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
This project aims to reduce the vulnerability of Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Tajik and Uzbek migrant workers to recruitment and visa fraud, exploitation and unsafe migration under the UK Seasonal Worker Scheme (SWS), while supporting sustainable reintegration for selected returning migrant workers across Central Asia (CA). It adopts a comprehensive, rights‑based approach across the migration cycle, working in partnership with governments, service providers, and other key stakeholders. Project activities include support for: (a) prospective migrants in CA, through enhanced Safe Migration Hotline services, Pre‑Departure Orientation (PDO) content, and targeted awareness‑raising campaigns on the SWS, with a particular focus on recruitment and visa fraud, as well as risks related to visa overstays; and (b) returning migrants in CA, through strengthened national reintegration systems, including seed grants and financial literacy training. In parallel, the project will continue building the capacity of Central Asian government partners on protecting migrants under the SWS and will focus on local anti‑fraud responses through targeted trainings and improved inter‑agency coordination, including the development and implementation of country‑level action plans and the establishment or strengthening of coordination mechanisms in each CA country. The project will also improve collaboration with the UK‑based SWS Task Force to address risks faced by CA migrant workers in the UK, including by aligning support services between Safe Migration Hotlines in CA and UK‑based helplines.
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
Consultant will contribute to IOM’s programme activities in Kyrgyzstan under «Central Asia Safe Migration» project. Project ID: KG10P0556.
Tasks to be performed under this contract
- Provide counselling to prospective migrants and migrants who are in the UK through the hotline and online channel calls, and communication via WhatsApp.Provide monthly reports, granting the confidentiality and ethical standards, on the number of cases, number of sessions, statistics of identified problems and follow-up, according to the procedures of the CEA and IOM. Update the scenario for hotline based on the existing PDO materials and recent SWS policy changes.Use the referral mechanism to the CEA Administration with the following referral to the MIA.
Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
SOP for the hotline is developed and used. Monthly reports on the progress of the hotline counselling (hotline, WhatsApp and Telegram) in the Russian language. The pre- and post- tests for the capacity-building of other hotline operators, as evidence of the improvement of the work. A scenario for hotline based on the existing PDO materials and SWS policy changes is updated and used. The reporting templates with sections on statistics, disaggregation by the topic, observations and challenges, are used.The referral mechanism to the MIA on fraud cases is used.
Required Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s or higher degree in Communication, Pedagogy or related field from a recognized institution;
- At least 5 years of working experience in provision of hotline counselling/information sessions on safe migration;
Languages
For this consultancy, fluency in Kyrgyz and Russian languages is required. Knowledge of English language 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.