Individual Consultant for the Development of SOP on Post-Arrival Immediate Assistance and Referral Services for Returnee Migrants at International Airports

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

The Migration Policy and Sustainable Development unit of IOM is seeking a Consultant to support the Government of Bangladesh, particularly the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment (MoEWOE), the Wage Earners’ Welfare Board (WEWB), Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, relevant airport authorities, law enforcement agencies,  Probashi Kallyan Desk (PKD), and civil society organizations, in developing the Post-Arrival SOP including Immediate Assistance and Referral Framework, and other necessary 

Bangladesh is one of the world’s largest labour-sending countries, with overseas employment significantly contributing to national development. However, returnee migrant workers, particularly those returning in vulnerable situations, often face immediate humanitarian, protection, and reintegration challenges upon arrival. These may include unmet basic needs, health concerns, psychosocial distress, legal complications, debt burdens, and social stigma.

Migrants returning in vulnerable situations including women and girls, victims of exploitation, migrants experiencing abuse, and those facing health or protection concerns often require targeted identification, immediate assistance, and referral to appropriate services upon arrival.

Despite ongoing efforts by the Government of Bangladesh (GoB), including the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment (MoEWOE), the Wage Earners’ Welfare Board (WEWB), the Department of Immigration and Passports, airport authorities, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders, there remains a need for a standardized, coordinated, and rights-based post-arrival response mechanism at international airports.

The “PROTTASHA II-STRENGTHENED SERVICE DELIVERY SYSTEMS FOR IMPROVED MIGRATION MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABLE REINTEGRATION” project, supported by the European Union and implemented with technical assistance from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), seeks to enhance national systems for return and reintegration. As part of these efforts, strengthening mechanisms for identification, immediate assistance, and referral for migrants in vulnerable situations is essential to ensure timely protection and support upon arrival.

As part of this initiative, the development of a comprehensive Post-Arrival SOP for Returnees and Immediate Assistance and Referral is essential to ensure a systematic, timely, and dignified response for Bangladeshi migrants returning through international airports.
 

To operationalize a dignified and protection-sensitive return framework, the Consultant will develop a comprehensive and practical SOP to be adopted by the Government of Bangladesh. The SOP will translate policy commitments into operational guidance for frontline actors at international airports and relevant service providers at national and sub-national levels.

         o    Develop necessary guidelines and tools aligned with the National Refferal Mechanism, including                           development of screening tools, referral forms, and referral, follow-up & case management guidelines. 
         o    Ensure gender-sensitive, child-sensitive, and protection-focused approaches.

IOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work. 

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

• Advanced degree in public policy, migration studies, development studies, or a relevant field.

• Minimum 7 years of relevant professional experience in policy development, migration governance, reintegration programming, or similar areas, preferably with experience in UN agencies.

• Experience in drafting SOPs, operational frameworks, or referral mechanisms.

• Experience facilitating multistakeholder consultations and validation processes.

• Excellent analytical, writing, and facilitation skills.

• Knowledge of the migration and return context in Bangladesh.

*** Only Bangladeshi Nationals will be eligible for this Consultancy ***

For this consultancy, Fluency in Bengali and English is required. 

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.