We are seeking a highly skilled professional to join our team on a consultancy basis, with the primary aim of delivering impactful outcomes aligned to the project’s strategic goals. The successful candidate will be tasked with conducting in-depth research and analysis to identify key insights and formulate evidence-based recommendations that address critical challenges. Additionally, the consultant will play a pivotal role in designing innovative solutions, optimizing processes, and driving measurable improvements in performance and efficiency. Strong analytical abilities, exceptional problem-solving skills, and the capacity to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams are essential. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record of delivering high-quality consultancy services within similar domains, coupled with exceptional communication skills to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
To provide expert advisory services, the Consultant will conduct thorough assessments, offer strategic recommendations, and support the implementation of tailored solutions to address specific organizational challenges. This role requires extensive experience in the relevant field, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and proficiency in data-driven decision-making. The Consultant will collaborate with stakeholders, deliver detailed reports, and ensure alignment with project objectives while maintaining a high standard of professionalism and confidentiality throughout the engagement.
The East African Community (EAC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are seeking a consultant with specialized knowledge in research, analysis, and policy formulation concerning migrant return and reintegration. This role involves conducting an in-depth study to assess existing return and reintegration policies, practices, gaps, and opportunities across the EAC region. The findings will inform the development of a regional framework aimed at addressing stranded migrants within the EAC, establishing unified standards, guiding principles, and coordinated approaches to be collectively adopted by EAC Partner States. This framework is designed to bolster regional cooperation, ensure policy coherence, and advance rights-based, safe, orderly, and dignified return and reintegration processes, in alignment with relevant international, continental, and regional legal and policy frameworks.
We aim to achieve clearly defined goals through focused initiatives and strategic implementation. Our primary targets include enhancing operational efficiency, fostering innovation, and delivering measurable results. Key performance indicators will guide our progress, ensuring alignment with overarching business objectives. Additionally, we seek to cultivate a collaborative environment that encourages teamwork and continuous improvement.
The consultancy aims to achieve the following key objectives:
Conduct a comprehensive examination of current procedures, regulatory frameworks, and legal instruments across EAC Partner States that oversee the return and reintegration of stranded migrants, to pinpoint deficiencies, redundancies, and potential avenues for improvement.
Conduct an exhaustive and all-encompassing research initiative to shape the formulation of the EAC Regional Framework on the Return and Reintegration of Stranded Migrants.
Organize and lead National Consultations in every Partner State of the East African Community (EAC) alongside relevant stakeholders.
Facilitate a virtual gathering of Partner States’ representatives to review and endorse the findings of the study report.
Upon receiving approval of the Validation Report from the Partner States, an appropriate outcome document—such as a policy framework or policy—will be developed to address the intervention.
Conduct a comprehensive situational analysis of migration trends, underlying drivers, associated challenges, and documented incidents that impact return and reintegration processes within the East African Community (EAC) Region.
Responsibilities
The scope of work encompasses a comprehensive range of duties and responsibilities essential to the successful execution of the role. Key requirements include a proven track record in relevant fields, along with the ability to meet specified deadlines and maintain high standards of performance. Responsibilities entail collaborating with cross-functional teams, analyzing complex data, and implementing strategic solutions to drive project objectives forward. Additionally, the position demands strong communication skills, adaptability to evolving priorities, and a commitment to continuous professional development.
The Consultant will be tasked with executing the following responsibilities as part of this assignment:
Collaborate with the EAC Secretariat and the IOM Regional Office for East, Horn and Southern Africa via a joint technical team tasked with overseeing and assisting the consultancy process, which involves coordinating with Partner States and organizing consultative meetings.
Prepare and submit an Inception Report to both the EAC Secretariat and the IOM Regional Office, detailing the proposed methodology, work plan, timelines, and partner state engagement strategy.
The objective is to undertake a comprehensive analysis of the current legal policies and institutional frameworks—both national, regional, continental, and global—that regulate the return and reintegration of stranded migrants across the East African Community (EAC) Partner States. The purpose of this study is to identify discrepancies, redundancies, and opportunities for alignment or harmonization among these frameworks. Following the analysis, the task involves preparing a detailed report outlining the findings and recommendations.
Deliver dependable data and actionable insights to assist national authorities and international organizations in formulating robust response strategies.
Compile pertinent data to support both proactive and reactive strategies at the regional and national levels.
Perform an in-depth situational assessment to evaluate prevailing migration patterns, underlying factors, and obstacles influencing the return and reintegration processes of stranded migrants across the East African Community (EAC) region.
The role offers a defined period of engagement with a structured timeline and a clear payment schedule.
The consultancy engagement will span up to seven months, contingent upon the consultant’s agreed fee, with the start date aligned to the contract signing. The anticipated timeframe for the assignment is June 2026 through January 2027, though this may be extended if a follow-up consultancy is deemed necessary. These proposed dates remain provisional and are subject to adjustment based on evolving project requirements.
Payment
Upon successful completion and approval of each phase, the necessary arrangements will be executed.
Successfully execute and complete assigned projects, ensuring all required outputs are produced within specified timelines and adhere to established quality standards. Develop and refine project deliverables to meet client expectations and organizational objectives, while maintaining clear communication and collaboration with stakeholders throughout the process. Oversee the final review and approval of deliverables to confirm compliance with project requirements and regulatory guidelines, and address any necessary revisions promptly.
Upon execution of the contract, the Consultant will be responsible for delivering the following outputs:
The inception report will outline the consultancy’s approach, including the methodology, work plan, stakeholder engagement strategy, and projected implementation timelines.
A comprehensive situational analysis is required to examine the prevailing migration trends, underlying drivers, and obstacles impacting the return and reintegration of stranded migrants across the East African Community (EAC) region. The study must compile accurate, actionable data to inform the development of targeted, evidence-based responses that effectively address these challenges.
