The consultancy aims to achieve specific goals and deliver measurable outcomes by providing expert guidance and strategic solutions tailored to client needs. Through collaborative engagement, it seeks to enhance operational efficiency, drive innovation, and foster sustainable growth across diverse sectors. Key objectives include conducting in-depth analyses, developing actionable recommendations, and implementing best practices to address complex business challenges. The role demands a blend of analytical rigor, industry expertise, and strong interpersonal skills to engage stakeholders effectively and ensure successful project delivery.
To deliver specialized advisory services in accordance with the outlined scope of work, this consultancy aims to provide expert guidance, strategic insights, and actionable recommendations to support organizational objectives and enhance operational efficiency. The selected consultant will be expected to conduct thorough assessments, analyze complex data, and develop tailored solutions that address key challenges while ensuring alignment with established policies, industry best practices, and stakeholder expectations. Additionally, the role involves collaborating closely with internal teams to facilitate seamless implementation of recommendations, monitor progress, and evaluate outcomes to drive continuous improvement and sustainable results.
The East African Community (EAC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are seeking a skilled consultant specializing in research, analysis, and policy development related to migrant return and reintegration to conduct an in-depth study examining existing policies, practices, gaps, and opportunities within the EAC region. This study will inform the creation of a regional framework focused on the return and reintegration of stranded migrants across EAC Partner States. The proposed framework aims to establish unified standards, guiding principles, and coordinated methodologies to be collectively adopted by EAC Member States in managing return and sustainable reintegration processes. Its objectives include strengthening regional collaboration, improving policy alignment, and advancing rights-based, safe, orderly, and dignified return and reintegration in compliance with relevant international, continental, and regional legal and policy frameworks.
We aim to achieve key targets through focused initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and drive measurable outcomes. Our strategic goals include optimizing workflows, fostering innovation, and ensuring adherence to established benchmarks. Additionally, we prioritize the development of robust systems to support long-term sustainability and performance excellence.
The consultancy aims to achieve the following key objectives:
Conduct a thorough assessment of current protocols, regulatory frameworks, and institutional structures that govern the return and reintegration of stranded migrants across EAC Partner States to pinpoint deficiencies, redundancies, and potential improvements.
Conduct an exhaustive and inclusive analysis to guide the formulation of the EAC Regional Framework on the Return and Reintegration of Stranded Migrants.
Conduct national consultations in each EAC Partner State, engaging key stakeholders throughout the process.
Convene a virtual gathering of Partner States’ experts to review and endorse the study report.
Upon securing partner states’ endorsement of the validation report, formulate a strategic outcome document—such as a policy framework or related policy instrument—to effectively address the intervention.
Conduct a comprehensive assessment of migration patterns, underlying factors, obstacles, and incidents that impact return and reintegration within the East African Community (EAC) region.
Responsibilities include managing project timelines, coordinating team efforts, and ensuring deliverables meet quality standards. The role requires overseeing budgets, tracking progress, and resolving any operational challenges that arise. Additionally, the position entails collaborating with stakeholders to align objectives, conducting performance reviews, and fostering a productive work environment. Strong communication skills are essential for reporting updates and addressing team concerns effectively.
SCOPE OF WORK
The Consultant will be responsible for executing the following key tasks as part of this assignment:
Collaborate closely with the EAC Secretariat and the IOM Regional Office for East, Horn, and Southern Africa via a joint technical team to oversee and enhance the consultancy process, which encompasses coordination with Partner States and the organization of consultative meetings.
The Inception Report, detailing the proposed methodology, work plan, timelines, and partner state engagement strategy, must be prepared and submitted to both the EAC Secretariat and the IOM Regional Office.
Conduct a comprehensive analysis of current national, regional, continental, and global legal policies and institutional frameworks governing the return and reintegration of stranded migrants within the East African Community (EAC) Partner States. The objective is to identify gaps, redundancies, and opportunities for alignment or harmonization, culminating in the development of a detailed report.
Deliver dependable, actionable insights derived from reliable data to empower national authorities and international organizations in formulating impactful response strategies.
Compile pertinent data to support proactive and reactive strategies at regional and national levels.
