National Consultant to conduct a gender-responsive legal and institutional assessment of the Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service (ICS).

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

Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is committed to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all by providing services and advice to governments and migrants. As a member of the United Nations system, IOM supports governments globally to strengthen migration management systems, enhance border governance, improve service delivery and reinforce institutional capacities in line with international standards.

In July 2026, IOM Ethiopia began implementation of the Regional Counter-Smuggling Programme (RCSP) in the East and Horn of Africa, funded by the United Kingdom Home Office. The Programme aims to strengthen airport border management capacities and regional cooperation to address document fraud, migrant smuggling and related forms of transnational organized crime in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia. The programme promotes evidence-based policy and institutional approaches, regional cooperation, gender equality and protection-sensitive responses.

In Ethiopia, the RCSP supports the Government in strengthening aviation border management capacities, improving the detection of fraudulent travel documents and enhancing the ability of frontline institutions to identify and respond to trafficking in persons, migrant smuggling and related forms of transnational organized crime. Integrating gender equality, disability inclusion, social inclusion and protection considerations into border management can further support effective operations and contribute to services that respond appropriately to the different needs and circumstances of travellers and migrants, including persons in vulnerable situations.

According to the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF) publication Tool 6: Border Management and Gender (2020), increasing women’s representation within border management and law enforcement institutions can generate important operational and institutional benefits. Gender-diverse institutions may be better positioned to understand and respond to the different needs, experiences and vulnerabilities of women, men, girls and boys, including victims of trafficking in persons, migrant smuggling and other forms of exploitation. Female border and law enforcement officers can also play an important role in conducting gender-sensitive interviews and lawful searches of female travellers, particularly where cultural, religious or social norms may affect interactions between women and male officers. Representative and inclusive institutions can contribute to public trust and may encourage women and other persons in vulnerable situations to seek assistance, report incidents and share information relevant to the prevention and detection of trafficking in persons, migrant smuggling and related crime.

The overall objective of this consultancy is to assesses how relevant national institutional priorities concerning gender equality are reflected in the legal, policy, human resource and operational arrangements of ICS. The assessment will identify and document existing measures that support women’s recruitment, retention, professional development, career progression and leadership; examine practical experiences and challenges; and identify opportunities for further strengthening. It will use available institutional information and consultations with relevant personnel. Where relevant and feasible, consultations and operational observations may include experiences at Bole International Airport and Dire Dawa International Airport, which are among the airports targeted by the RCSP in Ethiopia. The consultant will develop practical, evidence-based recommendations and possible outreach or institutional measures to support women’s participation and advancement within ICS.

Tasks to be performed under this contract

Education

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or higher) in Gender Studies, Gender and Development, Women’s Studies, Sociology, Social Sciences, Human Resource Management, Public Administration, Public Policy, Governance, Law, International Development, Political Science, Organizational Development, Migration Studies, Security Studies, Criminology, Criminal Justice, International Relations or another closely related field from an accredited academic institution, with at least seven (7) years of relevant professional experience.
• Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in one of the above fields, combined with at least ten (10) years of relevant professional experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience

• Minimum 5-7 years of professional experience in gender analysis, gender mainstreaming, institutional assessments, organizational development, or related fields.

Proven experience conducting legal, policy, institutional, organizational, workforce, gender, diversity and inclusion, or human resource assessments and institutional reviews within government institutions, public sector entities, or security sector organizations.

• Demonstrated experience undertaking gender-responsive research, assessments, evaluations, or analytical studies.
• Experience assessing human resource policies and practices, including recruitment, retention, career development, promotion, leadership pathways, and workplace inclusion.
• Experience facilitating stakeholder consultations, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and validation workshops.
• Proven track record of producing high-quality analytical reports, policy papers, assessment reports, and evidence-based recommendations for government institutions and development partners.
• Demonstrated understanding of gender equality, human rights, protection principles, social inclusion, disability inclusion, and safeguarding considerations in institutional settings.

Skills

Strong knowledge of Ethiopian legal and policy frameworks related to gender equality, labour rights, public service management, and women's empowerment.

• Sound understanding of international standards and frameworks on gender equality, women's rights, diversity, equity, and social inclusion.
• Strong qualitative research and institutional assessment skills, including the use of interviews, focus group discussions, document reviews, and stakeholder consultations.
• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to identify institutional strengths, challenges, gaps, and opportunities, and to develop evidence-based findings.
• Strong report-writing, drafting, and presentation skills.
• Ability to formulate practical, actionable, and context-specific recommendations for institutional strengthening and policy reform.
• Demonstrated facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to lead workshops, validation meetings, and conference sessions.
• Knowledge of gender-responsive, protection-sensitive, and inclusive approaches in migration governance and border management.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior officials, operational personnel, and development partners.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, maintain confidentiality, and deliver high-quality outputs within established deadlines.

Travel required

The primary duty station for the assignment will be Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with possible travel to relevant operational locations, including Bole and Dire Dawa international airports, subject to the agreed methodology, institutional authorization and operational requirements. All travel arrangements must be coordinated with IOM in advance.

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.