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 Scop
Context
The Government of Lesotho has demonstrated its commitment to combating Trafficking in Persons (TIP) through the enactment of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, 2011 (as amended in 2021), and the establishment of institutional mechanisms aimed at preventing trafficking, protecting victims, and prosecuting offenders. The Act provides for the establishment of a Victims of Trafficking Trust Fund, intended to support assistance, protection, rehabilitation, reintegration, and recovery services for victims of trafficking. While the legal provision exists, the Trust Fund has not yet been operationalized, and there are currently no standardized procedures to guide its governance, administration, financing, accountability, disbursement, monitoring, and reporting.
IOM, in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Police, seeks to engage a qualified consultant to develop comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the management of the Victims of Trafficking Trust Fund. Given that the Trust Fund provided for in the Act has not yet been operationalized, the consultancy shall not only develop SOPs but also propose a practical operationalization framework to guide the establishment and functioning of the Trust Fund. This framework should identify the institutional, governance, financial, administrative, and legal arrangements required to make the Fund fully operational and sustainable. The SOPs will serve as a practical guide for the establishment, governance, management, utilization, and accountability of the Trust Fund, in accordance with national legislation and international good practices.
Overall objective
The overall objective of the consultancy is to develop the operationalization framework and Standard Operating Procedures to guide the establishment, administration and effective functioning of the Victims of Trafficking Trust Fund.
Specific Objectives
- Review the legislative and policy framework governing trafficking in persons and victim assistance in Lesotho.
- Assess existing institutional capacities, gaps, and operational requirements necessary for the effective establishment and operationalization of the Trust Fund
- Assess international and regional best practices relating to trafficking victim compensation and trust fund management.
- Consult relevant stakeholders regarding the proposed governance and management arrangements of the Trust Fund.
- Develop a practical operationalization framework for the Trust Fund
- Facilitate stakeholder validation of the draft SOPs and the operationalization framework and incorporate feedback into the final documents.
4.2.1 Scope of Work
The consultant shall undertake the following tasks, which include but are not limited to:
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
The consultancy will contribute to the project titled “Supporting Lesotho in the Protection of Victims of Trafficking and the Prosecution of Trafficking in Persons.”
Tasks to be performed under this contract
Education
Experience
Skills
Languages
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Sesotho will be an added advantage
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.