Project Context and Scope
Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa are facing complex situations: conflicts and protracted security crisis, climate change and environmental degradation, food and nutrition crises, demographic pressure, increased competition over resources, as well as epidemic risks. All of these are a source of instability for the region and act as a risk multiplier exacerbating pre-existing vulnerabilities. Since 2015, the EU and African countries have reinforced their joint approach to migration governance, improving cooperation to address irregular migration, migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings while developing at the same time a more sustainable approach to harness the potential of migration as a fundamental driver for inclusive and sustainable development in countries of origin and transit in Africa.
Following the successful implementation of the EU-IOM Joint Initiative for Migrant Protection and Reintegration (JI), the Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration (MPRR-SSA) Programme continues addressing some of the most pressing challenges relating to migration and mobility within the African continent: the dire situation of migrants who find themselves stranded in dangerous situations along the migratory routes. These migrants face significant protection risks along migration routes, including violence, exploitation, and abuse at the hands of smugglers, traffickers, and others.
To address these risks and ensure the needs and vulnerabilities of migrants are addressed in countries of transit and origin, IOM works in coordination with governmental, inter-governmental and non-governmental partners to provide assistance in transit, organize safe, rights-based and dignified assisted voluntary returns and support the sustainable reintegration of returning migrants, through a comprehensive and protection-centred approach. In line with its Policy on the Full Spectrum of Return, Readmission and Reintegration, IOM promotes a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, building on partnership and cooperation, to ensure national ownership and the availability of holistic services and support along the return continuum.
IOM Ghana, in collaboration with the Government of Ghana and project stakeholders, is working to strengthen protection services within the country. This is being done by ensuring that Ghanaian migrants—particularly those in transit or stranded along migration routes-have access to timely, comprehensive, and quality protection assistance. The initiative also extends support to stranded third-country nationals transiting through Ghana, offering specialized protection services tailored to their needs.
Various state and non-state actors are involved in supporting the reintegration of return migrants into their communities and families across Ghana. However, these efforts are often fragmented. Migration management in Ghana is currently performed by multiple Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, with only occasional coordination to promote policy and institutional coherence. This has sometimes resulted in duplication of efforts, and limited harmonization of services. The lack of coordination among these actors has reduced the effectiveness of return migration and reintegration interventions. To address these issues, improved collaboration among key stakeholders—both state and non-state—is necessary, particularly to meet the needs of vulnerable returnees.
In response to the urgent need for a more coherent and coordinated approach to return migration and reintegration, the need for the development of National Referral Mechanism (NRM) was commissioned and developed. As part of its design, a stakeholder mapping exercise was conducted to identify key actors operating in the return and reintegration space in Ghana, laying the groundwork for a more effective, integrated support system. The NRM is currently in a draft stage, to be finetuned, validated and operationalised for use to enhance return and reintegration in Ghana
The consultant will contribute to the work of the MPRR-SSA team at IOM Ghana, with the establishment/strengthening of a National Referral Mechanism.
The consultant will also closely coordinate with the Regional Partnership Officer and the regional NRM consultant to ensure quality, regional harmonization and alignment with institutional guidance and best practice.
