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.
Europe continues to experience evolving migration dynamics across interconnected routes, with increasing evidence of secondary movements within the European Union, including onward migration toward Nordic countries such as Sweden. While existing data provides insights into initial migration intentions, EU entry channels, and known migrant populations in Sweden, there remains limited understanding of how and why some migrants alter their intended destinations after departure, during transit or after residence in another EU country.
This research is situated within IOM’s Route-Based Approach (RBA), which emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of migration dynamics across origin, transit, and destination countries. Key corridors of interest include the Central Mediterranean route, the Eastern Mediterranean/Western Balkans route, and the Central Asia–Nordics corridor. Findings from previous research indicate that migration trajectories are often non-linear, with migrants frequently residing in or transiting through multiple countries before reaching their intended destination.
To address these knowledge gaps, IOM will conduct research on secondary movements within the EU, focusing on migration routes, key inflection points and shifts in intentions along the migration journey, decision-making processes, and the role of irregular migration networks in shaping onward movement to Sweden. The study will generate evidence to support policy development and operational programming.
To this end, IOM will hire a research consultant, who will assist IOM to conduct desk analysis and research design, collect and process primary data through key-informant interviews and interviews with migrants, and analyse findings in a final written report.
Project Context and Scope
Under the overall coordination of the IOM Regional Office (Data and Research Unit) in Vienna, Austria, and under the direct supervision of the relevant project manager, the consultant will lead the design and implementation of a mixed-methods research study on secondary movements to Sweden.
The consultant will generate evidence-based insights into migration trajectories, drivers, and factors associated with onward movements within the EU, with a particular focus on Sweden as a destination. The consultant will undertake the following main deliverables:
Lead the research work and ensure timely deliverables of indicated tasks and close coordination with IOM during the whole period of research.
Using the IOM approved data collection tools, conduct desk-analysis, key informant-interviews with relevant stakeholders, and in-depth-interviews with migrants.
Draft and finalize final report based on obtained findings, including the results of desk-analysis and interviews.
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
Regional Data Hub in Europe and Central Asia.
Tasks to be performed under this contract
Education
- Postgraduate degree, preferably in Research, Migration Studies, Law, Diaspora Studies, Social Sciences, Sociology, or other related fields from an accredited academic institution with at least five years of relevant professional experience; or
- Undergraduate degree preferably in Research, Migration Studies, Law, Diaspora Studies, Social Sciences, Sociology, or other related fields from an accredited academic institution, with seven years of relevant professional experience.
Experience
- Experience in planning and conducting research, studies and other evidence-generating activities is a must.
- Experience in designing and delivering sessions (presentations) at workshops and other meetings is a must.
- Demonstrated professional experience on migration-related topics, human rights, law, and/or governance is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated professional experience related to migration studies is highly desirable.
- Experience in liaising with government institutions, diaspora organizations, academia, civil society organizations, UN agencies and/or other international organizations as well as migration-related stakeholders is an asset.
Skills
- Sound understanding of research and desk-review analysis.
- Excellent proven analytical and communication skills, including presentation skills.
- Excellent organizational and creative thinking skills.
- Excellent time-management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
- Demonstrated proficiency with Ms Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Languages
For this consultancy, fluency in English is required. Fluency in another UN language is an asset.
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.