International consultant to develop a normative child protection mechanism

Project Context and Scope
 

The project “Addressing Emerging Threats Related to Trafficking in Persons in the Republic of Moldova”, implemented by the International Organization for Migration, Mission to the Republic of Moldova, aims to address the emerging threats posed by technology enabling trafficking in persons (TiP) and connected crimes in the Republic of Moldova. The project will specifically focus on strengthening the capacity of investigation and prosecution actors, as well as raising awareness of preventing organized crime, particularly using information and communication technologies (ICT). 

Following international recommendations and examples from neighbouring countries, the Republic of Moldova initially considered developing a database of grave offenders — referring to individuals who committed crimes such as trafficking in persons for sexual exploitation, trafficking in children, rape, sexual harassment, child pornography, sexual acts with minors, sexual corruption, recruitment of minors for sexual purposes, exploitation of begging, or using the services of an exploited person. The proposed registry would have been organized and managed by specialized structures of the General Inspectorate of Police (GIP), and maintained as a record separate from the national criminal record (e-Cazier).

However, based on consultations conducted in 2024 with the support of IOM, involving an international expert, representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Information Technology Service, and other governmental stakeholders, it was concluded that establishing a distinct information system is not necessary. The existing tool — the "Detailed Criminal Record" (Cazier judiciar detaliat) — already offers the functionalities required to access data on individuals who have committed sexual abuse and exploitation offenses. As such, the creation of a separate registry would duplicate existing capabilities and impose unnecessary administrative and financial burdens.

Therefore, the proposal to establish a new database was reconsidered in light of this assessment, and current efforts are focused on optimizing and promoting the use of the existing detailed criminal record system to ensure access to relevant information by institutions and employers, especially in sectors involving contact with children or other vulnerable groups.

The Certificate of Behavioural Integrity, as originally envisaged, was intended to certify the absence of entries in the registry of grave offenders, particularly for those seeking employment or volunteering opportunities involving contact with vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, or persons with disabilities. However, following expert consultations and based on the availability of the Detailed Criminal Record Certificate (Cazierul judiciar detaliat), the proposed approach has shifted.

Under the revised concept, individuals intending to apply for positions that involve regular contact with children—regardless of whether the employer is in the public or private sector—will be required to present a Detailed Criminal Record Certificate to the employer. This certificate reflects both the person’s criminal and contraventional history. Based on the information contained in the certificate, and in accordance with applicable regulatory and legal frameworks, employers will assess the compatibility or incompatibility of the candidate with the position in question.

This approach aims to ensure child safety and protect other vulnerable categories, without the need to create a new registry, by using and strengthening the mechanisms already existing within the national criminal records system.

In 2024, with the support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), an international expert conducted a series of interviews and consultations with key governmental stakeholders — including the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection — as well as representatives of civil society. These consultations culminated in the drafting of a policy paper outlining various approaches and options regarding the potential establishment of a registry for individuals convicted of serious offenses, particularly sexual crimes against children and other vulnerable groups.

As a result of these discussions, and following a detailed technical analysis carried out jointly by the IOM expert and specialists from the Information Technology Service under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, it was concluded that there is no practical need to establish a separate information registry, given the existence and functionality of the Detailed Criminal Record Certificate ("Cazier judiciar detaliat"). This existing tool already provides access to relevant information on individuals’ criminal and contraventional background.

Instead, the recommended course of action is to amend the normative framework governing recruitment procedures in both the public and private sectors, introducing the obligation for employers to request the Detailed Criminal Record Certificate from applicants for positions involving regular contact with children, regardless of the field of activity. Based on the data contained in the certificate and in line with applicable legal provisions, employers will then determine the candidate's suitability or unsuitability for the position in question.

This approach ensures greater efficiency and avoids duplication of systems, while also strengthening the protection of children and other vulnerable populations through improved preventive measures within existing institutional and legal structure

  Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
  Prevention and Protection Unit of the IOM Moldova Tasks to be performed under this contract
  By 30 November 2025 – in cooperation with other national experts, draft of a draft normative proposal to strengthen child protection mechanisms that prevent interactions with past grave offenders, based on the requirements in this ToR   Performance indicators for the evaluation of results  

• Completion of tasks specified in ToR.
• Compliance with the established deadlines for submission of deliverables.
• Quality of work (consideration of international human rights standards, precision, comprehensiveness, accuracy

Education

• University degree in the field of Law, Criminal Justice, or other relevant fields

Experience

• Proven experience in implementing similar child protection mechanisms;
• At least 8 years of practical experience working in criminal justice and revision of legal normative documents and protocols
• Proven experience in revision of legal and social mechanisms that involve law enforcement specialists aiming to prevent sexual exploitation, violence and harassment
• Experience of work with international organizations and, particularly with UN Agencies would be an asset

Skills

• Excellent communication and coordination skills;
• High responsibility, self-motivation and self-management, efficiency and tendency to the achievement of result.
• High level of discretion, integrity, and sensitivity and respect for diversity

Languages

• Romanian
• English

IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish. Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.   Travel required

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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.

Notes

1. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
2. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies