Research Consultant, Maritime and Migration Dynamics (Home-Based)

Consultant

Overview

Conduct research on maritime migration and security in the Red Sea region.

You have:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as migration studies, international relations, law, political science, sociology or another social science.
• A BS degree in combination with 6 years working experience in conducting research on relevant topics to this study.
• Extensive knowledge and expertise on migration, preferably in the Middle East and North Africa region.
• Technical expertise and proven experience in migration, maritime security, or Red Sea regional dynamics.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting research studies on thematic relevant to this study.
• Excellent command in English, Arabic is an advantage.

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

Project Context and Scope

IOM and NAUSS signed a partnership agreement on the 14th of November 2022 to open and co-manage the Arab Centre for Technical Cooperation in Migration and Border Management on the University Campus in Riyadh. The overall objective of the Centre is to strengthen technical cooperation in immigration and border management and enhance regional capacity and cooperation on migration management through the establishment of a Centre of expertise providing technical, legal, operational and policy support in the Arab region. Conducting joint research studies on topics of shared interest for the use of Member States is one of the activities carried out under this project.

Topic of the research study

The Red Sea is a critical corridor for both human mobility and global trade, linking the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula and the global sea trade in general. This study aims to examine the interconnected dynamics of maritime migration and security in the region. By analyzing the drivers of irregular migration, smuggling networks, and state responses, the research will assess how geopolitical tensions, economic disparities, and conflict shape migration patterns and regional stability. The study will also explore the socio-economic impacts on coastal communities, port cities, and transit countries, while evaluating the effectiveness of border management and humanitarian policies. The findings will provide actionable insights for policymakers, security agencies, and international organizations to address challenges and foster sustainable solutions in the Red Sea region.

The study aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of migration and security dynamics in the Red Sea region. It will analyze how geopolitical developments, economic pressures, and conflict-driven displacement shape maritime mobility patterns. It will also explore the operational challenges faced by coastal states, including surveillance gaps, humanitarian response needs, and the strain on local economies.

Objectives of the Research:

• To identify and analyze the primary drivers and trends of maritime and migration flows in the Red Sea region.
• To map and assess the operations of smuggling and trafficking networks influencing irregular migration.
• To evaluate the impact of regional geopolitical tensions, economic disparities, and ongoing conflicts on migration patterns and security.
• To examine the socio-economic consequences of migration and trade on coastal communities, port cities, and transit countries along the Red Sea.
• To review and assess the effectiveness of current border management strategies and humanitarian policies implemented by states in the region.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations and actionable insights for policymakers, security agencies, and international organizations to enhance regional stability and promote sustainable migration management solutions.

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing

IB.0541 – The Arab Centre for Technical Cooperation on Migration and Border Management.

Qualifications

Education, Experience and skills

• Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as migration studies, international relations, law, political science, sociology or another social science.
• or
• A BS degree in combination of 6 years working experience in conducting research on relevant topics to this study.
• Extensive knowledge and expertise on migration, preferably in the Middle East and North Africa region.
• Technical expertise and proven experience in migration, maritime security, or Red Sea regional dynamics Previous experience conducting comparative research on policy, preferable including law enforcement, national security, or defence authorities.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting research studies on thematic relevant to this study.

Languages

• Excellent command in English, Arabic is an advantage

IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish.

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

Travel required

• Not applicable as the consultancy will be home-based.

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

1. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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

Responsibilities

Category B Consultants: Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment:

1st Deliverable:

1. Submission of the initial preparatory package, composed of: 1. Clear study workplan,
2. study methodology, 3. NAUSS template for preparing “security study plan” and 4. the study outline for IOM’s approval - Deliverable by email by 15th of April 2026 (USD 4,000) to be paid within 15 days of receipt and approval of the required deliverable.
3. study methodology, 3. NAUSS template for preparing “security study plan” and 4. the study outline for IOM’s approval - Deliverable by email by 15th of April 2026 (USD 4,000) to be paid within 15 days of receipt and approval of the required deliverable.

2nd Deliverable:

• Submission of the first draft of the complete research report with documented sources and references (IOM’s portion) - Deliverable by email by 4th June 2026 (USD 10,000) to be paid within 15 days of receipt and approval of the required deliverable.

3rd Deliverable:

• Submission of the research study final report, inclusive of NAUSS expert’s consolidated portion, ready for translation and publication by NAUSS research department, alongside with one (1) PowerPoint presentation encompassing a visual summary of the research study, including the recommendations Deliverable by email by 25th of July 2026(USD 10,000) to be paid within 15 days of receipt and approval of the required deliverable.

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

• Deliverable of a coherent and realistic workplan, including methodology for the research to undertake.
• Good collaboration with the research team, especially the research expert assigned by NAUSS to the study.
• Timeliness of deliverables.
• Clear and reliable communication on progress and possible needs for adjustments foreseen.
• Well-structured research report including executive summary and conclusion with concrete
• recommendations for policy makers and practitioners on the topic.

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Potential interview questions

Added 5 months ago - Updated 3 months ago - Source: iom.int