Nature of the consultancy:
Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. The consultant is assigned to contextualize, adapt and improve upon training modules relating to Migration, Business and Human Rights (MBHR), including on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), fair and ethical recruitment and the Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) framework, targeted to members and staff of civil society organizations (such as NGOs, trade unions, community-based organizations, academic and research institutions) in Asia, particularly the South and Southeast Asian regions. This initiative is being undertaken through the IOM’s Migration, Business and Human Rights in Asia: Promoting Corporate Responsibility and Migrant Worker’s Rights in Global Supply Chains regional programme, hereinafter referred to as the MBHR in Asia programme.
As an output-based consultant (Category B), the consultant is expected to conduct desk research, create learning and training materials and slides for the training modules; develop a facilitator’s guide including learning objectives for each module and interactive exercises or supplemental materials (such as case studies, discussion guides, etc.) to facilitate learning; conduct a validation exercise for the developed modules; and conduct at least one (1) pilot training session using the finalized modules in close collaboration with the IOM MBHR programme team. The consultant shall ensure that the resulting knowledge product is in accordance with the IOM House Style Manual and the IOM Spelling List.
Programme Context and Scope of Research:
MBHR
The Migration, Business and Human Rights Programme in Asia (MBHR Asia) is a regional programme by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) aimed at promoting corporate responsibility to respect migrant workers’ rights in line with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).
Supported by the European Union and the Government of Sweden, this flagship programme will run during 2024-2028 across Cambodia, Malaysia, Nepal, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam.
Through MBHR Asia, IOM collaborates with governments, business and civil society to uphold the human and labour rights of migrant workers in key sectors and migration corridors. IOM contributes to enhancing and expanding regular labour migration pathways that ensure ethical recruitment, facilitate labour mobility and decent work.
Since its inception in 2017, IOM's work with the private sector has benefited more than 600,000 migrant workers and over 3,000 businesses.
Background:
Human rights due diligence is a critical process that ensures businesses, organizations, and governments identify, prevent, mitigate, and account for human rights impacts, particularly in the context of labour migration and protection of migrant workers. Civil society organizations (CSOs) play a crucial role in promoting and protecting human rights of migrant workers, holding governments and companies accountable, empowering affected communities, and advocating for fair and ethical labour practices. Given this, it is essential that CSOs are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to understand and apply human rights due diligence (HRDD) frameworks in their advocacy, monitoring, and policy work, ensuring the dignity and rights of migrant workers are upheld.
IOM has developed and rolled out several training sessions on MBHR, HRDD and the UNGPs, and has developed accompanying training modules on these topics which are primarily targeted for Government staff with key roles in developing and implementing labour migration governance policies and processes. This consultancy aims to adapt comprehensive, practical training modules that are based on the UNGPs, HRDD framework and fair and ethical recruitment standards (FER) and aligned with/ complementing the existing IOM training material, to strengthen the capacity of CSOs in applying HRDD concepts and principles in the context of their own programming and activities. The training modules should be accessible, engaging, and designed to be easily adapted to different learning styles, ensuring that CSO participants can effectively integrate HRDD concepts into their everyday work. A central element of these training modules will be the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), which are a set of guidelines for businesses and States aiming to prevent and mitigate risks of, and to address the actual and potential adverse human rights impacts of business operations.
The consultant is expected to:
Develop training modules in English on MBHR, human rights due diligence, and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) tailored for CSOs. Ensure that the content aligns with international human rights standards and frameworks, especially the UNGPs, and other relevant guidelines (e.g., OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises). Create an engaging, easy-to-understand structure that will facilitate the learning process for CSOs partners from Asia. Develop supplementary resources (e.g., handouts, case studies, quizzes, etc.) to reinforce the key learning points. Ensure the content is clear, practical, and engaging, with a focus on building the capacity of CSOs to apply the UNGPs in real-world situations.
Category B Consultant hired to deliver an output on an instalment payment basis:
OutputsRelated TasksDeadline
Proposed outline and workplan Review the existing training modules on human rights due diligence available to the contracting organization based on its relevance, accuracy, alignment with HRDD and UNGP principles, and relevance to the region. Conduct a needs assessment with selected CSOs, across Asia and focused on migrant rights, to understand their specific challenges and gaps in HRDD knowledge and the practical application of the UNGPs in the context of labour migration. Identify areas where the existing modules can be adapted, improved, or updated to ensure relevance and applicability to the needs of CSOs and to integrate the principles of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and fair and ethical recruitment standardsMonday, 30 June 2025 First draft training modules and materials Conduct consultations with relevant stakeholders to inform the development of the training modules. Adapt the existing training modules to include the following key topics at a minimum: Overview of MBHR, HRDD Introduction to the UNGPs Practical application of the UNGPs for CSOs Key international frameworks and standards on Fair and Ethical Recruitment Relevant case studies and examples of how CSOs have supported or complemented business and government efforts to adopt HRDD and the UNGPs in the context of labour migration Tools and methods to assist CSOs in integrating HRDD concepts in their programs and activities. Building on existing supplementary resources, develop learning materials to include as part of the training package, such as: Fact sheets on HRDD and the UNGPs. Interactive exercises, case studies, and discussion prompts to encourage active learning and application of the UNGPs. Quizzes or other assessment tools to evaluate participant knowledge and understanding. Additional tools such as templates, guidelines, or checklists for CSOs to apply in their own work. Monday, 18 August 2025 Revised draft of the training modules and materials Conduct a validation exercise with IOM and CSO stakeholders Revise training materials according to feedback from IOM and CSO stakeholders Ensure that the adapted modules are suitable for both in-person and online delivery. Provide the training modules in accessible formats (e.g., PDF, PowerPoint, Word) to allow for easy adaptation and dissemination by CSOs.
Monday, 6 October 2025 Pilot training session using the finalized modules Working in close collaboration with IOM staff from the MBHR programme, deliver at least one (1) in-person training activity for CSOs using the modules developed Create a feedback tool and collect feedback from pilot training participants Monday, 3 November 2025 Final draft of the training modules and materials Revise training materials based on feedback collected during the pilot training Ensure that the adapted modules are suitable for both in-person and online delivery. Provide the training modules in accessible formats (e.g., PDF, PowerPoint, Word) to allow for easy adaptation and dissemination by CSOs. Friday, 12 December 2025 Must have completed minimum bachelor’s degree in public policy, social science, international relations, international development, migration studies or related courses with at least seven years of relevant professional experience, or a graduate degree in these areas with at least five years of professional experience [Note: for institutional candidates such as non-government organizations, training or academic institutions, the project lead/ key team members must have these minimum qualifications] Strong experience in the civil society sector at national level in any of the MBHR programme countries and/or at regional level in Asia, particularly in programme implementation, advocacy campaigns, and/or engagement in national or regional consultative platforms focused on the protection and advancement of migrant workers’ rights. In-depth understanding of the CSO landscape and operational context in the region (Southeast and/or East Asia) is required. Advanced understanding of internationally recognized frameworks and standards on business and human rights, including human rights due diligence, and their relevance and application to migration/ labour migration issues in Asia Experience in working with the private sector, and/or in engaging businesses on issues related to human and labour rights, is an advantage Proven track record in developing training materials and delivering capacity-building programs for civil society actors. Ability to create interactive, engaging, and accessible training materials that are adaptable to diverse learning styles and contexts. Proficiency in English and excellent writing skills. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit samples of previous written work, such as technical manuals/guides or research output or developed or co-authored by the candidate. Travel required
The Consultant will be engaged mostly on a remote-work basis. Meetings and consultation/data-gathering activities will be held online. International travel will be required for the roll out of the training.