Call for Applications: Protection Research and Affective Cartographies Study
Organizational Context
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Pakistan works to enhance protection for displaced populations, migrants, and vulnerable communities. Amidst increased movements of Afghan nationals and evolving protection risks, IOM seeks a comprehensive research study to inform programming, policy, and advocacy efforts. The consultant will contribute to the Protection Unit within the Humanitarian, Recovery and Resilience Division.
Job Purpose
This consultancy aims to design and implement a comprehensive qualitative and participatory research study on "Affective Cartographies" among Afghan nationals and other migrants with protection concerns in Pakistan and selected cross-border contexts. The research will map protection risks, psychosocial wellbeing, access to services, barriers, coping mechanisms, community support systems, social cohesion, documentation challenges, and protection priorities. The findings will generate crucial evidence to support IOM's protection programming, policy engagement, advocacy, community-based initiatives, legal assistance, MHPSS, and strategic investments, ultimately strengthening the protection environment for vulnerable populations.
Responsibilities
The consultant will develop an Inception Report detailing methodology, sampling, tools, and work plan. They will then execute data collection, including Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) with diverse groups. A draft research report will be submitted, followed by a validation workshop and the development of a policy brief. The final deliverable is a comprehensive research report package, including an executive summary, findings, protection analysis, service gap analysis, recommendations, and an "Affective Protection Cartography Framework" with visual mapping. The consultant will also provide a clean research dataset and presentation deck, adhering to ethical research standards throughout.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience is required, including demonstrated experience in complex qualitative research, migration, displacement, and protection programming. Experience working with Afghan populations, conducting FGDs, KIIs, and participatory research is essential. Strong analytical and report-writing skills are necessary. Prior experience with IOM, UN agencies, or international NGOs is highly desirable.
Skills
Key skills include qualitative research design, data analysis and research synthesis, stakeholder engagement, policy and protection analysis, and strong English writing abilities. Knowledge of Dari or Pashto is considered an advantage.