Introduction
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.
IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration
The objective of this consultancy is to support the establishment of a coherent, strategic, and standardised national system for counter‑trafficking capacity development in Ireland. Specifically, the consultant will be responsible for leading:
- An evidence‑based assessment of existing national counter‑trafficking capacity , including training provision, practitioner preparedness, and perceived effectiveness across selected organisations; and
- The development of a structured National Capacity Building Framework , defining governance arrangements, competency levels, technical standards, and a corresponding learning architecture for counter‑trafficking training in Ireland, aligned with national priorities and international good practice.
Project Context and Scope
Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and nongovernmental 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.
IOM has been supporting Ireland’ efforts to prevent and combat human trafficking, including through targeted training for law enforcement, prosecutors, and frontline service providers, research, as well as public awareness‑raising campaigns. While these initiatives have strengthened capacity and partnerships, recent implementation experience has highlighted fragmentation in training provision, variation in depth and approach across sectors, and the absence of a unified national framework guiding counter‑trafficking capacity development.
In line with the 2023–2027 National Action Plan to Prevent and Combat Human Trafficking, there is a need to move towards a more coherent, strategic, and standardised national system for counter‑trafficking training and capacity development. This includes a shared understanding of competency requirements across roles and sectors, agreed technical standards for training delivery, and a structured learning architecture that allows organisations to retain ownership of training within their statutory remits while aligning with national priorities and international standards.
Given its role as an international organization, with access to global expertise and strong partnerships with relevant stakeholders in Ireland, IOM is well positioned to support the Government in establishing such a system. To this end, IOM seeks to recruit an experienced consultant to lead both (i) a targeted assessment of existing national counter‑trafficking capacity across selected organisations, and (ii) the development of a practical, implementation‑focused national capacity building framework to guide future training efforts in Ireland.
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
Overall, the consultant will work under the technical supervision of IOM Ireland’s Protection unit and in close coordination with the Department of Justice and selected partner organisations.
Qualifications: Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
Advanced university degree in law, social sciences, public policy, education, migration, or a related field;
Experience
Demonstrated expertise in counter‑trafficking;
Demonstrated expertise in capacity development or training system design;
Proven experience conducting capacity assessments and developing competency‑based frameworks or learning architectures;
Strong understanding of governance, quality assurance, and monitoring of training systems;
Excellent analytical, drafting, and presentation skills;
Languages
For this consultancy, for this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Travel required
The consultancy is primarily home‑based, with meetings and consultations with stakeholders in Ireland conducted online or in person in Dublin as required. If travel outside Dublin is required, IOM will reimburse these costs.
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.
