Homebased Consultant – Study to Inform the Development of an EAC Regional Framework on Return and Reintegration of Stranded Migrants at International Organization for Migration (IOM)

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSULTANCY

Purpose of the Consultancy

• The EAC and IOM are seeking a consultant with expertise in research, analysis and policy development on return and reintegration of migrants to undertake a comprehensive study on existing return and reintegration policy, practices, gaps and opportunities in the EAC region to inform the development of the regional framework on return and reintegration of stranded migrants within the EAC. The framework shall establish common standards, guiding principles, and coordinated approaches to be adopted collectively by EAC Partner States in the governance of return and sustainable reintegration of migrants. The framework seeks to strengthen regional cooperation, enhance policy coherence, and promote rights-based, safe, orderly, and dignified return and reintegration processes in line with applicable international, continental, and regional legal and policy instruments.

Specific Objectives

The specific objectives of the consultancy are to:

• review existing practices, policies, legal, and institutional frameworks governing the return and reintegration of stranded migrants within EAC Partner States, with the aim of identifying gaps, overlaps, and opportunities;
• undertake a Comprehensive and Inclusive Study to inform the development of EAC Regional Framework on Return and Re-Integration of Stranded Migrants;
• facilitate National Consultations in each EAC Partner State and stakeholders;
• convene an Online Partner States Experts meeting to validate the study report;
• upon Approval of the Validation report by Partner States develop an appropriate outcome document (policy framework, Policy etc) for addressing the intervention; and 
• conduct a situational analysis on migration trends, drivers, challenges and incidences affecting return and reintegration in the EAC Region.

Responsibilities

SCOPE OF WORK

In undertaking the assignment, the Consultant shall perform the following tasks:

• liaise with the EAC Secretariat and the IOM Regional Office for East, Horn and Southern Africa through a joint technical team that will guide and support the consultancy process, including coordination with Partner States and facilitation of consultative meetings;
• prepare and submit an Inception Report to the EAC Secretariat and the IOM Regional Office outlining the proposed methodology, work plan, timelines, and partner state engagement approach;
• Conduct a study on the existing National, Regional, Continental and Global legal policies and Institutional Frameworks governing the return and reintegration of stranded migrants within the EAC Partner States with the view of identifying gaps overlaps and areas of aligning or harmonization and develop a report.
• Provide actionable information reliable data that can help national authorities and international organizations develop effective responses 
• Collate relevant information that could inform proactive and reactive regional and national responses 
• Conduct a situational analysis on the current migration trends, drivers and challenges affecting return and reintegration of stranded migrants in the EAC region

DURATION, TIMELINE AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE

• The duration of the consultancy shall be up to 7 months depending on the consultants agreed fee, commencing from the date of contract signature. The expected overall duration of the consultancy is between June 2026 and January 2027. There may be a possibility of adding a follow-up consultancy after this period. The suggested dates are tentative and can be amended according to the dynamics of the process.

Payment 

• will be made upon the successful completion and approval of each step. 

Deliverables

The Consultant shall deliver the following outputs upon signing the contract:

• An inception report detailing the consultancy methodology, work plan, stakeholder engagement strategy, and implementation timelines 
• A situational analysis on the current migration trends, drivers and challenges affecting return and reintegration of stranded migrants in the EAC region, including actionable, reliable data that can help develop effective responses 
• An outline on the roles and responsibilities of countries of origin, transit, and destination, as well as mechanisms for proactive and reactive regional cooperation on return and reintegration (including drafts of a regional framework document on return, and reintegration)
• National consultation meetings in all eight Partner States with subsequent reports
• A draft Study Report presenting findings on the policy, legal, practices and institutional landscape of return and reintegration in the EAC Partner States 
• An online Regional Validation Meeting of the draft study, including follow-up with the approved validation report 
• Final Outcome Report of the study, incorporating comments and input from the regional validation meeting and national consultations, for addressing the suggested intervention 

REPORTING AND SUPERVISION

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing 

• The Consultant shall report to the relevant department at the EAC Secretariat, in close cooperation with the IOM Regional Office for East, Horn and Southern Africa. Regular progress updates shall be provided in accordance with the agreed work plan. 
• The Consultant shall regularly liaise with both the EAC Secretariat and the IOM Regional Office for East, Horn and Southern Africa through a Joint Technical Team that will guide and support the consultancy process, including coordination with Partner States and facilitation of consultative meetings.
• After submission of the deliverables, the EAC Secretariat and IOM may have some comments and revision requests on the deliverables. Approval from the EAC Secretariat and IOM will be required for the deliverables, upon submission of the deliverables stipulated. 
• The reporting and deliverables language shall be English. All information shall be provided in electronic versions in Word and PDF format. All deliverables shall be submitted both electronically and in hard copy, in line with EAC Secretariat requirements. The consultant shall be solely liable for the accuracy and reliability of the data provided and links to sources of information used. If translations to other languages are required, IOM will translate the outputs into relevant languages.
• The consultant’s functions do not include managerial, supervisory and/or representative functions. 
• All documents and data provided to the consultant are confidential and cannot be used for any other purpose or shared with a third party without any written approval from IOM and the EAC Secretariat.
• The listed activities are subject to further revision with the consent of IOM, in coordination with the EAC Secretariat in line with the emerging requirements of the Project. If required by IOM, the consultant may provide additional consultancy services related to her/his competencies and expertise, in line with the attached EAC Terms of Reference.

Required Qualifications and Experience

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• The Consultant shall possess the following qualifications and competencies:
• Education: A Bachelor’s degree and a Postgraduate Degree (master’s level or higher) in International Relations, Migration Studies, Law, Social Sciences, Business Studies, Public Policy, Public Administration, or a related field is required.

Experience: 

• Minimum of ten years of proven professional experience in the field of migration, return and reintegration or related thematic areas. 
• Demonstrable track record in drafting or developing regional or national frameworks, policies, or guidelines, preferably in migration management.
• Extensive knowledge of regional and international legal instruments, standards, and best practices related to migration, return, and reintegration.
• Experience engaging with Partner States, regional bodies, and relevant stakeholders, including governmental and non-governmental organisations. Experience working with the EAC or governments in the region is an advantage
• Strong analytical, research, and report-writing skills, with evidence of previous consultancy or expert assignments on similar topics.
• Proven capacity to coordinate technical aspects of the Consultancy. Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective relationships. 

Language: 

• Excellent written and spoken English is required; knowledge of Kiswahili or French is an asset.
• Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

ETHICAL AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

• In undertaking the assignment, the Consultant shall adhere to the highest ethical standards. This includes ensuring confidentiality, neutrality obtaining informed consent where applicable, respecting cultural sensitivities of the EAC Partner States, and conducting all research and consultations in accordance with internationally accepted ethical research principles.