Job Description

• Job Identification17677
• Posting Date11/14/2025, 12:52 PM
• Apply Before11/21/2025, 04:00 AM
• Contract TypeConsultancy (Up to 11 months)
• Initial Contract Duration4 Months
• Vacancy TypeConsultancy
• Recruiting TypeConsultant
• GradeUG

Job DescriptionProject Context and Scope
In response to this evolving context, IOM Kenya, with funding from the International Strategy Fund (ISF), is launching a targeted research initiative to better understand the drivers, routes, actors, and impacts of irregular migration and human trafficking in the KSE borderlands. The goal is to generate robust, localized, and policy-relevant evidence that can inform IOM programming, donor strategies, and government responses in the region. The research will also contribute to broader efforts to promote safe, orderly, and regular migration, while combating organized migration crime and improving protection mechanisms for vulnerable populations on the move. To support this initiative, IOM Kenya is seeking to engage a highly qualified Research Consultant with proven expertise in migration research, trafficking dynamics, and irregular migration patterns across the Horn of Africa.
 Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
The consultant will report directly to the Data and Research Coordinator at IOM Kenya and will work closely with a dedicated team comprising of a Senior Data and Research Assistant, a project assistant, IOM Displacement Tracking and Flow Monitoring enumerators, an independent security research firm and government officials where needed.Responsibilities

The consultant will be responsible for:

Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment      

• Deliverable A – Ongoing additions to literature review

Support IOM Kenya team by co-collaborating on the following materials:

1. Three meta-analysis matrices for literature reviews concerning counter smuggling, EHoA-UK migration, EHoA-EU migration
2. Additions to an existing literature review, including relevant national policies, academic research and project documents relevant to the East and Horn of Africa and inclusive of identification of knowledge gaps and successful interventions.

Deliverable to be submitted by finalized by 12 Feb 2026; interim updates provided on the following dates alongside updated invoices with hours worked: 4 November 2025; 7 December 2025; 16 Jan 2026

• Deliverable B -Ongoing analysis of qualitative data and support to Final Report 
  1. Deliver a comprehensive analysis of all qualitative transcripts, including analyses of social networks using social network analysis, determinants of migrant vulnerability, criminological frameworks, and triangulation of secondary and primary data. 
     1. Data will be collected, cleaned and translated into English by IOM; 
     2. Analysis should be completed by the Consultant using the constant comparative method and grounded theory. 
     3. Consultant will work alongside two other IOM researchers and complete all coding in Dedoose platform. Cost of Dedoose is covered by IOM. 
     4. Qual Analysts meetings will be held remotely every week to discuss updates, align codebooks and discuss themes, as well as initial policy and intervention recommendations; Consultant is responsible for leading all meetings.
  2. Deliver final, coded qualitative transcripts, codebook, written narrative of findings, and recommendations to IOM by deadline.
  3. Respond to stakeholder feedback and requests for further information in reference to the final report, as requested.

Final analysis including all coded transcripts, codebook and drafted findings due by 7 December 2025

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

• Conduct a thorough literature review throughout the assignment, utilizing relevant, high-quality sources, to deliver rolling updates on the subject matter.
• Analyze primary qualitative data to provide detailed insights into migration and trafficking dynamics.
• Deliver high-quality final data compendium including coded transcripts, codebook, written analysis and recommendations
• Contribute to drafting components of the final report as requested
• Demonstrate active engagement and collaboration with the IOM team and stakeholders by participating in hosting weekly coding workshops, responding constructively to feedback, and integrating inputs effectively and efficiently into all deliverables.

Experiences and Qualifications

Education

• Advanced university degree (master’s or above) in Research Methods, Public Health, Conflict and Securities, Migration Studies, Political Science, Sociology, International Development, or related fields

Experience

• At least 8–10 years of research experience in East and Horn of Africa, with proven expertise in researching human trafficking, smuggling, migration, or border governance
• Based in or with long-term experience working in Kenya, Somalia, or Ethiopia
• Familiarity with UK migration priorities and programming is a strong advantage
• Ability to operate independently in high-risk or hard-to-reach environments

Skills

• Strong qualitative research skills
• Excellent English writing and analytical skills; proven experience producing policy-oriented research
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to operate independently, manage deadlines and meet expectations

Languages

• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required

Travel required

• No

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.

Skills Required

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