Consultant - Trafficking in Persons Research and Capacity-Strengthening Verified listing

Under the overall supervision of the Programme Coordinator (Protection), the direct supervision of the Protection Officer, and in close coordination with the International Consultant and National Protection Officer, the National Consultant will carry out the following tasks in support of a national research and capacity-building initiative on protection risks associated with human mobility:

a) Lead the design and operationalization of the research framework and implementation plan, ensuring that the methodology is contextually relevant, ethically sound, and aligned with IOM standards.

b) Coordinate and manage all aspects of in-country fieldwork, including preparation of logistical plans, supervision of data collection teams, and application of qualitative and quantitative research tools across selected provinces. Conduct interviews, discussions and surveys, as required.

c) In close coordination with the International Consultant, conduct an in-depth and comprehensive literature review of existing research and resources related to trafficking in persons in Pakistan.

d) Lead the development, adaptation and review of data collection tools (e.g. questionnaires, surveys, interview guides, glossaries). Ensure that tools are translated into local languages to ensure accessibility and cultural appropriateness.

e) Engage with government counterparts, civil society, and community stakeholders to support data collection, ensure local participation, and facilitate validation of findings.

f) Document field research activities and provide timely written inputs such as field reports, case studies, contextual analysis, and summaries of emerging themes for integration into the overall research report.

g) Draft a final report providing a comprehensive overview of findings, methodology, as well as actionable programmatic and advocacy recommendations. Liaise with the IOM team for feedback and reviews, finalise the report and support with its dissemination.

h) Contribute to the development of practical tools and guidance materials on counter-trafficking and migrant protection, including field-level SOPs, referral protocols, and checklists for frontline actors, in close coordination with relevant members of the Protection Unit and other relevant colleagues within the mission.

i) Design and deliver capacity-building activities (e.g. training modules, orientation sessions) for IOM staff and partners on topics such as identification of trafficking risks, ethical data collection, and protection-sensitive approaches, based on existing material and in line with IOM guidance and standards.

j) Facilitate the organization and implementation of at least one validation and feedback workshop with relevant stakeholders to present preliminary findings and gather inputs for finalization.

k) If required, lead the organization of a workshop to present findings and recommendations to external and/or internal stakeholders.

l) Maintain close coordination with the International Consultant to ensure national implementation reflects international best practices and aligns with the overall research strategy and quality benchmarks.

m) Support with other initiatives at the Unit level to strengthen the TiP portfolio in Pakistan, as required.

Key performance indicators for the National Consultant include:

• Effective Coordination: Ability to successfully organize and execute field activities as planned (e.g. meetings and data collection happening on schedule with targeted coverage). The consultant’s coordination skills will be reflected in minimal delays and efficient problem-solving in the field.

• Data Quality and Completeness: All required data (interviews, surveys, etc.) are collected in a thorough manner. Documentation from the field (notes, recordings, etc.) is clear, organized, and submitted to IOM/International Consultant.

• Responsiveness and Communication: Maintains responsive communication with IOM and the International Consultant, promptly reporting progress and any issues. Demonstrates proactive engagement with stakeholders and conveys information from the ground effectively.

• Quality of Inputs: The local insights and written contributions provided (for the inception report, draft report, etc.) are of high quality – factually accurate, context-rich, and well-presented. Translations (if done) are accurate and idiomatic.

• Stakeholder Feedback: Positive feedback from IOM and partners regarding the consultant’s professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and ability to engage constructively with community members and officials. The consultant’s role is crucial in building trust locally, which will be gauged by stakeholder willingness to participate and endorse the findings.

• Adherence to Standards: The consultant follows IOM’s ethical guidelines, including confidentiality and PSEA (Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse) standards, throughout the assignment. No violations of ethical research practice occur, and the consultant shows integrity in handling sensitive information.