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International Organization for Migration

International Consultant for Assessing Protection Mechanisms and Developing SOPs for Migrants in Vulnerable Situations

Ashgabad, TurkmenistanGrade UGConsultancy (Up to 11 months)IOM
10 days leftPosted Sep 2, 2026

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.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Project Context and Scope

In Central Asian countries, including Turkmenistan, there remains a need to further improve mechanisms for the identification, referral and assistance of migrants in vulnerable situations, including children and victims of trafficking in persons. Therefore, particular importance is attached to the analysis of existing protection mechanisms, the legal and regulatory framework, standard operating procedures (SOPs), practical tools and available services. In this context, the regional project aims to support the governments of Central Asian countries in strengthening mechanisms to protect the target group from violence, exploitation and rights violations, as well as to develop inter-agency cooperation and improve access to quality services for the target group, taking into account gender- and age-sensitive considerations.

Under the supervision of the IOM Project Manager in Turkmenistan, the international consultant will conduct a national needs assessment on strengthening protection mechanisms and service provision for the target group, with mapping of existing protection mechanisms, standard operating procedures (SOPs), tools, inter-agency cooperation mechanisms and available services. Based on the assessment findings, the consultant will prepare recommendations and develop, update and/or adapt tools and SOPs to further strengthen the protection and service provision system for the target group.

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing

Project Title: Regional Project “Enhancing Protection of Migrants from Violence, Exploitation and Abuse in Central Asia”Consultant’s duty station: Turkmenistan

Tasks to be performed under this contract

Education

  • University degree in law, international relations, migration, social work, public administration, human rights protection or related fields.

Experience

  • At least five years of professional experience in one or more relevant areas, including counter-trafficking, social protection, human rights protection or related fields.
  • Experience in conducting research, needs assessments, institutional analysis and preparing analytical reports and recommendations.
  • Experience in developing, updating or adapting standard operating procedures (SOPs), referral mechanisms, case management tools and practical guidance materials.
  • Knowledge of international standards and approaches in the protection of migrants in vulnerable situations, including children and victims of trafficking in persons.
  • Knowledge of child protection principles, survivor-centred approaches, the “do no harm” principle, confidentiality and safe handling of sensitive information.
  • Experience working with government authorities, international organizations and other stakeholders.
Experience working in Central Asia or a comparable regional context is an advantage.

Skills

  • Excellent analytical, communication and reporting skills.

Languages

Fluency in English; knowledge of Russian is preferable.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:
Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.
Core Competencies – behavioural indicators
Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

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.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link official source link). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

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