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
Over the previous decade, one of the priority areas for international assistance to Tajikistan has been to enhance the Government of Tajikistan’s (GOT) border security. Since 2002, the IOM mission in Tajikistan has implemented border management activities and has successfully supported the Government of Tajikistan and the Border Forces of Tajikistan (BFT), improving border management capacities and facilitating safe migration in Tajikistan.
IOM, jointly with the Border Forces of Tajikistan (BFT), have implemented number of projects related to capacity building, providing technical and infrastructure support to enhance border security and management system in Tajikistan. These projects contributed to gender equality, facilitated cross-border dialogue with neighbouring countries, upgraded green border security and infrastructure and built the capacities and capabilities of BFT personnel. Efforts to strengthen the capacities the Border Force of Tajikistan (BFT) have included the construction of several border guard training centres and the rollout of training curricula that are now embedded within the BFT’s core curriculum. Building on these efforts, IOM Tajikistan continues to take important steps in developing border security infrastructure and technical support. Improvements have been made to major infrastructure of BFT both in terms of ensuring adequate facilities and infrastructure for BFT staff and migrants passing through, but also with the greening of infrastructure and the establishment of renewable energy systems – such as the construction of a hybrid solar systems and the installation of water lines to several border crossing points and posts.
To further support the Government of Tajikistan (GoT) and the Border Forces of Tajikistan (BFT) in facilitating safe migration and strengthening border management, IOM Tajikistan will implement a project to assess the feasibility, institutional readiness and technical requirements for adopting responsible AI-enabled intelligence analysis and operational risk profiling within Tajikistan's border management system. To support this initiative, IOM seeks to engage an international expert with demonstrated expertise in AI-enabled border intelligence, risk profiling, responsible AI governance, data readiness assessment, and operational workflow design. The expert will lead a comprehensive feasibility and organizational readiness assessment, facilitate AI sandbox testing to validate potential use cases, and develop practical, context-specific recommendations to guide the responsible adoption of AI-enabled border management solutions in Tajikistan.
Objective and purpose of engagement
Organizational Department / Project to which the Consultant is contributing
Immigration and Border Governance (IBG) Unit / AI Sandbox for Border Intelligence Analysis and Risk Profiling in Tajikistan project
Tasks to be performed under this contract
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Information Technology, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Information Security, Digital Transformation, Public Administration, Security Studies, International Relations, Border Management, Engineering, or a related field from an accredited academic institution.
Experience
Skills
AI Governance & Responsible AICybersecurity & Information SecurityDigital Transformation StrategyAssessment & Analytical SkillsData Governance & Privacy Management
Languages
For this consultancy, Excellent analytical, facilitation, report-writing and communication skills in English. Knowledge of Russian and/or Tajik 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.