Consultant –strategic engagement of Iraqi Diaspora
Baghdad
- Organization: IOM - International Organization for Migration
- Location: Baghdad
- Grade: Senior Executive level - Assistant Director - General level - Internationally recruited position
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Occupational Groups:
- Legal - International Law
- Human Rights
- External Relations, Partnerships and Resource mobilization
- Migration
- Refugee rights and well-being
- Peace and Development
- Closing Date:
Job Description
Nature of the consultancy:
To support IOM Iraq’s Transition and Recovery Division by conducting a desk-based mapping of Iraqi diaspora organizations and networks, assessing their relevance and interest in contributing to private sector development and economic recovery efforts in Iraq. The consultancy will also identify strategic entry points for future engagement and collaboration with the diaspora, with an emphasis on facilitating investment opportunities in Iraqi small- and medium-enterprises (SME) through IOM’s Enterprise Development Fund (EDF) or other investment platforms
The Iraqi diaspora represents a significant but underutilized source of knowledge, skills, and capital that could meaningfully contribute to Iraq’s economic recovery. As part of broader efforts to build sustainable and inclusive recovery pathways, IOM seeks to better understand the landscape of Iraqi diaspora organizations (e.g., formal NGOs, informal networks, business associations, etc.) across key countries of residence (e.g., Germany, Sweden, the UK, the US, Canada, the United Arab Emirates) in SME development, mentoring, investment, trade and policy dialogue. As well as publish country summaries outlining the size and socio-economic profile of the Iraqi diaspora community; their trading, investment and remittance flows with Iraq; and key trends and future opportunities. This consultancy will inform IOM’s diaspora engagement strategy with actionable insights and opportunities for mobilizing diaspora support for SME development, mentoring, investment, trade, and policy dialogue.
Transition and Recovery Division, IOM Iraq
Responsibilities
Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment:
| Deliverable | Description | Due Date | Payment Schedule |
| Deliverable 1: Inception report | Annotated outline and proposed methodology for mapping Iraqi diaspora organizations, including proposed sources and data collection points/tools. | Within 5 working days of contract start | 10% |
| Deliverable 2: Diaspora mapping and engagement plan | Preliminary diaspora organization mapping database (Excel/Google Sheet), 4-5 short profiles of high-potential diaspora organizations, and 1-2 country profiles e.g. "Organization name, Sector, Country of Residence/ Destination, type of intervention, previous contact with IOM, umbrella organization or not," |
Within 3 weeks of contract start | 20% |
| Deliverable 3: | Desk-based review of Iraqi diaspora in Sweden. The deliverable will identify key organizations, networks, and individuals of the Iraqi diaspora in Sweden and provide a short summary of their geographical distribution, levels of organization, demographic and socio-economic characteristics, and trends such as remittance patterns, interest in returning, and participation in diaspora engagement initiatives. | Within 6 weeks of contract start | 20% |
| Deliverable 4: Final report and presentation to IOM EDF team |
Final mapping report (approx. 15–20 pages), including narrative analysis outlining gaps, challenges and opportunities in engaging with the diaspora organizations, highlighting 2 or 3 diaspora interventions and role as best practices showcasing diasporas’ impact to inform potential engagements, country profiles, database of diaspora organizations, and recommendations on how to engage with the Iraqi diaspora, potential partnerships and strategic entry points for engagement with EDF and other IOM programs. Presentation to IOM Iraq team on final findings and |
By end of contract | 50% |
This consultancy engagement is expected to cover approximately 45 days during the months of August and October 2025.
The consultancy is based on deliverables with deadlines of submission as indicated in the table above indicating the payment milestones throughout the project. The payment is subject to revision and final approval from the direct supervisor.
Performance indicators for the evaluation of results:
- Timeliness and completeness of deliverables
- Relevance and depth of analysis
- Practicality and strategic value of recommendations
- Responsiveness to feedback and collaborative engagement with IOM focal points
Education, Experience and/or skills required:
Education:
- Master’s degree or PhD in migration studies, international development, economics, political science, sociology, or related field.
Experience:
- Demonstrated experience in migration issues, diaspora engagement modalities, stakeholder mapping, and strategic partnerships.
- Proven knowledge of Iraqi diaspora dynamics and global diaspora policy trends.
- Experience conducting desk reviews, stakeholder profiling, or policy research for international organizations or NGOs.
Skills:
- Excellent data collection, analytical, and writing skills.
- Familiarity with the Middle East political and socio-economic context.
- Proficiency in Excel or similar tools for data mapping and analysis.
- Training in qualitative and/or quantitative research methods
Qualifications
- No travel required.
Please submit your proposed fee along with your application.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Required Skills
Job info
Contract Type: Consultancy (Up to 11 months)Initial Contract Duration: 3 Months
Vacancy Type: Consultancy
Recruiting Type: Consultant
Grade: UG
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.