Local Consultant CC-2026-16

Organizational Context

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Armenia, a UN-related agency, is jointly implementing the EU-funded project "Enhancing Policy Framework and Capacity for Effective Migration and Asylum Management in Armenia" with UNHCR. This initiative strengthens migration and asylum governance in Armenia, aligning with good governance and human rights. The role contributes to this project by focusing on legislative and policy reforms across migration, border management, and citizenship, particularly within the EU Visa Liberalization Dialogue.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this assignment is to provide a comprehensive assessment of Armenia's legislative reform process concerning migration and citizenship. This involves creating a detailed inventory of relevant legal acts, evaluating the status of legislative alignment with international and European standards, and identifying ongoing reforms, their current status, and outstanding needs. A key outcome will be the development of a practical roadmap for completing pending reforms. Additionally, the role requires a thorough review of existing citizenship legislation, leading to concrete recommendations and draft amendment proposals. These amendments will support further alignment with pertinent international and European standards and policy objectives, contributing to more effective, accountable, and rights-based service delivery and secure cross-border mobility within the broader project goals. The consultant will analyze legislation, policy documents, and conduct stakeholder consultations as needed.

Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Office and direct supervision of the Programme Officer, the consultant will conduct a comprehensive review of migration- and citizenship-related legislation. This involves preparing a consolidated legislative inventory, a gap assessment, and a roadmap for subsequent legal reforms. Key tasks include a desk review of relevant legislation, draft laws, and government decisions to identify legislative changes that have already been completed, those currently under development or adoption, and changes that are still required. The consultant will map relevant governmental agencies involved in the reform process, detailing their mandates, roles, and responsibilities in the design, coordination, implementation, or oversight of amendments. A significant part of the role is to propose indicative sequencing, timelines, and a legislative roadmap for completing remaining legislative changes, presenting these findings in a detailed report in Armenian. Furthermore, the consultant will specifically review the Law on Citizenship, assessing its alignment with relevant EU standards, identifying legal gaps and areas requiring revision, and providing detailed recommendations for amendment. This includes preparing necessary draft amendments and explanatory notes for review by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Migration Service, and IOM.

Work Experience

Candidates must have at least five years of relevant professional experience in legal and policy analysis, with proven experience in reviewing and interpreting national legislation and regulatory frameworks. Demonstrated knowledge of EU legislative and administrative frameworks governing migration is essential. Experience working with public administration and governmental institutions is required, while experience with international organizations and on topics related to migration, governance, or citizenship is considered an advantage. The ability to provide clear and practical legal guidance and recommendations is also necessary.

Skills

Professional competence and mastery of the subject matter. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing. Ability to understand assignment scope, judge time and resources, identify key issues, and propose solutions. Values include inclusion and respect for diversity, integrity and transparency, professionalism, courage, and empathy. Core competencies encompass teamwork, delivering results, managing and sharing knowledge, accountability, and communication.

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