Mu10.rei.2026-05 -Consultant To Conduct A Study On The Migratory Routes In The Western Indian Ocean (WIO) And Capacity Assessment Of Relevant Stakeholders To Manage Transnational Organized Crime, Including Migrant Smuggling

Organizational Context

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), a UN agency established in 1951, promotes humane and orderly migration. The Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region, a vital trade and tourism hub, faces security challenges including migrant smuggling, trafficking in persons, and piracy. IOM is implementing a project to strengthen maritime safety and security in the WIO, collaborating with regional partners.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to conduct a comprehensive study on migratory routes and assess the capacity of stakeholders in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) to manage transnational organized crime, specifically migrant smuggling. The study will identify operational and policy challenges faced by border and migration management authorities. It will also evaluate current practices for assisting vulnerable migrants and explore the role of border communities in smuggling networks. The ultimate goal is to develop pragmatic recommendations for policy and operational improvements, including enhanced data management, maritime security intelligence, and the formulation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and best practices to counter migrant smuggling and protect vulnerable populations.

Responsibilities

The consultant will conduct a desk review of relevant literature and existing documents on maritime safety, transnational organized crime, migration, and migrant protection in the WIO. This includes mapping key stakeholders in Comoros, Madagascar, and Seychelles, and leading an inception meeting to present the methodology and work plan. Data collection will involve consultations and fieldwork with international, regional, and national stakeholders, including government institutions, regional organizations, and civil society. The consultant will assess the alignment of national frameworks with international law and best practices, identify knowledge and skill gaps in key institutions, and analyze current data management and maritime security intelligence systems. The role involves preparing draft and final consultancy reports with recommendations, and developing draft and final SOPs and best practices on combating transnational organized crime and migrant smuggling.

Work Experience

A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience is required. This should include work in academia, research institutes, think tanks, governmental, inter-governmental, or non-governmental organizations focusing on migration governance, irregular migration, trafficking in persons, or transnational organized crime. Demonstrated experience in policy analysis, research, and report writing is essential.

Skills

Strong consultation and stakeholder engagement skills, experience facilitating workshops, ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams, policy analysis, research, and report writing.

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