International Consultancy on Support for Vulnerable Uzbek Migrants Abroad

4. Project Context and Scope
Labor migration remains a key livelihood strategy for many Uzbek citizens. While migration offers opportunities, it also exposes migrants to significant risks, including trafficking in persons, migrant smuggling, exploitation, scams, and abuse. Vulnerable migrants often lack access to adequate protection and support services while abroad.
Consular services play a crucial role in ensuring the rights and protection of citizens abroad. However, the effectiveness, accessibility, and trust in consular assistance for migrants vary by country and situation.
IOM Uzbekistan is implementing the project SWEDEN’S CONTRIBUTION TO SUPPORT IOM’S WORK ON PREVENTING IRREGULAR MIGRATION TO SWEDEN AND THE EU. The project aims to reduce irregular migration to Sweden and other EU countries including provision of technical support to enhance the capacity of Uzbek authorities in migrants protection.
The Government of Uzbekistan, with IOM support, is exploring the establishment of a centralized consular hotline and digital information services to better assist Uzbek citizens abroad. To design effective interventions, there is a need to assess how Uzbek migrants access support abroad, what barriers they face, and what role consular institutions play in preventing and responding to risks.
To assess the services available for migrants from Uzbekistan in Sweden and transit countries, IOM is hiring an International Consultant on Protection Services for Migrants Assessment.   5. Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing Migrants Assistance and Protection Unit, IOM Uzbekistan  6.  Category B Consultants: Tasks to be performed under this contract – under the direct supervision of the Senior Project Assistant and overall coordination from the Chief of Mission (CoM). The overall objective is to conduct a comprehensive study on the access of vulnerable Uzbek migrants to protection and support in Sweden and transit countries where possible, that can be used to design a consular hotline and information kiosks model with a focus on:
•    Identifying patterns of vulnerability, including exposure to trafficking, smuggling, scams, and exploitation.
•    Examining how Uzbek migrants seek help in Sweden and transit countries and what barriers they face.
•    Assessing the effectiveness of consular services in supporting vulnerable migrants in Sweden and transit countries.
•    Providing recommendations to strengthen protection and assistance mechanisms through access to protection services by centralized consular hotline and digital information services.
The consultant will carry out the following tasks:




1. Desk Review

• Review existing data, reports, and research on vulnerabilities of Uzbek migrants in Sweden and relevant transit countries (including trafficking, smuggling, scams, and exploitation).
• Map legal, institutional, and protection frameworks available to Uzbek migrants, including consular services, NGO assistance, shelters, legal aid, and emergency support.

2. Stakeholder Consultations

• Conduct structured interviews with Uzbek consular officials in Sweden and selected EU transit countries.
• Engage with international organizations, NGOs, shelters, legal aid providers, and host-country service institutions to assess available protection services.

3. Migrant Perspectives

• Collect qualitative data (surveys, focus groups, interviews) with Uzbek migrants in Sweden and transit countries, including survivors of trafficking and scams.
• Analyze migrants’ experiences in accessing support from consular services and other protection providers (legal aid, shelters, social services, hotlines).
• Identify barriers to seeking and receiving protection (legal, administrative, financial, cultural, language-related, and trust-related).

4. Case Studies

• Document illustrative case studies of successful and unsuccessful access to both consular and non-consular protection services abroad.
• Extract lessons learned that can guide the design of more effective protection mechanisms.

5. Protection Services Assessment

• Assess the accessibility, effectiveness, and limitations of consular services for Uzbek migrants in Sweden and transit countries.
• Examine the role and effectiveness of non-consular services, including shelters, hotlines, legal assistance, health and psychosocial support, and cooperation with NGOs and host-country institutions.

6. Recommendations

• Provide actionable recommendations to strengthen protection for Uzbek migrants, integrating both consular and non-consular mechanisms.
• Suggest models of cooperation (government–NGO–international) to improve accessibility, coordination, and survivor-centered protection abroad.
• Propose measures to link the centralized consular hotline and digital information services with broader protection networks.

7. Performance indicators for the evaluation of results and payments

1st deliverable - Inception Report - Methodology, country focus, stakeholders - 20% of payment
2nd deliverable - Draft Report - Full study with case studies, analysis, and recommendations - 40% of payment
3rd deliverable - Final Report - Revised report incorporating feedback - 40% of payment
 

8.  Qualification Requirements:

• •    Advanced degree in migration studies, sociology, international law, human rights, or related field.
• •    At least 5 years of professional experience in migration research, trafficking, protection, or consular service design.
• •    Experience engaging with migrants, government, and consular services.
• •    Knowledge of Central Asian migration dynamics and key host country contexts.
• •    Familiarity with hotline/helpline operations is a strong asset.
• •    Fluency in English and Russian or Uzbek is required.

Bidders are required to submit a separate financial proposal, including a detailed price schedule, as part of their application.

9. Travel required

• All other work to be done on ‘home-based’ mode in close coordination with IOM. 
• No travel expenses will be covered by IOM.

10. Purpose of Assignment and Scope of the work

All work assignments under this contract shall take place home-based within Sweden and it will be assumed that the service provider is in Sweden and holds the responsibility to ensure all permissions to work in the country. The material will be credited to IOM Uzbekistan. All original materials will be handed over to IOM Uzbekistan and will remain IOM Uzbekistan property. Each work assignment shall be discussed in advance and a specific contract (Purchase Order) describing the nature of the job request, timeframe, and budget, shall be issued. Assignments will be requested and managed by the Migrants Assistance and Protection unit in IOM Uzbekistan country office. All copyrights of material produced in the performance of this contract is vested exclusively in IOM Uzbekistan. Any use of the material by the service provider, should be made with written prior consent of IOM Uzbekistan Chief of Mission. 

11. 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