Consultancy Evacuations Research

Terms of Reference 

Position Title: Consultancy Evacuations Research

Duty Station:  Remote. Candidates based in the Caribbean are preferred.

Type of Appointment: Consultancy, 6 months

Estimated start and end date:  February - July 2021

IOM seeks to recruit a qualified research assistant to support data collection and analysis for two studies, one focused on planned relocation in the Caribbean and the second focused on evacuation policy and practice in the Caribbean. This activity is to be carried out under the management of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and is funded by the United States Department of State Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) via the Western Hemisphere Program. 

The objectives of the consultancy are as follows:  

• Support the Research Officer and the local data collection consultants to arrange interviews with government representatives and members of local communities, with a focus on the inclusion of marginalized and vulnerable groups.
• Support the Research Officer to analyze and organize primary data collected.
• Support the Research Officer with administrative tasks related to data collection and analysis.
• Provide writing and editing support for two final reports and related briefs, blogs, or other information dissemination products.

Background 

In 2019, with the support of PRM through the Western Hemisphere Program, IOM produced a comprehensive regional report, Free Movement of Persons in the Caribbean: Security and Economic Dimensions, which identified the need for additional information on the topics of planned relocation and evacuations in the Caribbean.

IOM is conducting two studies related to human mobility and disaster risk reduction in the Caribbean, including in Haiti. The objectives of the two studies are below.

​This main purposes and objectives of the study on planned relocation to be carried out in 2021 are: 

• Assess current State policies and procedures in place regarding planned relocation, with a focus on how they address the needs of vulnerable populations, such as individuals with disabilities, women, elderly people, migrant workers, and children; 
• Identify instances in which planned relocations have been implemented in the Caribbean and analyse the successes and challenges for both government policy related to relocation and for communities that experienced relocation; 
• Identify how States are preparing for relocating communities as needed in the future, including issues of resources, data and evidence, planning, decision making processes and institutional arrangements; 
• In coordination with government officials and NGOs, assess the capacities of individuals and communities to relocate, and the resources needed to ensure safe and orderly migration; 

• Identify how regional agreements on movement of people and the influence of the Caribbean diaspora affect the way States and communities prepare for and carry out relocation processes; 
• Identify gaps in existing disaster risk reduction policies and provide recommendations for managing future planned relocation to prevent disaster displacement and ensure community stability. 

​The main purposes and objectives of the study on evacuations to be carried out in 2021 are:  

• Collection of the necessary evidence to identify strengths and challenges in evacuation policy and practice in the Caribbean. This analysis will include the extent to which migrants are included in emergency response and recovery, disaster risk reduction considerations, and data collection capacity in order to improve current knowledge, intelligence, and analysis on policies and practices in the region.  

• Special attention will be given to vulnerable populations, including women, children, elderly people, disabled people, LGBTIQ+ people, and migrant workers. 
• Evacuations are a single step in a broader cycle of disaster risk reduction and disaster risk management, including risk mitigation, emergency preparedness, and longer-term recovery. However, this study will focus specifically on evacuations. 

• Assessment of the views of government, non-governmental, and civil society stakeholders as well as individuals personally affected by evacuations regarding successes and challenges, implementation of policy, and coordination among key stakeholders.  

• This assessment will include a specific discussion of cross-border evacuation frameworks and practice. 

The findings and recommendations from the study will aim to provide relevant and current situational data that informs government officials in their formation of emergency response, social protection, health, and education policies, among others. This information may also be relevant for regional stakeholders and international organizations. 

The research assistant will support the organization of fieldwork and data analysis for data from the following countries:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• The Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Dominica
• Dominican Republic
• Haiti
• Jamaica
• Montserrat

General Functions 

Under the overall guidance of the Senior Regional Programme Coordinator of the Western Hemisphere Programme and the Program Support Officers for Mesoamerica the Caribbean and the direct supervision of the Research Officer, the incumbent consultant will take responsibility for the quality of the assessment and report and should include the following tasks:  

The total amount of the consultancy is $12.000, Payment will be made upon delivery and approval of the products to the satisfaction of IOM.

All deliverables are subject to the approval of the Senior Regional Program Officer of the Western Hemisphere Program, the Program Support Officers for Mesoamerica and the Caribbean, and the Research Officer. If revisions are requested, the consultant must make the appropriate changes before the deliverables can be approved.

Main Tasks of the Consultant Related to the Assignment: 

• Communicate regularly with the IOM Research Officer and Program Support Officers for Mesoamerica and the Caribbean.
• Review documents provided by IOM.
• Deliver documents and other deliverables in a timely manner as stated in the action plan, or as amended in conjunction with consultant(s).
• Maintain a neutral and professional approach throughout the consultancy.
• Ensure that all and any relevant data and findings are documented throughout the consultancy, appropriately archived, and shared, whether or not used in the final reports, with IOM.
• Collaborate with Research Officer in leading tasks to completion to ensure a quality final product.

Desirable Qualifications  

Education and Experience

• Advanced university degree from an accredited academic institution preferably in statistics/data management, public policy, international affairs, law, international development, or related technical field.
• At least 2-4 years’ experience, preferably in data collection and research.
• Capacity to collate and synthesize qualitative and quantitative data in a comprehensible manner.
• Knowledge of migration, remittances and development.
• Knowledge of relevant policies and international standards on migration.
• Knowledge of the Caribbean and its migration dynamics.

Competencies

• Excellent analytical, oral, and written communication skills in English. Knowledge of Spanish, Haitian Creole, or French is beneficial.
• Experience in conducting research and leading interviews, including on sensitive topics.
• Experience in working in complex institutional environments.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
• Knowledge of the Caribbean context and global migration or migration management.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and to meet deadlines.

Language(s): Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Spanish, Haitian Creole, or French is beneficial.

Candidates must submit a CV including a minimum of three references to [COSanJoseVacancies2@iom.int] by January 13, 2021.

• El/la candidato/a deberá enviar su CV, con tres referencias laborales (nombre, cargo, teléfono y correo electrónico), junto con una carta de motivación de máximo una página de extensión, al correo: COSanJoseVacancies2@iom.int haciendo referencia a la vacante: “Consultancy Evacuations Research”