Perform an in-depth situational analysis to assess the prevailing migration trends, underlying drivers, and key challenges influencing the return and reintegration processes of stranded migrants across the East African Community (EAC) region.
The assignment entails a defined period of engagement, a structured timeline for deliverables, and a predetermined payment framework, ensuring clarity and alignment between all parties involved. The duration will be specified in the contract, with key milestones and deadlines clearly outlined to facilitate timely execution. Compensation will be disbursed in accordance with the agreed-upon schedule, which may include installments tied to project phases or specific deliverables. This approach guarantees transparency, accountability, and mutual understanding throughout the engagement.
The consultancy engagement is anticipated to span up to seven months, contingent upon the mutually agreed fee, and will officially commence upon contract signing. The projected completion window for the consultancy falls between June 2026 and January 2027, with a potential follow-up consultancy phase extending beyond this timeframe. These proposed dates remain provisional and may be adjusted in alignment with the evolving nature of the project.
We are seeking a motivated individual to handle payment processing tasks, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in all transactions. The ideal candidate will have experience with financial systems and a strong attention to detail. Responsibilities include verifying payment information, reconciling discrepancies, and maintaining up-to-date records. Proficiency in relevant software and tools is required, along with the ability to manage deadlines and work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Strong communication skills and a commitment to compliance with financial regulations are essential.
Upon satisfactory fulfillment and endorsement of each individual step, final decisions will be rendered.
Develop and present a comprehensive set of deliverables that meet the specified project requirements and deadlines. Ensure all outputs are thoroughly reviewed to maintain high standards of quality and accuracy. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather necessary inputs and align deliverables with broader organizational objectives. Adapt deliverables as needed to address evolving project needs or stakeholder feedback. Maintain clear documentation throughout the process to facilitate tracking and accountability.
Upon entering into the contract, the Consultant will be responsible for delivering the following outputs:
The inception report will outline the consultancy’s methodology, delineate the work plan, establish the stakeholder engagement strategy, and define the implementation timelines.
A comprehensive assessment of prevailing migration patterns, underlying factors, and obstacles influencing the return and reintegration of stranded migrants within the East African Community (EAC) region is required. This analysis must yield actionable and dependable data to inform the formulation of impactful and evidence-based responses.
Countries must delineate the distinct roles and obligations of origin, transit, and destination nations, alongside establishing robust frameworks for both proactive and reactive regional collaboration focused on return and reintegration efforts—encompassing preliminary drafts of a regional framework document dedicated to these critical processes.
Across each of the eight Partner States, comprehensive consultation meetings will be conducted, followed by the preparation of detailed reports summarizing key insights and outcomes from these discussions.
A draft Study Report is being prepared to analyze the policy frameworks, legal structures, practices, and institutional arrangements governing return and reintegration across the EAC Partner States. The report will provide detailed insights into the existing landscape, highlighting key findings and recommendations based on comprehensive research.
An online regional validation meeting will convene to review the draft study, subsequently followed by the issuance of an approved validation report.
The final outcome report of the study will integrate feedback and recommendations gathered from the regional validation meeting and national consultations to inform the proposed intervention.
The position involves managing reporting processes and overseeing team performance, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Responsibilities include compiling and analyzing data, preparing accurate reports, and maintaining clear communication with stakeholders. The role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to mentor and guide team members effectively. Proficiency in relevant software and tools is essential, along with the capacity to interpret complex information and present findings in a structured manner.
The Consultant will collaborate with the designated Organizational Department or Unit to fulfill the assigned responsibilities and support its strategic objectives.
The Consultant will report directly to the designated department within the EAC Secretariat while closely collaborating with the IOM Regional Office for East, Horn, and Southern Africa. Consistent progress updates will be delivered in alignment with the prearranged 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 the consultancy process by coordinating with Partner States and organizing consultative meetings.
Upon submission of the deliverables, the EAC Secretariat and IOM may provide feedback and request revisions. Final approval of the deliverables will be contingent upon their satisfaction with the submitted materials.
The deliverables and reporting must be prepared in English, with all information provided electronically in both Word and PDF formats. According to EAC Secretariat guidelines, submissions must include both electronic and hard copy versions. The consultant assumes full responsibility for the precision and validity of the data submitted, including the sources referenced. Should translations into other languages be necessary, IOM will handle the translation of the final outputs accordingly.
The consultant is not responsible for managerial, supervisory, or representative duties.
All materials and information furnished to the consultant remain strictly confidential and may not be utilized for purposes other than those specified or disclosed to unauthorized parties without prior written consent from both IOM and the EAC Secretariat.
The outlined activities may be subject to further adjustments, contingent upon approval from IOM in collaboration with the EAC Secretariat, aligning with evolving project requirements. Should the need arise, the consultant could be requested by IOM to deliver supplementary consultancy services that correspond with their specialized skills and expertise, as outlined in the attached EAC Terms of Reference.
Minimum qualifications and experience include a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, along with a minimum of five years of professional experience in software development or a closely related role. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, or C++, along with experience in developing scalable software solutions. Strong problem-solving skills, excellent communication abilities, and the capacity to work effectively both independently and within a collaborative team environment are essential. Familiarity with software development methodologies, such as Agile or Scrum, is required.
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as Computer Science, Engineering, or Business Administration, along with a minimum of five years of professional experience in [specific industry or role, e.g., software development, project management, or data analysis]. Proficiency in [specific tools, technologies, or methodologies, e.g., Python, Agile frameworks, or SQL] is essential, as is prior experience with [specific tasks or systems, e.g., cloud infrastructure, financial modeling, or cybersecurity protocols]. Strong analytical thinking, exceptional problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to collaborate effectively across teams are also required. Familiarity with industry regulations, compliance standards, or best practices is a plus.
The Consultant is required to meet the following qualifications and competencies:
A Bachelor’s degree, along with a postgraduate qualification at the master’s level or above, in International Relations, Migration Studies, Law, Social Sciences, Business Studies, Public Policy, Public Administration, or a related discipline is mandatory.
With experience in [specified field/industry], you have developed a strong foundation in [key skills or areas of expertise]. Your background includes [X years] of hands-on experience in [specific roles or tasks], demonstrating proficiency in [relevant tools, techniques, or methodologies]. You have successfully contributed to [specific projects, achievements, or outcomes], showcasing your ability to [key competencies, such as problem-solving, leadership, or collaboration]. Your expertise in [specific domain or skill] has enabled you to [describe impact or results, e.g., streamline processes, drive innovation, or mentor teams].
A minimum of ten years of demonstrated professional expertise in migration, return, and reintegration, or closely aligned thematic fields, is required.
Established expertise in designing or implementing regional or national frameworks, policies, or guidelines, with a preferred focus on migration management, is essential.
Proficiency in regional and international legal frameworks, standards, and optimal approaches concerning migration, return, and reintegration is essential.
With experience collaborating with Partner States, regional entities, and key stakeholders—such as governmental and non-governmental organizations—preferred candidates will have prior engagement with the EAC or regional governments.
Analytical, research, and report-writing skills are essential, supported by a proven track record in consultancy or expert-level projects covering comparable subject.
Demonstrates a strong aptitude for managing technical components within the Consultancy setting. Exhibits proven capability in collaborating across diverse cultural backgrounds while fostering productive and cohesive professional relationships.
Language:
Proficiency in both written and spoken English is essential, while familiarity with Kiswahili or French would be advantageous.
Language proficiency will be rigorously assessed during the selection process through written and/or oral evaluations.
We are committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct in all aspects of our operations. Candidates must demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility, professionalism, and respect for confidentiality. Adherence to relevant laws, regulations, and industry best practices is essential, as is the ability to navigate complex ethical dilemmas with sound judgment. Familiarity with data privacy principles and conflict-of-interest policies is required, and applicants should be prepared to align their actions with our organization’s core values.
The Consultant is expected to uphold the most rigorous ethical standards throughout the assignment. This involves maintaining strict confidentiality, remaining impartial, and securing informed consent when necessary, while also demonstrating sensitivity to the cultural contexts of the EAC Partner States. All research activities and consultations must be conducted in full compliance with globally recognized ethical research principles.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
10 years
