National Research Consultant – Legal Barriers and Amnesty Law for IDPs in EMC Camps
Remote
- Organization: IOM - International Organization for Migration
- Location: Remote |
- Grade: Senior Executive level - Assistant Director - General level - Internationally recruited position
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Occupational Groups:
- Legal - Broad
- Scientist and Researcher
- Closing Date:
Job Description
Eight years after the end of large-scale military operations against the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL), Iraq continues to confront a daunting reality, marked by a fragile State defined by intermittent conflicts, internal displacement and return, safety concerns, economic challenges and the ongoing struggle of incomplete housing rehabilitation. As of January 2025, approximately 1 million individuals remained displaced in Iraq. These individuals face substantial hurdles to achieving sustainable return, such as difficulties in obtaining civil and identity documentation, damaged and destroyed infrastructure, and limited access to essential rights and services, including social protection.
In 2022, the Iraq response transitioned to a developmental approach, emphasizing durable solutions and supporting returning families in reintegrating into their areas of origin. However, a significant number of IDPs continue to face challenges in returning and reintegrating into their communities due to legal, social, and economic barriers.
The EMCs, which host approximately 5,647 individuals from various governorates, are among the largest remaining IDP camps in the country. The return and reintegration of IDPs remain a priority for government and other stakeholders, as it is seen as a key mechanism for fostering long-term stability, reducing aid dependency, and promoting social cohesion in post-conflict Iraq. Ensuring a sustainable return requires addressing barriers such as access to civil documentation, housing, livelihood opportunities, and community acceptance.
Among EMC camps residents are over 280 individuals who were previously sentenced in the Kurdistan Regional of Iraq (KRI) on charges related to affiliation with extremist groups in federal Iraq. They either served sentences under KRI Anti-Terrorism Law No. 3 (2006) or were released due to lack of evidence or acquittal. Their return to federal areas raises legal and protection concerns, particularly the risk of re-prosecution, constituting a situation of "double jeopardy" under international law, which prohibits trying someone twice for the same crime.
A legal review of these cases under the recently amended amnesty law is essential to clarify their legal status and support informed decisions on future departure from camps, return, and reintegration
The National Consultant will work for the Peacebuilding and Stabilization Division, under the overall supervision of the Senior Program Coordinator and the direct supervision of the National Project Officer (HLP & Legal Assistance).
Responsibilities
Work Modality
The consultancy will be home-based, with frequent travel.
Tasks to be performed under this contract:
The consultancy will focus on Amnesty Law No. 27 of 2016 (as amended in 2025) and its applicability to IDPs residing in the EMCs. The research will aim to:
- Assess the extent to which the 2025 amendment to the Amnesty Law applies to IDPs who were previously sentenced in the KRI, released, and later relocated to the EMC camps.
- Identify legal and administrative barriers faced by IDPs in seeking amnesty, including discrepancies between the KRI and federal Iraqi laws and/or practices that may expose them to double jeopardy.
- Analyze opportunities for legal remedies and reintegration support provided under the amended Amnesty Law.
- Engage key government stakeholders, legal experts, and humanitarian actors to explore strategies for facilitating access to amnesty and legal protection for IDPs.
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Deliverable |
Estimated Delivery Deadline |
Notes |
Maximum working days |
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5 October 2025 |
The consultant is expected to conduct a comprehensive review and analysis of relevant materials, including project reports, the Amnesty Law, legal and policy documents and case studies – particularly those related to the EMCs – as they pertain to the research topic. |
15 |
|
16 October 2025 |
The consultant is required to consult with the IOM programme team before conducting the data collection. All activities should be conducted ethically, with informed consent and clear communication of purpose and confidentiality. The consultant must remain sensitive to the political and legal context, particularly concerning the Amnesty Law and prior convictions, and coordinate closely with IOM field teams or relevant partners for access and logistical support. |
10 |
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21 October 2025 |
The consultant is required to conduct a debrief session with IOM programme staff, who, in turn, will inform relevant judicial authorities and government officials of the findings for additional insights. |
4 |
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15 November 2025 |
The report should include a methodology section, then examine the relevant legal and policy framework, highlighting discrepancies between KRI and federal Iraqi laws. The report should assess how the amended law applies to IDPs in EMCs, identify legal and administrative barriers to accessing amnesty, and explore risks such as double jeopardy. It should also analyze opportunities for legal remedies and reintegration under the amended law. Insights from consultations with key government actors, legal experts, and humanitarian stakeholders should be integrated to inform practical recommendations aimed at improving legal protection, harmonizing legal practices, and supporting reintegration efforts. Supporting materials such as legal texts, tools and case examples may be included in annexes. |
18 |
|
20 November 2025 |
Provide targeted recommendations for improving IDP access to amnesty and legal remedies |
5 |
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5 December 2025 |
The consultant is required to submit a final clean report, taking into consideration IOM’s programme staff comments and feedback that will be shared. |
10 |
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10 December 2025 |
The consultant is required to submit a final clean policy brief, taking into consideration IOM’s programme staff comments and feedback that will be shared. |
4 |
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13 December 2025 |
The consultant is required to present the findings of the report by the 13th of December. The presentation targets IOM colleagues and other relevant stakeholders. The consultant should prepare an engaging and informative presentation that highlights the crucial aspects of the research, emphasizing key data points, analysis, and recommendations. The modality of the presentation for external stakeholders is to be determined by IOM. |
3 |
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15 December 2025 |
The consultant is required to present the findings of the report by the 13th of December. The presentation targets IOM colleagues and other relevant stakeholders. The consultant should prepare an engaging and informative presentation that highlights the crucial aspects of the research, emphasizing key data points, analysis, and recommendations. The modality of the presentation for external stakeholders is to be determined by IOM. 2 |
- The constructive feedback obtained through the peer review is well integrated into the report.
- The methodology section is meticulously outlined, ensuring transparency and reproducibility in the research process.
- Research questions clearly align with identified gaps, contribute to a more thorough understanding of of the issue.
- When applicable, data analysis techniques are thoughtfully chosen, enhancing the credibility and validity of the results.
- The triangulation of data adeptly synthesizes the findings with existing literature, providing valuable insights and implications for future research or practice.
- The recommendations and conclusions drawn are logically derived from the findings, offering concise summaries of the research significance and potential impact.
- Demonstration of a commendable level of scholarly rigor and intellectual engagement, reflecting the consultant dedication to advancing knowledge in the studied field.
- Presentation of the findings is informative and timely delivered.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in law, Human Rights, International Relations or other related fields in Social Sciences from an accredited academic institution.
- At least five years of experience in research and conducting studies in humanitarian or development contexts.
- Familiarity with the Iraqi legal and judicial systems, including criminal justice and amnesty laws.
- Proven experience conducting legal and policy analysis, especially in conflict and displacement contexts.
- Ability to engage with government, legal and humanitarian stakeholders in a politically sensitive environment.
- Strong analytical and writing skills, with the ability to produce clear reports.
- Knowledge of IDPs related issues and transitional justice mechanisms is a strong asset.
- Fluency in English and Arabic is required. Knowledge of Kurdish is highly desirable.
- Yes
Proposal Submission Requirements
- Profile/CV and portfolio
- Financial proposal, including a detailed breakdown of costs
- 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
Vacancy Type: Consultancy
Recruiting Type: Consultant
Grade: UG
Alternative Required Language 1: English
Alternative Required Language2: Arabic
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.