International Consultant –Conduct research on the intersection of Child Protection and Migration in Ethiopia

Vacancy No.: IOM-CFA/0079/22

Position Title: International Consultant –Conduct research on the intersection of Child Protection and Migration in Ethiopia

Duty Station: Addis Ababa

Classification: Consultant

Posting Period: 27.05.2022 – 02.06.2022

Organizational Context and Scope

1. Project Context and Scope: Ethiopia is the second most-populous country in Africa, and of the nearly 114 million people in Ethiopia, approximately 40% are children under the age of 14.[1] The co-occurring emergencies of the COVID-19 pandemic, the civil war in the north of Ethiopia and pre-existing poverty, spur and amplify children’s risk to abuse, exploitation, gender-based violence and separation from their families.[2] According to the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS), a quarter of girls and women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence since age 15.[3] Ethiopia is a key origin, transit and recipient country for migrants, as well as being the site of internal displacements. As such, Ethiopia encompasses many children on the move, who are overall more exposed to violence, exploitation and abuse than their non-displaced counterparts.[4] Repeated displacements, disrupted education opportunities and lack of economic options put an estimated 481,882 children at risk of exploitation and child labour in 2021, causing the number of children in need to increase by 23 per cent from 2.6 million in 2020 to 3.2 million in 2021.[5] As such, the effectiveness of migration management depends on reliable and up-to-date information, regarding both migration and the state of child protection needs and available services, that this research aims to address as one of the critical questions that arise while implementing programme activities. [6]

Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governments, 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. IOM Ethiopia through Migration Management Unit (MMU) works closely with the Government of Ethiopia (GoE) to improve migration management and governance. It also supports the government in countering trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants (SoM) and promoting regular labour migration channels as well as the migration-development nexus.

IOM is implementing a three-year project funded by the Government of the Netherlands titled Cooperation on Migration and Partnerships for Sustainable Solutions (COMPASS). The overall objective of this three-year multi-country initiative to be implemented from the 1st of January 2021 to the 31st of December 2023 is to contribute to the long-term outcomes of focus on the protection and assistance of people on the move and decreased irregular migration.

COMPASS’ design and implementation follows a multi-level, ecological approach to migrant protection and assistance. The approach is primarily aimed at reducing unsafe and irregular migration and also towards generating sustainable outcomes for migrants, their families and communities. To do this, COMPASS follows a Result-Based Monitoring and Evaluation (RBME) approach, which refers to the shift from focusing on the inputs and activities (resources and procedures) to focusing on the achievement of the short, medium- and long-term goals in the form of sustainable benefits for direct and indirect beneficiaries[7]. The ecological approach assumes that intervention efforts focused on the individual level are not sufficient to achieve sustainable and meaningful development in protecting migrants and avoiding unsafe migration. The approach considers higher social arrangements and includes the community and the broader society governed by States. COMPASS ecological approach comprises three mutually reinforcing intervention components:

• a service delivery approach whereby IOM maximizes its expertise and network of governmental and non-governmental partners to ensure delivery and accessibility of cost-efficient services to individual migrants, their families and communities, and governments.
• a capacity development approach to improve COMPASS programme stakeholders’ capabilities to provide better and migrant inclusive services; better plan, coordinate and implement interventions aimed at addressing migration challenges; and
• an evidence-based and learning approach to enable continuous improvement in migration governance programmes, policies and strategies through generation and timely dissemination of migration governance relevant knowledge products through research and M&E to inform evidence-based policy and programming decisions.

In line with these approaches, the programme plans to achieve its overarching goal through the realization of the following four medium term outcomes based on the four COMPASS intervention pillars of (1) Protection, (2) Counter-trafficking and Smuggling, (3) Awareness and (4) Returns and Reintegration.

• Outcome 1: Migrants from all genders and diverse groups and their families are better empowered to pursue sustainable resolution of vulnerabilities and reintegration
• Outcome 2: Target communities with high mobility are better empowered to facilitate the protection of migrants, sustainable reintegration of returnees and to implement initiatives that prevent irregular migration
• Outcome 3: A conducive policy and legal framework for migrant protection, combatting trafficking and smuggling, and promoting safe and dignified return and sustainable reintegration is enabled.
• Outcome 4: Multi-sectoral coordination between and among states and non-state actors is enhanced to improve efficiency and effectiveness in the protection of the rights of vulnerable migrants in line with international standards.

The results of the research could unfold potential connections with trafficking-in-children practices, namely whether linkages exist between child protection and child migration patterns, and to what extent traffickers prey on child protection needs to resource child-trafficking networks. This information could be further assessed and coordinated with activities according to the programme-wide research agenda.

In line with the overall COMPASS evidence and research strategy, the results of the study and key findings on trends, vulnerabilities and protection needs will be discussed, validated and then disseminated at the national level through dedicated workshops that will pave the way for the identification of possible action points. These results will also support the global knowledge developed by IOM and COMPASS and support cross-border and cross-regional initiatives, when applicable. To guarantee the ownership by national authorities, all research initiatives will be conducted in close coordination with the National Partnership Coalition led by the Ministry of Justice.

The specific objectives will include:

1. Prepare an inception report with a research plan for the study covering the child protection needs of vulnerable migrants and their communities and related migration risks faced by Ethiopian migrants encompassing methodology, workplan, and data collection tools.
2. Design data collection methodology guided by the objectives and scope of the consultancy including international guidelines and relevant framework(s).
3. Conduct the research and prepare a final report with two sections as per point (a) above, including the inputs of the IOM and key stakeholders.
4. Facilitate a validation workshop of the study key findings and recommendations with the IOM Ethiopia office and relevant COMPASS stakeholders.
5. Based on the assessment draw concrete recommendations that would inform IOM to facilitate direct assistance, protection and reintegration support for the most vulnerable of migrants from Ethiopia.
6. Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing: Cooperation on Migration and Partnerships for Sustainable Solutions (COMPASS) PX.0263 – Migration Management Unit (MMU)
7. Category B Consultants: Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment

First deliverable – Inception report inclusive of the proposed methodology, work plan, and approved data collection tools. The methodology should include a clear sample plan which uses evidence to link migration hotspot locations with areas experiencing increased child-protection challenges in Ethiopia. Deliverable date to be determined at the time of the contract signing, deliverable to be completed approximately one month after contract approved. Payment percentage of 25% upon completion of first deliverable.

Second deliverable – Outline a report, including a desk review and analysis of the extent to which international child protection standards are applied at the domestic level, descriptive statistics and key findings resulting from data collection and analysis efforts. Deliverable date to be determined at the time of the contract signing, deliverable to be completed approximately 1.5 months after completion of the first deliverable. Payment percentage of 35% upon completion of second deliverable.

Third deliverable – First draft of a final report, and a corresponding visual product (slide deck, short graphic video or the like) which outlines the state of play of child protection in Ethiopia with a specific focus on migrants in vulnerable situations. Key recommendations should include an action-plan for raising awareness around, and addressing, child protection needs. Deliverable date to be determined at the time of the contract signing, deliverable to be completed approximately 2.5 months after contract signing.

Fourth deliverable – Final versions of all prior materials, updated based on a validation workshop and feedback from IOM colleagues. Deliverable date to be determined at the time of the contract signing, deliverable to be completed approximately 3 months after contract signing. Payment percentage of 40% upon completion of fourth deliverable.

1. Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

• The inception report must include an excellent understanding of the context, a clear methodology, a detailed and realistic work plan and a strategy for the use of the data collection tool as per the terms of reference.
• Ensure that the reports are comprehensive, detailed, and submitted in a timely manner.
• Ensure that the recommendations are realistic, include all actors and consider IOM’s mandate.
• Ensure good facilitation skills during the validation workshop and the ability to accommodate the inputs of various actors.

[1] IOM Migration Data Portal, mid-year 2020.

[2] OCHA Humanitarian Needs Overview 2021.

[3] UNICEF, Ethiopia and Child Protection.

[4] ibid.

[5] OCHA, Humanitarian Needs Overview 2021, p. 82

[7] UNDP Handbook on Result-Based Monitoring and Evaluation (2011)

All-inclusive fee: $15,000

5. Education, Experience and/or skills required

Education

• An advanced university degree in Migration, Development Studies, Social Work, Sociology, or any other relevant social science disciplines. Minimum of seven years’ professional experience in research, capacity development or evaluation related to migration management, counter-trafficking, child protection, or community mobilization/engagement.

Experience

• Thorough understanding of migration, human trafficking and community development dynamics in Ethiopia and the wider region is required.
• Demonstrated experience in working with research teams.
• Strong writing, analytical and reporting skills in English are required.
• 6. Travel required

The research component requires local travels. The consultant must develop a clear sample plan to link migration hotspot locations with areas that have particular importance to the protection of children in Ethiopia, together with the IOM Ethiopia team, and in consideration of recent security restrictions. The specific sample location will be determined in the later stage of the assignment. DSA allowance will be considered and discussed in line with travel plans, to be determined at contract signing.

Competencies

Values

• • • Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible. – Integrity and transparency: maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct. – Professionalism: demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators

• • • Teamwork: develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results. – Delivering results: produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner; is action-oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes. – Managing and sharing knowledge: continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate. – Accountability: takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own action and delegated work. – Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Skills

• Proven ability to establish and maintain strong working relations with relevant government and non-governmental counterparts, international organizations, civil society and private sector entities.
• High level of computer literacy; proficient in MS Office applications.
• Ability to manage time efficiently, effectively handle multiple tasks and competing priorities, as well as meet tight deadlines.

How to apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their application following the specifications outlined below through ethiojobs.net or via our e-mail address RECADDIS@IOM.INT , on or before June 02, 2022, referring the position title and Vacancy number in the subject line of your email; applicant who doesn`t follow the required application procedure will automatically be disqualified from the competition.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR APPLICATION

1. Technical proposal outline:
2. Conceptual framework (2-3 pages)
3. Detailed methodology (2-3 pages)
4. Work plan (1-2 pages)
5. Explanation of the consultants’ suitability for the assignment (1 page) including names and contacts of three recent professional referees
6. Two examples of previous similar work
7. Names and CVs of individuals or team members proposed, highlighting their experience relevant to this study and their roles in the achievement of the assignment.
8. Financial proposal:
9. The proposal will include a lump sum cost for the assignment
10. A breakdown of the costs related to all aspects of the consultancy (consultancy fee, travel, and the assignment deliverables).

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

We strongly encourage qualified women to apply!