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
Smuggling of Migrants (SoM) remains a significant transnational crime affecting Nigeria as a country of origin, transit, and destination, particularly across regions characterized by porous borders and mixed migration flows. It poses serious risks to migrants’ safety, undermines border governance systems, and is often linked to organized crime networks. These factors collectively threaten national security, contribute to exploitation and human rights’ violation of migrants, and place significant strain on institutions. While Nigeria has several frameworks addressing migration management and transnational organized crime, the absence of an updated, practical, and operational Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) on combating SoM continues to hinder effective coordination among relevant actors. There is a critical need for a comprehensive SOP that clearly outline institutional roles, referral pathways, investigative procedures, data‑sharing mechanisms, interagency coordination, migrant protection standards aligned with national frameworks and international instruments, including the UN Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants (2000).
To support improved national response mechanisms, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) seeks to support the efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the NIS to strengthen institutional capacity to prevent, detect, investigate, and respond to SoM. The development of comprehensive, rights-based, and operational SOP will provide a standardised national framework guiding NIS, frontline officials and other relevant stakeholders in delivering coordinated, efficient, and protection-sensitive responses.
This initiative is implemented under the auspices of the CAPACITY Programme, funded by the Government of Denmark under the Danish Migration Management Programme (2024–2029). The Programme seeks to support Nigeria in enhancing migration governance through strengthened border management systems, improved identity management frameworks, and targeted institutional capacity-building interventions.
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
The consultant is contributing to CAPACITY Programme, funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark under the Danish Migration Management Programme and implemented by IOM under the Immigration and Border Governance Unit.
Tasks to be performed under this contract;
The tasks listed below will be subject to ongoing review and, where necessary, adjusted in consultations between the incumbent and IOM:
Education
- A master’s degree from an accredited academic institution in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, or a related field.
Experience and Skills
Travel Required
Yes (IOM will bear the cost of travel as per IOM standard)
Languages
Proficiency in English language (written and oral) - knowledge of at least Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba or/and any other local dialect is an asset.
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.