International Consultant on Social and Behaviour Change Communication training for NGOs and local communities in Uzbekistan

Remote | Tashkent

Organization: IOM - International Organization for Migration
Location: Remote | Tashkent
Grade: Senior Executive level - Assistant Director - General level - Internationally recruited position
Occupational Groups:
- Communication and Public Information
- Women's Empowerment and Gender Mainstreaming
- Education, Learning and Training
- Civil Society and Local governance
Closing Date:

Job Description

Project Context and Scope

Irregular migration remains a critical issue in Uzbekistan, particularly in regions with limited economic opportunities, where communities often perceive migration as the only viable path to stability and prosperity. However, many individuals pursue irregular migration routes, exposing themselves to serious risks including exploitation, trafficking, and abuse. In many cases, such decisions are influenced by deeply rooted harmful beliefs, misinformation, and social norms within communities that glamorize migration while downplaying its dangers.

To address this, the Sweden-funded project Sweden's 2024/5 Contribution to Support IOM'S Work on Prevention of Irregular Migration to Sweden and the EU adopts a community-centered and evidence-based approach with Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) as a strategy. SBCC campaigns are crucial in shifting public perceptions and social norms, challenging myths, and promoting informed decision-making regarding migration. By working directly with communities, especially in migrant-sending areas in Tashkent, Samarkand, Kashkadarya, Ferghana and Andijan, these campaigns aim to replace harmful attitudes with realistic awareness of the risks of irregular migration and the benefits of regular pathways or local alternatives.

The project focuses on building the capacity of NGOs and mahalla committees in the target regions to design and implement effective SBCC campaigns through training, sub-grants, and technical support. These interventions will help stakeholders identify migration drivers, assess community beliefs and behaviours, develop targeted messages, and use both traditional and digital platforms to reach vulnerable populations, especially youth and returnees.
These efforts are complemented by strengthening community resilience and promoting viable alternatives to migration. Through participatory planning and capacity building, communities will co-create action plans to address local needs, support reintegration, and foster economic opportunities. Together, these efforts contribute to a comprehensive and sustainable response to irregular migration in Uzbekistan.
To implement this task, IOM hires an international consultant to conduct a training for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and representatives of local communities (mahallas) in Uzbekistan on designing and implementing Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) campaigns.

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing Migrants Assistance and Protection Unit, IOM Uzbekistan

Responsibilities

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).

To implement the above-mentioned IOM is hiring a consultant B to conduct training for NGOs and local community actors (mahalla committees) in Uzbekistan. The purpose of this training is to build the capacity of local stakeholders to design and implement SBCC campaigns that respond to the specific needs of returnee and potential migrants with a special focus to youth population. These campaigns should address community-level beliefs and attitudes about irregular migration, smuggling, and trafficking, while highlighting safer alternatives and regular pathways.
The selected consultant will equip participants with practical tools and methodologies to assess community perceptions, design messages, implement outreach through accessible platforms, and evaluate the impact of SBCC interventions. This training is an essential step in enabling communities to become active agents in reducing irregular migration and supporting long-term, sustainable alternatives.

For these purposes the following tasks are to be completed:
1.    Training development and design, including but not limiting with:
o    Review relevant materials.
o    Develop a training agenda tailored for NGOs and mahalla committees and submit for approval of IOM.
o    Prepare training modules and materials, including presentations, handouts, case studies, practical exercises, and pre- and post-evaluation questionnaires and submit for the approval of IOM.
o    The training materials are to be finalized at least two weeks prior to the training date ensuring the visibility of IOM and donors are included and update it as per the recommendations of IOM.
Training content should include at least:
o    Introduction to SBCC and its role in migration-related behaviour change.
o    Tools and methodologies for community-based needs assessment in the context of identification irregular and regular migration drivers (e.g., focus group discussions, interviews, participatory observation).
o    Methodology of identification and analysis of harmful beliefs and behavioural norms related to irregular migration. This should cover understanding of the needs of communities, returnee migrants, and potential migrants, as well as the level of awareness among community members regarding safe and regular migration pathways, risks of irregular migration, migrant smuggling and human trafficking, alternatives to migration within and outside of Uzbekistan, and other migration drivers at the community level.
o    Steps to design and implement SBCC campaigns based on assessment findings (message development, communication channels, audience segmentation) to change harmful beliefs and attitudes towards safe migration pathways, risks of irregular migration, migrant smuggling, trafficking, migration alternatives, and other migration drivers at the community level.
o    Techniques for pre-testing messages and materials with communities.
o    Methodologies of monitoring and evaluating SBCC campaigns and assessment of results of their implementation and the reporting on them for further interventions development.

2.    Training Delivery:
o    Conduct a 3 day in-person training session for up to 30 participants in Uzbekistan.
o    Facilitate interactive sessions with group work, role plays and community-based examples.
o    Provide mentoring to participants during the training on developing mock SBCC campaign concepts.

3.    Reporting:
o    Submit a training report summarizing the process, participation, key discussions, and recommendations as well as pre and post testing materials and results within two weeks after the training conduction.
o    Provide all training materials in editable format (PowerPoints, handouts, tools, etc.).

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results:

1. Submission of agenda, presentations, handouts, pre/post evaluation questionnaire and other training materials - 40% of fee upon submission of all materials

2. Conduction of the training and submission of the Final report - 60% of fee upon submission of the Final report

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

Qualifications

Education

University degree in Communication, Social Sciences, Migration Studies, public policy, public relations, or related social science field.

Experience

In-depth understanding of public communication principles, tools, and techniques, including audience analysis, message development, and campaign design.
Strong ability to deliver participatory training sessions, adapt materials to different learning styles, and foster interactive group discussions.
Proven experience in designing and conducting SBCC trainings, particularly in migration, development, or protection contexts is an asset.
Capacity to work effectively with NGOs, local authorities, and community leaders to ensure inclusive and sustainable outcomes.
Strong facilitation and communication skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, with the capacity to explain complex concepts clearly and engage diverse audiences.
Ability to assess community needs, identify behavior change goals, and develop strategic communication plans accordingly.
Understanding of how to measure the impact of public communication interventions, including setting indicators and collecting feedback for improvement.
Previous experience working with migrants, youth, women, or other vulnerable populations is an asset.

Languages

Fluency in English required; Russian or Uzbek is an asset.

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

In-country transportation, accommodation and meals at the training location are covered by IOM. Other transportation costs and expenses related to the consultant's participation in the training are included into the consultant’s fee and are to be arranged by the consultant. DSA and terminals will NOT be paid.

All other work to be done on ‘home-based’ mode in close coordination with IOM.

Purpose of Assignment and Scope of the work

All work assignments under this contract shall take place both home-based and within Uzbekistan, Central Asia and it will be assumed that the service provider is in Uzbekistan 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.

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

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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

Required Skills

Job info

Contract Type: Consultancy (Up to 11 months)
Initial Contract Duration: 3 months
Vacancy Type: Consultancy
Recruiting Type: Consultant
Grade: UG
Alternative Required Language2: Russian
Alternative Required Language3: Uzbek

We do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.

Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.

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