Research on Human Trafficking and Irregular Migration in the Kenya–Somalia–Ethiopia Borderlands at International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Responsibilities

The consultant will be responsible for:

Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment      

Deliverable A – Ongoing additions to literature review

• Support IOM Kenya team by co-collaborating on the following materials:
• Three meta-analysis matrices for literature reviews concerning counter smuggling, EHoA-UK migration, EHoA-EU migration
• Additions to an existing literature review, including relevant national policies, academic research and project documents relevant to the East and Horn of Africa and inclusive of identification of knowledge gaps and successful interventions.
• Deliverable to be submitted by finalized by 12 Feb 2026; interim updates provided on the following dates alongside updated invoices with hours worked: 4 November 2025; 7 December 2025; 16 Jan 2026

Deliverable B -Ongoing analysis of qualitative data and support to Final Report 

• Deliver a comprehensive analysis of all qualitative transcripts, including analyses of social networks using social network analysis, determinants of migrant vulnerability, criminological frameworks, and triangulation of secondary and primary data. 
• Data will be collected, cleaned and translated into English by IOM; 
• Analysis should be completed by the Consultant using the constant comparative method and grounded theory. 
• Consultant will work alongside two other IOM researchers and complete all coding in Dedoose platform. Cost of Dedoose is covered by IOM. 
• Qual Analysts meetings will be held remotely every week to discuss updates, align codebooks and discuss themes, as well as initial policy and intervention recommendations; Consultant is responsible for leading all meetings.
• Deliver final, coded qualitative transcripts, codebook, written narrative of findings, and recommendations to IOM by deadline.
• Respond to stakeholder feedback and requests for further information in reference to the final report, as requested.

Final analysis including all coded transcripts, codebook and drafted findings due by 7 December 2025

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

• Conduct a thorough literature review throughout the assignment, utilizing relevant, high-quality sources, to deliver rolling updates on the subject matter.
• Analyze primary qualitative data to provide detailed insights into migration and trafficking dynamics.
• Deliver high-quality final data compendium including coded transcripts, codebook, written analysis and recommendations
• Contribute to drafting components of the final report as requested
• Demonstrate active engagement and collaboration with the IOM team and stakeholders by participating in hosting weekly coding workshops, responding constructively to feedback, and integrating inputs effectively and efficiently into all deliverables.

Qualifications

Education

• Advanced university degree (master’s or above) in Research Methods, Public Health, Conflict and Securities, Migration Studies, Political Science, Sociology, International Development, or related fields

Experience

• At least 8–10 years of research experience in East and Horn of Africa, with proven expertise in researching human trafficking, smuggling, migration, or border governance
• Based in or with long-term experience working in Kenya, Somalia, or Ethiopia
• Familiarity with UK migration priorities and programming is a strong advantage
• Ability to operate independently in high-risk or hard-to-reach environments