Tasks to be performed under this contractObjective 1: Assessment of the state of play of the NRM/referral system
Engage IOM teams at regional, country and field levels through inception meetings to clarify expectations, agree on next steps, and ensure coordination and alignment with existing initiatives. Conduct an assessment on the state of play of the draft NRM/referral system in Ghana based on the regional established template. This should include a review of the draft NRM, a desk review and key informant interviews, where necessary and will aim at finetuning the draft NRM, including institutionalization and operationalization, for sustainable returns and reintegration. Based on the assessment, draft recommendations for the establishment or strengthening of the NRM, including a preliminary draft roadmap based on the regional established template to be shared.Objective 2: Consultative development of an NRM roadmap
Organize a stakeholder consultation workshop to present the findings of the assessment, recommendations and draft a roadmap to seek stakeholders’ inputs. Given the status of of development of the NRM in Ghana, the workshop will also be used to get stakeholders’ inputs to the development of the MoU (see objective 4 below), with regards to scope, target groups, members and coordination mechanism. Revise the roadmap based on the inputs received during the consultation workshop.Objective 3: Support the establishment of the NRM Steering Committee
Support the creation and formalization of a Steering Committee to guide and oversee the NRM process, including by drafting and seeking validation of the NRM Steering Committee’s Terms of Reference, defining the committee's mandate, roles, and responsibilities. Based on the country context, thematic and/or regional working groups may also need to be established. Support the initial session(s) of the Steering Committee meetings and facilitate the validation of the revised NRM roadmap.Objective 4: Development of a draft MoU among stakeholders participating in the NRM
In close coordination with the NRM Steering Committee, facilitate the development (and eventually signature) of a draft MoU among stakeholders involved in the implementation of the NRM. The MoU should at a minimum include sections on the background and purpose of the NRM, the target group, roles and responsibilities of the NRM members, coordination mechanisms, financing arrangements and duration, and data protection and data sharing considerations, based on the regional established template.Objective 5: Development and validation of operational tools
In close consultation with relevant stakeholders and based on the regional established template, draft SOPs that will guide the operationalization of the NRM. These SOPs should clearly outline the different steps of the identification and referral process, including data protection considerations. The SOPs shall be accompanied by relevant operational tools based on established templates, such as a referral flow chart, a service provider directory, forms for identification and referral, and any other tools necessary for effective coordination and implementation of the NRM. Organize a workshop with all relevant stakeholders to review and/or validate the SOPs and associated tools.Objective 6: Establishment of a MEAL system
In close consultation with the NRM Steering Committee and other relevant stakeholders, develop a MEAL system for the NRM, including a logical framework with key performance indicators, standardized data collection tools among stakeholders to be monitored and aligned with the NRM’s operational procedures and the indicators to be measured, and training materials to operationalize the MEAL system. Particular focus should be placed on the system’s governance and sustainability, following a ‘less is more’ approach to ensure that the MEAL system is implemented following the end of the assignment. Integrate existing databases and referral tracking mechanisms to the MEAL system, where applicable Provide training to key NRM actors on data entry, management, protection and reporting to ensure efficient use of the system Enable data sharing among NRM stakeholders while ensuring data protection principles: define clear data access and sharing protocols Develop dashboards and reporting tools to enhance decision-making and coordination. These tools should align with the MEAL framework and be used to track performance and trends and identify challengesObjective 7: Sensitization and training of stakeholders on the NRM
Develop information material on the NRM for different target audiences, including but not limited to migrants/ returnees, community members, frontline responders, (prospective) NRM partners and government stakeholders. Develop training material on the NRM and its accompanying tools and roll out trainings at national and regional levels, tailored to different target audiencesObjective 8: Develop a Sustainability Plan
Outline concrete steps to maintain, institutionalize, and scale the NRM beyond the consultancy period. The plan will ensure the NRM is fully embedded in national systems, aligned with existing policies, and supported by clear governance and potential financing mechanisms, with ownership with national stakeholders. Performance indicators for the evaluation of resultsThe National Consultant carrying out the establishment or strengthening of the National Referral Mechanism and facilitating partnerships should meet the following requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in migration studies, international development, human rights, social work, sociology. Preference will be given to applicants holding Master’s in same field. Experience Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in migration in the country (operational or with proven research knowledge on the topic) In-depth understanding of international migration frameworks, and partnership Familiarity with the migration context and challenges in country or similar contexts. Proven experience in policy analysis, research, and development. Experience in organizing and delivering training and strengthening capacities. Experience in the development of logframe and M&E frameworks. Experience in data management including data collection tools and data visualization. Skills Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Strong writing and analytical skills, including the ability to draft reports, policy documents, SOPs, and strategic recommendations. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to coordinate and collaborate with partners, including government entities, civil society organizations, and internationals actors. Languages English is required; knowledge of local language and other relevant languages would be an advantage. Travel required YesThe submission should include:
Motivation letter and CVs. A financial proposal outlining the consultancy fee (training field trips included); A draft work plan indicating the proposed workflow and duration. Summary and reference (including sample copies of previous projects) of similar or related work done in the past. Required Competencies IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process. Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values: Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion. 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. Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance. Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated. 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 actions and delegated work. Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way. Notes 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, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable. 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. 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 online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application. For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies