and documentation. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit samples of previous written work, such as research output or technical manuals/guides developed or co-authored by the candidate.
Languages
For this consultancy, fluency in English is required. Fluency in Filipino is an advantage.
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.