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
As part of the project, IOM will provide business development grants to selected returning migrants to support their economic reintegration and sustainable livelihood opportunities. To ensure effective implementation of this activity and provide tailored support to grant recipients, IOM Uzbekistan seeks to engage a qualified Consultant to provide mentoring and business development support to selected grantees.
The grant support may include in-kind assets and equipment for a range of livelihood and income-generating activities, including agriculture, livestock, sewing and tailoring, small-scale production, and other micro-enterprises. Given the diverse nature of the supported activities and the varying levels of business and financial management experience among grant recipients, tailored mentoring and practical financial literacy support will be provided to help grantees manage the assets and resources effectively, maintain viable income-generating activities, and strengthen the sustainability of their livelihoods.
The mentoring will place particular emphasis on responsible financial management, business continuity, and the proper use and maintenance of grant-supported assets, with the aim of reducing the risk of business failure and misuse of in-kind grant assets.
The assignment aims to strengthen the effective design, implementation of the grant schemes, ensuring that they respond to beneficiaries’ needs while fully meeting donor requirements and accountability standards. The Consultant will provide hands-on mentoring, training, and technical support to grantees.
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
Labour Mobility Division, IOM Uzbekistan
The Consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Head of Labour Mobility Division and in close coordination with the relevant IOM project staff.
WBL: LM0667
Tasks to be performed under this contract
Required Qualifications and Experience
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in financial literacy, business development, entrepreneurship support, livelihood assistance, mentoring or coaching of micro- and small-scale businesses.
- Demonstrated experience providing practical financial and business advice to individuals engaged in income-generating activities or micro-enterprises.
- Experience working with businesses or livelihoods in areas such as agriculture, livestock, sewing/tailoring, small-scale production, trade or services is an advantage.
- Experience working with returning migrants, vulnerable groups or grant beneficiaries is highly desirable.
- Experience in delivering practical, participatory financial literacy training to adults with different levels of financial/business literacy.
Languages
For this consultancy, Fluency in Uzbek and Russian; knowledge of English 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.