Countries are responsible for defining and executing their respective duties as countries of origin, transit, and destination, while also establishing frameworks for proactive and reactive regional collaboration concerning return and reintegration. This includes the development of drafts for a regional framework document focused on return and reintegration efforts.
National consultation meetings were conducted across all eight Partner States, followed by the preparation of comprehensive reports summarizing key findings and recommendations.
A comprehensive Study Report is being drafted to examine the policy frameworks, legal structures, practices, and institutional arrangements governing return and reintegration across the EAC Partner States.
A virtual Regional Validation Meeting will be convened to review the draft study, followed by the issuance of a formal validation report upon approval.
The final outcome report of the study will be developed, incorporating feedback and insights gathered from the regional validation meeting and national consultations, to address the proposed intervention.
Supervision and reporting responsibilities will be a key component of this position, requiring accurate and timely delivery of information to relevant stakeholders. The role involves overseeing team performance, ensuring compliance with established guidelines, and maintaining clear communication channels to facilitate efficient operations. Additionally, candidates must be adept at compiling and presenting data in a structured format to support decision-making processes and strategic planning.
The Consultant will collaborate with a designated organizational department or unit, providing specialized expertise and support to enhance operational effectiveness and achieve strategic objectives. This role involves aligning efforts with the department’s goals, processes, and initiatives to ensure cohesive and impactful contributions.
The Consultant will report to the designated department within the EAC Secretariat and collaborate closely with the IOM Regional Office for East, Horn, and Southern Africa. Routine progress updates will be submitted in alignment with the approved work plan.
The Consultant will maintain ongoing communication with the EAC Secretariat and the IOM Regional Office for East, Horn, and Southern Africa via a Joint Technical Team, which will oversee and assist in the consultancy process. This includes coordinating with Partner States and organizing consultative meetings as necessary.
Following the submission of deliverables, the EAC Secretariat and IOM may provide feedback and request revisions as necessary. Final approval for all deliverables will be contingent upon their submission in accordance with the specified requirements.
The deliverables and reporting must be prepared in English. All information should be submitted electronically in both Word and PDF formats. In accordance with EAC Secretariat guidelines, each deliverable must be provided in both digital and hard copy formats. The consultant assumes full responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of the data presented, as well as the sources cited. Should translations into other languages be necessary, IOM will handle the translation of outputs into the required languages.
The consultant’s responsibilities exclude managerial, supervisory, and representative duties.
All documents and data furnished to the consultant remain strictly confidential and are to be used solely for the intended purpose. Any sharing with external parties or use for alternative objectives is strictly prohibited unless explicit written authorization is obtained from both the IOM and the EAC Secretariat.
The activities outlined in this document may be adjusted, with prior approval from IOM in collaboration with the EAC Secretariat, to align with evolving project needs. Upon request from IOM, the consultant may also undertake supplementary consultancy services that fall within their established competencies and expertise, as specified in the attached EAC Terms of Reference.
Requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in the specified field, along with a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related discipline. Demonstrated expertise in project management, analytical problem-solving, and effective communication is essential. Familiarity with industry-standard tools and methodologies is preferred. Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment are critical. Compliance with all applicable regulations and adherence to ethical standards are mandatory.
Bachelor’s degree in a related field and a minimum of five years of progressive experience in a similar role are essential. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency with relevant software, tools, and systems, along with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, are required to collaborate effectively across teams. Familiarity with industry regulations, standards, and best practices is also necessary. Additionally, prior experience leading projects or initiatives is preferred.
The Consultant is required to meet the following qualifications and competencies:
A Bachelor’s degree is essential, complemented by an advanced degree at the master’s level or above in disciplines such as International Relations, Migration Studies, Law, Social Sciences, Business Studies, Public Policy, Public Administration, or a closely aligned field.
Experience:
A minimum of ten years of demonstrated professional expertise in migration, return, and reintegration, or closely related fields, is required.
Experienced in creating and implementing regional or national frameworks, policies, or guidelines, with a proven history of success in migration management.
A comprehensive understanding of regional and international legal frameworks, standards, and best practices concerning migration, return, and reintegration is required.
Engage proactively with Partner States, regional institutions, and key stakeholders such as governmental and non-governmental organizations. Prior experience collaborating with the East African Community (EAC) or national governments within the region is considered advantageous.
Demonstrates robust analytical capabilities alongside advanced research proficiency and exceptional report-writing expertise, supported by prior experience in consultancy or specialized assignments addressing comparable subjects.
Proven ability to manage the technical facets of the Consultancy with precision. A track record of thriving in multicultural settings and fostering collaborative, productive relationships.
Language:
Fluency in both written and spoken English is mandatory, while proficiency in Kiswahili or French would be advantageous.
Proficiency in required languages will be rigorously assessed throughout the selection process, potentially through written and oral evaluations.
We prioritize adherence to ethical standards and other pertinent considerations in all aspects of our operations, ensuring integrity, transparency, and accountability in every decision and action. This includes maintaining strict compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry best practices while fostering a culture of respect, fairness, and inclusivity. Additionally, we remain vigilant in addressing potential conflicts of interest, safeguarding confidential information, and upholding the highest standards of professional conduct to build trust with stakeholders and the broader community.
The Consultant is expected to uphold the highest ethical standards throughout the assignment. This encompasses maintaining strict confidentiality, remaining neutral in all interactions, securing informed consent when necessary, and demonstrating sensitivity to the cultural norms of the East African Community Partner States. Furthermore, the Consultant must ensure that all research activities and consultations are conducted in strict compliance with globally recognized ethical research guidelines.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
10 years
