Local Consultant CC-2026-04

Job Description

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

 

Project Context and Scope

The IOM Mission in Armenia is implementing the project “Strengthening Regular Pathways through the Improvement of the Visa Issuance Framework in the Republic of Armenia”. This two-year project is funded by the IOM Development Fund (IOMDF) and aims to enhance pathways for regular migration to Armenia through an improved visa issuance system. One of the issues identified at the first stages of the project implementation was the absence of a work visa in Armenia which jeopardises the regular pathways for labour migrants to enter into the country.

In that regard, on 20 January 2026, the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia adopted the legislative package “On Amendments and Additions to the Law on Foreigners”, along with several related bills. These amendments will enter into force on 1 November 2026 and constitute a comprehensive reform of Armenia’s migration governance framework, introducing new procedures, requirements, and institutional mechanisms regulating residence status and work visas.

The amended Law on Foreigners mandates the development and adoption of a minimum of five subordinate regulatory legal acts, all of which must be approved before the Law enters into force. These secondary acts will define the operational, procedural, and administrative mechanisms necessary for the implementation of the new residence and visa system. The consultant’s assignment will be to support the drafting and refinement of these legal acts, ensuring they reflect international standards and align with the digitalization and modernization efforts currently underway.

IOM Armenia, "Strengthening Regular Pathways through the Improvement of the Visa Issuance Framework in the Republic of Armenia ", IV.0085

Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Office, direct supervision of the Programme Officer, and in close coordination with the Migration and Citizenship Service (MCS), as well as with other relevant governmental stakeholders, the successful candidate will undertake the following tasks and provide the following deliverables:

• The Consultant shall draft five subordinate regulatory legal acts required for the implementation of the amended Law on Foreigners, ensuring compliance with Armenian legislative drafting standards and alignment with international best practices.

1. Procedures for Granting Residence Permits

Draft a by-law regulating procedures for granting residence permits, including:

• Introduction of online application submission and online payment mechanisms (legal regulation of procedures, not technical design);

• Procedures for issuing temporary residence permits through the newly established digital platform;

• Administrative review procedures, decision-making timelines, and grounds for refusal.

2. Procedures and Quota Limits for Granting Residence Status

Draft a by-law regulating quota mechanisms, including:

• Establishment of annual and/or sector-specific quotas for residence status;

• Methodology for allocation of quotas;

• Institutional responsibilities for quota determination and monitoring;

• Administrative oversight and reporting mechanisms.

3. Legal Basis for Investment-Based Residence Permits

Draft a by-law establishing the regulatory framework for investment-based residence, including:

• Types of qualifying investments;

• Minimum financial thresholds per investment category;

• Verification and documentation requirements;

• Monitoring and control mechanisms to ensure compliance with investment obligations;

• Grounds and procedures for revocation in case of non-compliance.

4. Amendments Related to Introduction of a Work Visa

Draft amendments and/or a by-law regulating the introduction of a work visa, including:

• Revision of visa purpose categories; 

• Procedures for obtaining a work visa for conducting professional or labour activity in the Republic of Armenia;

• Institutional roles and procedural safeguards; 

• Alignment with the centralized platform for processing e-visas and work-related permits (legal alignment only).

5. Regulation of Residence Permits for Minors under 16

Draft a by-law regulating residence status of minors under 16 whose parents do not possess a valid residence permit, including:

• Procedures for granting education-based residence status;

• Conditions and eligibility criteria;

• Approval and maintenance of the list of educational institutions authorized to issue supporting documentation;

• Present legal drafts to MCS, relevant state bodies, and IOM Armenia for review and verification. Collect written and verbal feedback. 

• Revise and finalize all five draft by-laws incorporating the agreed comments. Provide final legally reviewed versions ready for submission for governmental approval procedures. 

Category B Consultant is hired to provide the bellow deliverables, according to the proposed timeline:

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

Advanced university degree in law, migration studies, or related areas relevant for the assignment; Other formal education relevant for the assignment.

Experience

• At least 5 years of proven experience, preferably in the area of development of national policies and legal acts.

• Previous experience in development of legal framework in the field of migration management, labour law, labour rights. 

• Experience in working with international organizations and UN agencies, an advantage. 

• Previous experience developing reports for governments, an advantage. 

• Proven experience in the area of analysis of national legislation related to migration and asylum.

  
   

Languages

For this consultancy, fluency in Armenian is required (oral and written). Knowledge of English is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

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 five 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

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. 

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, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

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 e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

Required Skills

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