National Mapping Consultant

Organizational Context

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), a UN agency established in 1951, promotes humane and orderly migration. This role contributes to the Migrant Protection and Assistance Unit, focusing on enhancing protection for migrants from violence, exploitation, and abuse in Central Asia. The project addresses complex migration dynamics and protection system gaps in Tajikistan.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to conduct a rapid national mapping in Tajikistan to identify critical gaps between policy and practice in the migrant protection system. The purpose is to review existing legislation, policies, procedures, tools, service information, and referral pathways to produce actionable recommendations. The mapping will assess the adequacy of legal frameworks, the effectiveness of inter-agency coordination, and the availability and accessibility of services, particularly for vulnerable migrants, children, and trafficking survivors. It will also evaluate the sensitivity of services to sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) and sexual violence. The ultimate goal is to generate an evidence-based foundation for strengthening protection systems and improving outcomes for vulnerable migrants, informing the development of practical guidance and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Responsibilities

The consultant will conduct a rapid mapping and gap analysis of Tajikistan's migrant protection system. Key tasks include reviewing national legislation, policies, SOPs, referral pathways, and available assessments related to migrant protection, child protection, and counter-trafficking. This involves identifying legal, operational, coordination, and service-access gaps, with a focus on practical issues. The consultant will assess the capacity of services to address sexual exploitation, abuse, and sexual violence, ensuring confidentiality and survivor-centered approaches. Targeted stakeholder consultations with government, civil society, and international partners will be conducted. The consultant will develop a concise mapping report with practical recommendations and draft SOPs or guidance materials on identification, referral, assistance, coordination, and information-sharing. A service mapping matrix detailing available services and their capacity will be included. The consultant must also prepare an inception note, a draft report, and a validation summary, ensuring all outputs are clear, concise, and delivered within the agreed timeframe.

Work Experience

Requires at least 5-7 years of professional experience in migration, human trafficking, child protection, or social protection, with demonstrable experience in migrant vulnerability and protection or counter-trafficking. Strong experience in policy and legal analysis, including interpreting laws and assessing them against international standards, is essential. Proven experience in qualitative research and assessment, including conducting interviews and producing analytical reports, is also necessary. In-depth understanding of Tajikistan and Central Asia's context, ideally with prior working experience in the region, is highly desirable.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal and facilitation skills for engaging diverse stakeholders and conducting consultations. Strong analytical writing skills to produce clear, structured reports and SOPs. Ability to work independently, manage workload efficiently, and demonstrate flexibility and problem-solving. Demonstrated commitment to research ethics, confidentiality, and data protection. Cultural sensitivity, gender-sensitivity, and child-sensitivity are crucial. Fluency in Tajik/Russian is required; proficiency in English is highly desirable for reporting.

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