Consultant For Regional Study On Informal Employment Of Migrants In The Middle East & North Africa

Organizational Context

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), a UN-related agency established in 1951, promotes humane and orderly migration. The Regional Data Hub (RDH) within the IOM Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in Cairo, Egypt, focuses on migration data. This consultancy contributes to understanding informal migrant employment within the MENA region.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to conduct a comprehensive regional study on informal employment of migrants in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The study will address significant data gaps by estimating the scale and characteristics of informal migrant employment, examining associated protection risks, and analyzing the influence of skills and education on labor market access. It will also explore economic contributions and policy options for formalization and regularization. The ultimate goal is to generate actionable recommendations for strengthening labor market governance, improving data collection, and enhancing cross-governmental collaboration to support more coherent and protection-sensitive migration and labor policies in the region.

Responsibilities

The consultant will undertake a regional study on informal migrant employment in MENA, delivering three key outputs. The first is an Inception Report detailing methodology, workplan, stakeholder mapping, and proposed case study countries. The second is a draft Regional Analytical Report, incorporating desk review findings, estimation results using ILO/ERF methodologies, data gap analysis, stakeholder consultation summaries, case study sections, and preliminary policy/protection analysis. The third deliverable is the final Regional Analytical Report (60-70 pages) and a policy brief, featuring integrated analysis of informality, protection, gender, skills, RPL, comparative policy analysis, and actionable recommendations for authorities. The consultant will also present findings at a regional dissemination event and provide technical support.

Work Experience

A minimum of 7-10 years of experience in labour market research, informal economy analysis, or migration studies is required. Proven experience with labour force surveys, informal economy measurement, or estimation techniques is necessary. Experience in multi-country research, preferably in the MENA region, and strong knowledge of protection issues linked to informality are also required.

Skills

Excellent drafting, analytical, and synthesis skills. Strong knowledge of protection issues linked to informality. Expertise in analyzing skills systems, education, and RPL frameworks is an asset. Experience interacting with government institutions, UN agencies, and research bodies.

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