RFP Labor Mobility Consultant

1) Background and Context

About IRAP

The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) is a dynamic and growing legal and advocacy organization that works to develop and enforce a system of legal and human rights for refugees and displaced people around the world. We are the leading organization providing free and comprehensive legal services to people in need of a safe place to live and a safe way to get there.

IRAP operates offices in the U.S. (New York City, Washington, D.C.), Jordan (Amman), Lebanon (Beirut), and Germany (Berlin). Our legal and advocacy teams work closely with a corps of pro bono lawyers from leading law firms and multinational corporations, and law students who have created IRAP chapters across the United States and Canada and are aiming to do so in Europe as well. Through this work, we aim to assist refugees and other displaced people to find safe passage and to transform the landscape of refugee rights. IRAP has over 120 full-time staff members. We are a nimble organization staffed by an innovative and collaborative team that is committed to high standards of quality and close partnerships with our clients, peers, and colleagues.

IRAP believes that diversity is critical to fostering a strong workplace environment and serving our clients well. We strongly encourage applications from people with lived experiences in the communities that we serve, members of other marginalized communities, and individuals whose identities are underrepresented in the legal profession.

Labor Mobility

IRAP is seeking to better understand labor mobility pathway options for refugees and displaced people in Lebanon, Jordan, and other countries across the Middle East, in particular Turkey, Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. IRAP is seeking a consultant to lead an assessment and mapping of the existing and potential referral networks and services, related both to identification and legal assistance, that are available to refugees and displaced people trying to access labor mobility pathways. Further, IRAP seeks to understand the risks and challenges involved in working with specific vulnerable populations throughout the region.

2) Objectives and Output

The objective of this assessment and mapping is to assess:

• Whether there are gaps in identification of refugees and displaced people who are eligible for labor mobility pathways;
• Whether there are gaps in legal assistance for refugees and displaced people applying for specific labor mobility pathways;
• The political sensitivities connected to labor mobility pathways, including for specific communities.

The consultant will produce the following deliverables:

• Mapping of labor mobility pathways, including the populations and job skills targeted, eligibility requirements, and application process;
• Mapping of organizations who are:
  • Administering labor mobility pathways;
  • Involved in identifying applicants for labor mobility pathways;
  • Providing assistance to applicants;
  • Well-placed to identify applicants but not yet doing so, including educational and vocational institutes and livelihoods projects with English language proficiency training refugees and displaced persons in the following careers:
    • nurse aides;
    • personal support workers;
    • long-term care aides;
    • software engineers;
    • web designers;
    • mechanical and electrical engineers and technicians;
    • teachers;
    • tourism and hospitality workers, and;
    • truck and delivery service drivers.
• An analysis of the gaps in identification and assistance for refugees and displaced persons accessing labor mobility pathways;
• In collaboration with IRAP staff, a risk assessment of new programming related to labor mobility;
• A set of recommendations regarding basic requirements for implementation of any new programming related to labor mobility (e.g. recommendations around necessary new positions or training)
• Draft analytical report identifying challenges and recommendations regarding displaced populations who have historically been excluded from relocation pathways.

3) Methodology

The methodology is to be developed by the consultant and will include:

1) Desk review of existing programming

2) Key information interviews or consultations with relevant stakeholders

4) Skills / Experience / Qualifications Required

• Proven expertise in complementary pathways including labor mobility.
• Deep familiarity with the humanitarian/protection sectors in the MENA region and especially in Jordan and Lebanon.
• Experience working with displaced persons who have historically been excluded from relocation pathways, especially Palestinians.
• Excellent ability to write concisely and in simple and clear English.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent research skills.
• Sensitivity to client/beneficiary empowerment and cultural humility.
• To facilitate work with the Legal Services Director, Jordan Country Director, and Lebanon Country Director, preference will be given to candidates with availability between 9am and 3pm in the UTC+3 time zone.

5) Compensation

The consultant will be compensated at a rate commensurate with their level of experience and qualifications, and the prevailing rates for similar consultancies. The consultant’s compensation will cover all costs associated with the consultancy, including any travel, lodging, and other expenses. Payment will be made in accordance with IRAP’s standard payment policies and procedures, upon receipt and approval of satisfactory deliverables.

IRAP is committed to equitable compensation practices and will consider factors such as experience, skills, and location in determining the consultant’s compensation. IRAP will also consider proposals from consultants who may require additional accommodations or support to ensure equal access and opportunities to complete the consultancy.

IRAP is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

6) Timeline

The consultant will work on a part-time basis for a period of 6-8 weeks. The tentative timeline for the consultancy is as follows:

Phase 1: Inception (1 week)

• Meet with IRAP’s Legal Services Director, Jordan Country Director, Lebanon Country Director, and Global Screenings & Casework Director.
• Develop a detailed work plan and timeline.

Phase 2: Research (2 weeks)

• Conduct research and mapping, including desk research as well as holding meetings and collecting data from relevant organizations.

Phase 3: Outputs (4 weeks)

● Develop the outputs listed as above, working as appropriate with the Legal Services Director, Jordan Country Director, Lebanon Country Director, and Global Screenings & Casework Director.

7) Supervision

The consultant will report to the Legal Services Director and will liaise with the Jordan Country Director, Lebanon Country Director, and Global Screenings & Casework Director.