Consultant – Advancing the Digital Inclusion of Migrants (Migrant E-nclusion)

Position Title: Consultant – Advancing the Digital Inclusion of Migrants (Migrant E-nclusion)

Duty Station: Home based

Classification: Consultant, Grade Other

Type of Appointment: Consultant, three months

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 14 April 2022

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, 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.

Context:

Nature of the Consultancy

Research Consultant on Digital Inclusion to support the Project on ‘Migrant E-nclusion: Advancing Migrants’ Digital Inclusion for Integration and Social Cohesion’ within the framework of the DISC Initiative.

Project Context and Scope

Within IOM, the topic of digital inclusion has gained a bigger traction in policy discussions and interventions, as we began delivering virtual and remote training and services to migrants which include digital pre-departure orientation, distance language learning, virtual counseling, digital job fairs, as well as digital film screening, virtual concerts and at-home talent contests, as well as community-driven digital campaigns to combat xenophobia and hate speech (see: IOM DISC Digest on Digitalization). Similarly, IOM recently conducted an empirical study of the digital inclusion of migrant/refugees at pre-departure stage to understand better the barriers and enablers to digital inclusion of refugees which highlights the need to continue investing in research and evaluation, as well as capacity building and digital strategy to enhance the digital literacy of resettling migrants.

To build upon the findings from this study conducted at the pre-arrival stage, the consultant would conduct research that looks into understanding and identifying barriers and enablers of migrants’ digital inclusion at the post-arrival / integration stage. Specifically, the research will provide a scan of existing literature and practices on migrants’ digital literacy and digital access, as well as identify barriers and enablers to digital participation across individual, community, institutional levels etc. It will explore existing trends on information seeking behavior of newly arrived migrants and the types of digital solutions, platforms and content they are most interested in and have most access to across the migration continuum – starting from pre-departure, reception and post-arrival and across different sectors such as on employment, training and education, health, social connections, etc.

From this initial phase of the study, the consultant will prepare a working paper that will guide discussions during a sectoral workshop/focus group (also prepared and led by consultant) which will be organized between IOM missions and other external stakeholders working in the pre- and post-arrival programming. The workshop, organized based on the themes and issue clusters identified in the paper, aims to facilitate exchange of experience, allowing IOM and relevant stakeholders to understand the complex challenges and trends related to digitization and migrant inclusion, as well as probe emerging themes and recommendations for improving linkages between pre-and post-arrival digital inclusion programming. The results and discussions from the workshops will enrich and feed into the development of the report.

Therefore, the consultant should be a subject-matter expert who will be able to conduct a research study, produce a working paper, and a full report (during the 2nd phase) that provides a baseline assessment of available research, tools and good practices related to digital inclusion and remote service delivery in pre-and post-arrival of migrants. The goal of this research would be to inform human-centered program development and to identify practical and strategic recommendations for improving programming and design of digital solutions specifically targeting low-literate, low skilled migrant newcomers. To close out the 2nd phase, the consultant will then take the lead in facilitating a webinar to present the findings of the report to various stakeholders.

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing:

Within DPSMM/LMI, the consultant will be working with the Integration and Migrant Training Unit in IOM HQ Geneva.

Project Name: Migrant E-nclusion: Advancing Migrants’ Digital Inclusion for Integration and Social Cohesion

Project Code: IS.0075

Reporting

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Integration & Migrant Training Specialist, the consultant will have overall responsibility for conducting a research study and the production of a working paper and a full report.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

Tangible and Measurable Outputs of the Work Assignment and Realistic Delivery Dates and Details as to how the work must be delivered

Phase 1

• Deliverable 1: Following a preliminary meeting with project team and review of existing IOM resources on digital inclusion, develop annotated outline of paper and proposed methodology. May 2022

• Deliverable 2: Lead 4-5 key informant interviews and develop complementary online survey for broader audience obtaining at least 20 responses. May to June 2022

• Deliverable 3: Draft 15-20 page working paper. June 2022

Phase 2

• Prepare (concept note, PPT, post-activity survey, etc.) and deliver two workshops/focus group discussions. June to July 2022

• Finalize research study report (30-40 pages excluding annexes and references). July to August 2022

• Prepare (concept note, PPT, post-activity survey, etc.) and present report findings in a webinar. September 2022

Performance indicators for evaluation of results

• Quality of the outputs produced, including background material.

• Outputs listed under the section 6 should be submitted directly to the Project Management in Geneva.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education, experience and/or skills required

• Master’s degree in Digital Communications, Migration, Development Studies or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or

• University degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Experience working in the UN context;

• Previous work experience with migration and development issues would be an advantage.

Skills

• Excellent writing and communication skills and the ability to maintain effective working relationships with government authorities, national and international organizations, and other project partners;

• Ability to research, interpret information, identify and analyse problems and propose solutions;

• Strong workshop facilitation abilities;

• Familiarity with resettlement and integration contexts across various states;

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, ability to prepare clear and concise documents;

• Demonstrated ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders.

Languages

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

For this consultancy, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of French and Spanish is an advantage.

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

Notes

For applicants to be considered, applicants are required to apply via PRIMS IOM e-recruitment system and attach the following:

• Motivation letter

• CV

The consultant must adhere to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Data Protection Principles (IN/138) and maintain confidentiality.

The consultant will be responsible to follow IOM writing guidelines and latest glossaries in all given assignments for accurate translation.

Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database (https://whed.net/home.php).

Required Competencies:

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 wherever possible.

• 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.

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 action and delegated work.

• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.

https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.pdf

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

Other:

• The appointment 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, and security clearances. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required for individuals hired on or after 15 November 2021. This will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.

• Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.