CFAs – Research Consultant

Nature of the consultancy:

Research consultant to conduct study on migration and its impacts on the sustainable development goals.

Project Context and Scope:

Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and 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.

Migration is a complex and manifold phenomenon that is shaped by various economic, social, and environmental factors. Both permanent and temporary migration have different impacts on the economy, social life, and environmental situation of a community, area of country. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as well as developments in new technologies and standards, has triggered significant advancements in migration methodologies at the global level, with many new methodologies to measure migration and its effects being developed and improved over time.

Migration can serve as a poverty alleviation strategy, with remittances contributing significantly to household incomes and improving living standards in communities of origin. However, migration can also result in social fragmentation and increased vulnerability for certain groups. Addressing the root causes of poverty, promoting inclusive development, protecting migrants’ rights, and fostering international cooperation are crucial for achieving sustainable solutions to the challenges by and poverty – which can be partially mitigated by migration.

As such, migration and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are interconnected in various ways. State priorities, especially for developing countries, often reflect this by having national commitments to address and facilitate migration within the framework of sustainable development by facilitating labor migration and remittance flows. Facilitating and addressing migration within the context of the SDGs requires a holistic approach that considers the diverse needs, vulnerabilities, and contributions of migrants.

Within this framework of facilitating the 2030 Agenda by exploring its linkages to migration, The Consultant, hired by IOM but working within the Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives, will be responsible for conducting comprehensive desk research on the impact of migration on the SDGs in Pakistan. The outcome of the exercise will provide recommendations for improving data reporting on the SDGs indicators linked with migration. The outcome of the exercise will enable proper data reporting on the SDGs indicators linked with migration and inform the development of migration policies that are aligned with the SDGs.

The Consultant will report to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and work directly with the Chief SDGs, Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives. In particular, the Consultant will work in close coordination and under the guidance of the Chief SDGs Office to explore the linkages between migration and the SDGs.

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing:

The Consultant will be contributing to IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) programme. One of the core functions of DTM is data collection targeting various types of mobile populations and communities living with them through various methods such as face-to-face and/or telephonic interviews. Several enumerators and field coordination assistants will be assigned to conduct data collection and coordinate the effort at the field level. In order to have smooth and well-coordinated implementation, IOM requires a Project Operations Assistant to assist the National Project Officer in the planning, coordination, and execution of strategies for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data concerning TDPs (Temporarily Displaced Persons), as well as national and international migrants.

Tasks to be performed under this contract:

Under the overall supervision of the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) Programme Manager in IOM Pakistan, the consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Conduct a literature and desk review of the migration-related SDGs in Pakistan, including but not limited to, goals 1, 3, 4, 8, 10, 13, and 17.
• Identify and analyze the linkages between each SDG and migration in Pakistan, exploring both backward and forward linkages (i.e., how migration impacts the SDGs (backward linkages) and vice versa (forward linkages)).
• Examine the trends and possible impact of social, climate change, health, economic, and demographic issues in Pakistan linked with migration.
• Identify gaps in the current data and suggest improvements to ensure accurate and reliable data reporting on the SDGs indicators linked with migration in Pakistan.
• Provide recommendations on how to integrate migration considerations into policies and strategies in Pakistan that address the pressing needs of environment and climate change, natural disasters, and other relevant issues.
• Develop a comprehensive report that outlines the findings of the research, including policy recommendations and best practices, related to the migration-related SDGs in Pakistan.

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results:

The performance indicators of the consultant includes:

• Regular consultations with IOM.
• Timely completion of consultancy workplan.
• Development and successful completion of the methodological design.
• Development and successful completion of the final report.

The evaluation of the results will be indicated by the following:

• Inception report outlining the research methodology, timeline, and deliverables.
• A literature and desk review report on the migration-related SDGs.
• Based on the desk review develop a report that includes the following:
• The linkages between each SDG and migration, including backward and forward linkages.
• The trends and possible impact of social, climate change, health, economic, and demographic issues linked with migration.
• The gaps in the current data and suggestions for improvements.
• The outlines the findings of the research, including policy recommendations and best practices.

Education, Experience and/or skills required:

EDUCATION:

• Master’s University degree in Migration studies, Political or Social Science, Business Administration, International Relations, Law, Environmental Studies, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with six years of relevant professional experience.
• PhD degree in the above fields with three years of relevant professional experience.

EXPERIENCE:

• At least two years of experience in designing and implementing data collection exercises with both primary and secondary data.
• Direct experience in the secondary data review, management, and analysis cycle, from planning to reporting.
• Proven experience in designing and conducting research related to SDGs, migration, or displacement, preferably in the context of Pakistan.
• Experience in report writing, designing of methodologies and quantitative data collection tools.

SKILLS:

• Strong and demonstrable interest in human mobility, migration, SDGs, and displacement matters.
• Excellent writing, communication, and analytical skills.
• Proven analytical skills and creative thinking.
• Excellent communication skills, efficiency, and flexibility.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in quantitative research methods.
• Familiarity with the ethical considerations and challenges related to research involving vulnerable populations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Travel required:

• No travel required outside Islamabad.

Only short-listed candidates who are matching required criteria for the consultancy will be contacted by IOM.

IOM provides equal opportunity to all qualified female and male including the physically challenged candidates.