International Consultants – Labour Migration Policy ECCAS

CALL FOR APPLICATION(CFA)

Open to Internal and External Candidates

Vacancy No.: IOM-CFA/0069/2024

Position Title: International Consultants – Labour Migration Policy ECCAS

Required : 2

Position Grade: Consultant – Category B

Duty Station: Homebased with a possibility to travel

Type of Appointment: Consultant

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 28 June 2024

Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and 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.

Project Context and Scope:

1. Background

Migration occupies a central place in the continental and regional integration processes of the African Union (AU). Labour migration is a current and historical reality for Africa, which has a direct impact on the economies and societies of African states and regional economic communities (RECs) in many ways. Labour migration has become an important factor in the link between development and governance in Africa. As an evolving dynamic, labour migration continues to impact several areas of society in Africa, including politics, economy, and culture.

Created in 1983, the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) composed of Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Rwanda and Sao Tome and Principe is governed by the decree of 18 October 1983. After 40 years of existence, the Heads of State and Government embarked on a process of profound institutional reform that culminated, in August 2020, in the creation of the ECCAS Commission with a new governance architecture and even more complex regional challenges. This institutional reform also requires a revitalization of structures and the implementation of strengthened cooperation policies and strategies, the development of a culture of strong partnerships to try to fill the gap in many priority sectors that have major effects on the growth of their economies and the fight against poverty in the region.

The Protocol establishing ECCAS emphasizes the promotion of the free movement of goods, persons and capital, in line with the African Union Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons and the Migration Policy Framework for Africa (MFPA) which call for a barrier-free Africa and provide opportunities for our Member States, including Regional Economic Communities (RECs), to undertake and implement incentive policies to develop the potential of migrant workers and their contribution to development and integration. This commitment supports the recognition of an arsenal of tools, international standards and policies related to good governance and the protection of migrant workers and their families.

ECCAS’ commitment to promote a human rights-based and gender-sensitive migration governance framework led to the establishment in 2007 of a bilateral framework for cooperation and mutual legal assistance in the fight against trafficking, smuggling and exploitation of migrants between ECOWAS and ECCAS. Specifically, the Central African region has high volumes of migration given the enormous economic potential (oil, mining, forests, energy) it abounds in. Given the contribution of migrants to the economic growth process of the region, it is important for ECCAS to implement comprehensive, rights-based and gender-sensitive regional strategies and mechanisms for inclusive governance of labour migration, in order to meet the needs of the labour market and ensure the protection of the rights of migrant workers and members of their families at the same time it facilitates brain circulation. In addition to highlighting the contributions of migrant workers to the economy, the policy should also ensure the empowerment and protection of migrant workers, both men and women.

Despite the enormous benefits that can be derived from the implementation of the ECCAS Protocol on the Free Movement and Right of Establishment of Nationals of Member States, Member States have not harmonized their mobility policies, national laws and programmes as provided for in the Protocol. Implementation, according to the Protocol, was expected to take place within four and twelve years respectively of the establishment of the ECCAS Treaty. In addition, an initiative to speed up the free movement of persons was adopted in January 1990 and amended in June 2000. However, studies have noted that the protocol is effective in only six CEMAC Member States, namely Cameroon, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and the Central African Republic, while the other Member States require visas for ECCAS citizens.

It is envisaged that the proposed labour migration policy will address the shortcomings of the protocol and facilitate labour migration within ECCAS and beyond. The policy will also advance protection of migrant worker rights and family well-being Therefore, the development of an ECCAS Labour Migration Policy would establish guidelines for human rights-based and gender-sensitive regulation and administration/management of labour migration in the region, and advance the protection and promotion of the rights of migrant workers and members of their families in the region while supporting the economic development of the countries of origin and destination.

JLMP

The African Union Commission, in collaboration with implementing partners ILO, IOM and ECA, has established the Joint Continental Labour Migration Governance Programme (JLMP) for Africa’s Integration and Development. The JLMP is a long-term joint venture between the four organizations, in coordination with other relevant partners operating in Africa, development cooperation actors, private sector organizations, and civil society representatives. It is an instrument dedicated to the implementation of the 5th Key Priority Area of the Declaration and Plan of Action on Employment, Poverty Eradication and Inclusive Development, which was adopted by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in January 2015 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Its strategy focuses on intra-African labour migration and supports the achievements of the African Union’s (AU) First Ten-Year Plan 2023 as well as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Global Compact for Safe Regular, and Orderly and Migration. In addition, the JLMP is a key instrument for the implementation of the Migration Policy Framework for Africa (MPFA) and its Action Plan (2018-2030) adopted by the AU Assembly in January 2018 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

In line with Pillar 1 of the JLMP, ECCAS is seeking the services of a consultant to develop a labour migration policy aimed at defining a common vision for the governance of labour migration in the region, consistent with international, continental and regional legal instruments and policy frameworks on labour migration and labour mobility.

