Key Responsibilities

Scope of Work

The consultant will provide senior-level technical advisory support and facilitate the analytical and consultative process for the development of the INSPIRE Inception Report and associated strategic frameworks.

The consultant will provide advisory services only and will not have decision-making, supervisory, or representational authority on behalf of IOM

The consultant’s responsibilities include:

Conducting a comprehensive desk review of relevant secondary data sources, including IOM DTM reports, existing assessments (legal, protection, MHPSS, livelihoods), prior IOM project documentation, and national/UN strategic frameworks (UNSDCF, National Plan to End Displacement, Yazidi Survivors Law, INAP III)

Developing and implementing a stakeholder consultation methodology, including Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions, with GoI counterparts (federal and KRG), local CSOs, UN agencies, international partners, community leaders, and affected populations across Ninewa, Anbar, and Salah al-Din

Conducting a funding and intervention mapping exercise to identify ongoing and planned interventions in target areas, assess complementarity, and identify gaps where INSPIRE can add value

Analysing IOM DTM and other displacement data to ensure targeting reflects current displacement and return dynamics

Development of a strategic Year 1 Intervention Plan, including prioritized locations, target beneficiary groups, preliminary activity plans, and indicative resource allocation, in coordination with the IOM programme and MEAL teams

Developing a five-year Strategic Impact Monitoring Framework aligned with the INSPIRE Results Matrix, Theory of Change, and SRoL/DSH indicators

Supporting the facilitation, preparation and documentation of the Validation Workshop with the Government of the Netherlands, Iraqi ministries, UNRCO, and key partners

Incorporating stakeholder feedback and finalizing the Inception Report for submission and publication

Tasks to be performed under this contract

Category B Consultant hired to deliver the INSPIRE Inception Report on a three-instalment payment basis:

• First deliverable: Annotated Table of Contents of the Inception Report, summary of kick-off meeting with IOM teams, and detailed 3-month work plan including methodology, stakeholder consultation plan, and data collection tools. First instalment payment: Deliverable by email by 31 Jul 2026.
• Second deliverable: Stakeholder Consultation and Mapping Report presenting analysis outputs, summarizing findings from KIIs, field consultations, and desk review, including funding/intervention mapping matrix and DTM data analysis across priority locations. Deliverable by email by 15 August 2026.
• Third deliverable: First draft of the Inception Report as a structured synthesis document, including the Year 1 Intervention Plan with priority locations and beneficiary targeting, and the five-year Strategic Impact Monitoring Framework. Second instalment payment: Deliverable by email by 31 Aug 2026.
• Final deliverable: Validation Workshop report (attendance list, minutes, recommendations) and Final Inception Report ready for circulation, incorporating all stakeholder and IOM/GoN feedback, with agreed Year 1 Workplan and coordination/revision mechanisms. Third and Final payment: Deliverable by email by 30 September 2026.

The timelines outlined in this Terms of Reference are indicative and may be revised in accordance with the consultant’s actual start date and operational needs.

Payment Schedule

Consultancy Fee and Payment Schedule

The consultant will be engaged as a Category B, for the duration of the assignment.

Payments will be made upon satisfactory completion and acceptance of the following deliverables by the Senior Programme Coordinatorr:

• First instalment: [20]% of the total fee upon submission and acceptance of Deliverable 1.
• Second instalment: [30]% of the total fee upon submission and acceptance of Deliverable 2.
• Third instalment: [25]% of the total fee upon submission and acceptance of Deliverable 3.
• Final instalment: [25]% of the total fee upon submission and acceptance of Deliverable 4 and the Final Inception Report. No payment shall be made for incomplete or unsatisfactory deliverables. All payments are subject to IOM’s financial rules and procedures.

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

Performance Indicator

Means of Verification

Target

Inception Report delivered on time and accepted by IOMWritten acceptance by IOM Project ManagerFinal report accepted by end of Month 3Year 1 Intervention Plan delivered on time and accepted by IOMWritten acceptance by IOM Project ManagerFinal plan accepted by end of Month 3Number and breadth of stakeholder consultations conducted (GoI, KRG, CSOs, UN agencies, community leaders, beneficiary groups) across priority locationsConsultation log / KII tracker submitted alongside Deliverable 2Minimum 20 KIIs/consultations covering all key governorates and all three INSPIRE outcomesFunding and intervention mapping completed, identifying gaps and complementarity for INSPIREMapping matrix included in Deliverable 2 and final reportAt least 15 active donor/partner interventions mapped across priority locationsFive-year Strategic Impact Monitoring Framework developed, aligned with the INSPIRE Results Matrix and SRoL indicatorsWritten acceptance by IOM MEAL Unit and Project Manager

Framework endorsed and accepted by end of Month 3

Validation Workshop successfully convened and documentedWorkshop report, attendance list, and agreed minutesWorkshop held with participation of GoN, at least 3 Iraqi ministries, and minimum 10 partners; agreed minutes produced

Required Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Political Science, International Development, Humanitarian Affairs, Conflict Studies, Sociology, Migration Studies, or a related field

A first-level university degree with significant directly relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree

Experience

A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in programme development, project design, or research in humanitarian, stabilization, or development contexts

Demonstrated experience developing reports or strategic frameworks for multi-year, multi-sectoral programmes in conflict-affected or post-conflict settings

Proven experience conducting stakeholder consultations, KIIs, and field assessments in complex operating environments, ideally in Iraq or the MENA region

Familiarity with the Iraq displacement and reintegration context, and the relevant GoI institutional landscape

Experience with monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) frameworks, including results matrices and Theory of Change development

Prior experience with IOM, UN agencies, or internationally funded programmes (particularly Dutch MFA-funded programmes) is a strong advantage

Experience engaging with civil society organizations, and familiarity with protection, MHPSS, livelihoods, durable solutions, and community policing programming, is desirable.

Skills

Excellent analytical and writing skills, with a demonstrated ability to synthesize complex qualitative and quantitative data into clear, actionable recommendations

Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills, including experience facilitating multi-stakeholder workshops

Proficiency in data analysis and presentation;

Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks under time pressure, and deliver high-quality outputs on schedule.

Note: As part of your application, please submit a financial proposal outlining your approach and fees to complete the assignment.

Languages

For this consultancy:

• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required
• Proficiency in Arabic/Kurdish is advantageous

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

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 five 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

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.

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, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

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 e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies