Consultant : Labour Market Assessment

Organizational Context

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), a UN-related agency, facilitates humane and orderly migration. This role supports the State Department for Labour and Skills Development in Kenya, focusing on the Kenya-Ethiopia economic corridor. The project aims to address challenges like youth unemployment and skills mismatches by improving labour mobility frameworks and developing Bilateral Labour Migration Agreements (BLMAs).

Job Purpose

This consultancy is commissioned to conduct a Labour Market Assessment (LMA) along the Kenya-Ethiopia corridor. The purpose is to generate evidence on current and future labour demand and supply dynamics, informing targeted interventions, policy dialogue, and the development of a Kenya-Ethiopia Bilateral Labour Migration Agreement (BLMA). The assessment will analyze economic sectors, employment trends, skills requirements, and cross-border mobility patterns. It will also identify barriers to job creation and decent work, with a specific focus on gender, youth, and vulnerable groups. The findings will guide efforts to improve labour governance, increase access to dignified work opportunities, and ensure safe, fair, and gender-responsive migration pathways between Kenya, Ethiopia, and potentially GCC countries.

Responsibilities

The consultant will identify and analyze key economic sectors and value chains driving employment along the Kenya-Ethiopia labour mobility corridor. This includes analyzing current and anticipated labour demands by sector, occupation, and skill level, as well as labor supply characteristics such as demographics, education, and mobility patterns. A critical task is to identify skills gaps, mismatches, and training needs relevant to the corridor's economies. The consultant will also analyze cross-border labour mobility patterns, regulations, and constraints, paying close attention to the participation of gender, youth, and vulnerable groups in the labor market. Furthermore, the role involves identifying barriers to job creation and decent work, including policy, institutional, and market constraints. Finally, the consultant will provide practical recommendations for BLMA establishment, policy engagement, stakeholder engagement, and labour mobility programming.

Work Experience

A minimum of 10 years of demonstrated experience in conducting national-level labour market or employment-related assessments is required. Strong understanding of East African labour markets, particularly Kenya and Ethiopia, is essential. Experience in private sector, value chain, or skills development analysis is also necessary. Experience in cross-border or fragile contexts is considered an asset.

Skills

Proven qualitative and quantitative research skills. Excellent analytical and report-writing skills.

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