1. Objective of the consultancy

The main objective of this consultancy is to develop a Human Rights-Based and Gender-Sensitive Regional Labour Migration Policy for the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).

The specific objectives are to:

1. Conduct an inclusive and comprehensive situational analysis on labour migration in the ECCAS region, including challenges and opportunities.

2. Develop a human rights-based and gender-sensitive regional policy and action plan on labour migration in the ECCAS region.

3. Facilitate, in coordination with the ECCAS Commission, the regional policy validation workshop

   Scope of the Consultancy

   Development of a human rights and gender sensitive ECCAS regional labour migration policy, one of the chapters of which will be an analysis of the labour migration situation.

Activity 1: Conduct a situational analysis of labour migration in ECCAS and propose the structure of the draft labour migration policy in line with the Migration Policy Framework for Africa, in particular its labour migration components; and relevant international and regional legal instruments and policy frameworks on human and labour rights, taking into account the specific characteristics of the region and the expectations of all stakeholders. The situational analysis will include the following:

1. Stakeholder mapping that would feed into efforts to develop a human rights-based and gender-responsive regional labour migration policy.
2. An analysis of the labour migration situation of disaggregated regional labour migration policies, practices, structures, legislation, data sources and statistics and coordination mechanisms regarding labour migration in the ECCAS region.
3. International and regional human rights best practices on labour migration that could inform the regional migration policy.

Activity 2: Develop ECCAS’ regional labour migration policy and its implementation plan, based on human rights and taking into account the principle of gender equality, as well as an action plan in line with the Migration Policy Framework for Africa and all relevant international, continental and regional legal instruments and policy frameworks.

Activity 3: Support the validation meeting of the regional labour migration policy. The regional labour migration policy will be validated through a regional stakeholders workshop.

Activity 4: Finalize the regional labour migration policy and action plan taking into account human rights and gender equality, based on the recommendations of the validation meeting.

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing:

AU/ILO/IOM Joint Programme on Labour Migration Governance for Sustainable Development and Integration in Africa (JLMP)

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

The consultancy on Development of a Human Rights-Based and Gender-Sensitive Regional Labour Migration Policy for the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) should be finalized within 06 months after signing of the contract. Specific deliverables and timeframe for each deliverable are presented as follows.

Deliverables, Methodology, Performance indicators and Timelines

1. Prepare and submit an inception report, outlining the scope of work, work plan and a proposal for a detailed plan of the chapters of the rights-based and gender-sensitive regional labour migration policy for ECCAS.

• (i) Desk review of relevant reports and literature on the topic, including the JLMP Gender Analysis and Action Plan.
• (i) Inception report
• (ii) Outline of the proposed chapters of the regional labour migration policy for ECCAS

2. Organize consultative meetings for the development of a human rights-based and gender-sensitive regional labour migration policy in ECCAS and Submit a report of the consultative meetings, detailing the recommendations.

• (i)Minutes of meetings/consultations
• (i) Report of consultative meetings/consultations (by July 2024)

3. Prepare and submit the 1st draft of a regional labour migration policy based on human rights and taking into account the principle of gender equality, including an analysis of the situation in one of the chapters and a proposal for an action plan in one of the annexes.

• (i) Desk review of relevant reports and literature on the topic, including the JLMP Gender Analysis and Gender Action Plan.
• (ii) Regional/national consultative meetings with relevant stakeholders.
• (i) 1st draft of a regional labour migration policy, which includes an analysis of the labour migration situation in the ECCAS region and a draft action plan. (by August 2024)

4. Review of the 1st draft by all stakeholders.

• (i) Summary records of the consultative meeting
• (ii) Desk review.
• (i) Revised 1st draft policy.

5. Prepare and submit the 2nd draft of the Regional Labour Migration Policy and the subsequent draft of the Regional Labour Migration Policy following the consultations.

• (i) Records of meetings and comments of the JLMP team and experts from ECCAS and ECCAS member States.
• i) Updated version of the draft policy. (by October 2024)

6 (a) Support the regional workshop for the validation of labour migration policy.

• (i) Workshop
• (i) Draft regional labour migration policy for ECCAS validated by stakeholders

(b) Develop a report of the draft policy validation workshop.

• (i) Minutes of the validation meeting
• (i) Final report of the validation meeting

(c) Prepare and submit the final draft of the regional labour migration policy.

• (i) Minutes of the validation meeting
• (i) Final draft of a regional policy on labour migration. (by November 2024)

1. Payment Schedule:

The Total fee, inclusive of related costs, not subject to any deductions, will be paid to the consultant as follows:

• 25 % upon satisfactory completion and approval by project team of deliverables 1 and 2.
• 25% upon satisfactory completion and approval by project team of deliverables 3.
• 25% upon satisfactory completion and approval by project team of deliverables 4 and 5.
• 25% upon satisfactory completion and approval by project team of deliverable 6 (a – c) together with electronic copies of presentations and other materials generated from this consultancy.

The payment of the above fee is contingent on the satisfactory delivery by the Consultant of the Outputs outlined in the ToR. The payment shall be initiated within 10 working days after IOM’s receipt and approval of the agreed outputs/services.

1. Education, Experience and/or skills required

Education

• Master’s degree in the field of social sciences, law, international relations, migration or a related field.

Technical experience/competencies

• 5-10 years proven professional experience in the ECCAS region and/or other AU RECs or in any ECCAS Member State (in the field of migration, labour migration, diaspora and development, and migration governance). Experience in similar assignments in other regions, including at the national level, would be an added advantage.
• Proven technical experience in social research on labour migration, mixed migration, human mobility or work and employment.
• In-depth knowledge of contemporary migration dynamics/migration, labour and employment and development issues in Africa and the region.
• Strong knowledge of human rights, labour standards and gender in the context of labour migration.
• Proven previous professional experience consisting of substantial participation in evaluations, policy formulation and/or reviews in related areas.
• In-depth knowledge of migration governance as well as labour migration, diaspora and development, and return/reintegration issues.
• Knowledge of global, continental and regional policies, laws and initiatives related to labour migration, migration and mobility, work and employment.
• Proven experience in social research in/on Africa and RECs will be an advantage.
• Previous experience working with the AUC, RECs, UN (in general) and IOM and ILO in particular.
• Experience and ability to interact with senior government and REB officials.
• Experience and ability to manage political processes in highly sensitive contexts.
• Excellent writing and analytical skills.
• Strong interpersonal, networking, and presentation skills

Skills

• Strong analytical, writing, editing and communication skills.
• Strong statistical and analytical skills, including advanced proficiency in statistical software packages such as Stata, R, SPSS, and MS office applications.
• Ability to manage time efficiently, effectively handle multiple tasks and competing priorities, and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills; ability to think critically and creatively.
• Attention to detail and highly organized, collaborative, and team oriented.

Language

• Excellent written and spoken French is essential.
• Proficiency in other UN official languages is highly desirable.

1. Travel required

This is home-based consultancy assignment. The consultant will be required to travel during the assignment.

1. Values and Competencies:

• Values
• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
• Integrity and transparency: maintain 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.

Management and Supervision

The consultancy will be overseen from the IOM-Special Liaison Office in Addis Ababa, reporting directly to the AUC JLMP Programme Coordinator with support from IOM and ILO country and regional offices and other relevant key stakeholders. Technical oversight will also be provided by ECCAS Secretariat, AUC, IOM, and ILO specialists.

Documents to be Submitted.

The selected consultant will be required to submit the following documents:

1. Technical proposal

A technical proposal which summarizes the consultants understanding of the task; a proposed workplan and methodology for Development of a Human Rights-Based and Gender-Sensitive Regional Labour Migration Policy for the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), as well as outline the relevant experience for all experts engaged. While submitting the technical proposal, the experts shall ensure to attach the following:

1. Cover letter (max 1 page) explaining why they are suitable for the work.

2. Relevant Experience (max 2 pages).

3. A conceptual framework, detailed methodology and work plan (with timelines) for all activities, including travel;

4. Updated Curriculum Vitae of key individual(s) who will undertake this assignment.

5. Not less than two sample work done by the consultants on similar assignements.

   2. Financial Proposal- Detail budget with breakdown including tax if applicable.

The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount (including a breakdown of costs for deliverables, number of working days, activities in the workplan (including meetings, travel expenses, per diem, etc.). IOM SLO (Special Liaison Office) will facilitate logistics and payment of services according to the workplan and milestones achieved in the deliverables. The contract price will be fixed regardless of changes in the cost components in the financial proposal submitted.

Other

• 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 and verification of residency, visa and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.
• Only candidates residing in either the country of the duty station or from a location in a neighboring country that is within commuting distance of the duty station will be considered. In all cases, a prerequisite for taking up the position is legal residency in the country of the duty station, or in the neighboring country located within commuting distance, and work permit, as applicable.