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

Organizational Context

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), a UN agency established in 1951, promotes humane and orderly migration. This consultancy contributes to the Regional Data Hub (RDH) within IOM's Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), based in Cairo, Egypt. The role supports efforts to strengthen data systems and enhance regional cooperation on the complex issue of migrant smuggling.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to conduct a comprehensive regional study on the smuggling of migrants within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The primary objective is to strengthen data systems and enhance regional cooperation to address the under-documented nature of this issue. The study will analyze existing data ecosystems, identify fragmentation and inconsistencies, and assess the impact of different reporting practices. It will also examine the integration of regular migration pathways data into national systems, recognizing that limited access to safe channels can influence reliance on smuggling networks. A key focus will be incorporating a gender and protection-sensitive lens to ensure vulnerabilities are examined inclusively. The ultimate goal is to provide actionable recommendations for improving data governance, institutional coordination, and regional cooperation mechanisms to support evidence-based responses.

Responsibilities

The consultant will conduct a regional study on migrant smuggling in the MENA region, focusing on strengthening data systems and enhancing regional cooperation. Key responsibilities include producing an inception report detailing methodology, analytical framework, work plan, and data collection strategy. The consultant will also deliver a data analytical report consolidating findings from desk reviews and consultations, mapping data systems for smuggling and regular pathways, and analyzing gaps and coordination needs. The final deliverable is a comprehensive analytical report (60-70 pages) and a policy brief for decision-makers, including integrated recommendations on data governance, institutional coordination, and protection-sensitive approaches. The consultant will participate in a regional dissemination event to present findings and provide technical support during validation workshops, ensuring compliance with IOM data protection and ethical standards.

Work Experience

A minimum of 7-10 years of research experience in migration, smuggling, protection, or data systems is required. Demonstrated expertise in migration data governance, institutional mapping, or comparative policy analysis is essential. Experience conducting multi-country research in complex mobility contexts, particularly in the MENA region, is highly desirable. Familiarity with administrative data, law-enforcement datasets, and regular migration pathways is also important.

Skills

Strong analytical, writing, and synthesis skills. Expertise in migration data governance, institutional mapping, or comparative policy analysis. Experience with multi-country research in complex mobility contexts. Familiarity with administrative data, law-enforcement datasets, and regular migration pathways. Ability to integrate gender and protection-sensitive approaches in research. Experience engaging with government officials, UN agencies, and civil society organizations.

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