Libya has been a destination country for migrants since the 1970s. After a peak of labour migration in the 1990s and an economic downturn due to international sanctions in the 2000s, Libya has increasingly become a transit country for migrants hoping to reach Europe. IOM Libya's Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) programme identified a total of 867,055 migrants from 44 nationalities across the 100 Libyan municipalities in March and April 2025. Most migrants identified by DTM during the latest reporting round were from North Africa (52%), sub-Saharan Africa (41%), while a minority were from the Middle East (4%) and Asia (3%). These trends point to the influence of geographical proximity and diasporic ties that continue to shape migration patterns in Libya. The population of Sudanese nationals in Libya has increased during 2024 and 2025, mainly due to the armed conflict that began in Sudan on 15 April 2023. As a result, Sudanese nationals currently represent 33 per cent of mobile population in Libya, making them the largest group.  

The Central Mediterranean Route (CMR) remains one of the most dangerous migration routes worldwide. A significant number of migrants continue to travel from their countries of origin to Northern Africa enroute to Europe, in search of better economic opportunities. International Organization for Migration (IOM) data shows that from 2017 to date, 30% of migrants in transit and destination countries in the CMR route experience exploitative practices during their migratory journey and are in need of protection services. Those identified in Libya, receive need-based support from IOM protection teams. Libya criminalizes irregular entry and exit of migrants. The migration landscape in Libya is characterized by kidnapping, trafficking in persons, torture, extortion, forced labour, sexual violence and consistent violations, unlawfulness and arbitrary detention and consistent violations of basic human rights. Over the last four years an average of 4,000 migrants and asylum-seekers were detained in Ministry of Interior Department for Combatting Illegal 

Migration (DCIM) managed detention centers (DCs) at any given time. In addition to this figure, there is an unaccounted-for number of migrants and refugees detained by other entities, including smugglers and human traffickers. 

The most vulnerable groups are disproportionately affected, and severe human rights violations continue to be perpetrated with impunity. IOM protection work in Libya is multi-fold and aims to improve service delivery to populations in vulnerable situations including but not limited to survivors of gender-based violence, unaccompanied and separated children and victims of trafficking; implement community based protection programming to raise awareness and foster resilience; strengthen institutional mechanisms through capacity building and advocacy on topics such as counter trafficking and smuggling of migrants, child protection, access to education, and human rights; and advocate for the decriminalization of irregular migration and establishment of alternatives to detention, especially for migrants in the most vulnerable situations including but not limited to children, women and migrants with health needs. 

In this context, with European Union (EU) funding, IOM implements the Project Protecting vulnerable migrants and stabilizing communities in Libya. In continuity with previous phases, the overall objective of this Action is to reinforce protection and resilience of migrants and host communities in Libya while supporting an improved migration management along the migration routes in the country. The first specific objective is focused on strengthening protection environment for vulnerable populations in Libya, with specific focus on migrants. 

Migration is a pressing and constantly evolving issue in Libya, shaped by a complex mix of political economic, and social factors. This places significant responsibility on the media to deliver accurate, evidence-based narratives that inform the public and policymakers alike, facilitating effective migration governance and informed decision-making. In this context, IOM is promoting a rights-based approach to migration related media reporting and seeking to reinforce journalists and members of government communication departments capacities to apply ethical principles when reporting on migration.

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing: IOM Libya Protection Division (PXD) 

The work assignment is to be completed under the direct supervision of the Policy and Capacity Development Protection Officer and in coordination with other Protection officers and staff in addition to the Senior Programme Coordinator. When relevant, the consultant will also coordinate with IOM Libya communication team and experts based in IOM Regional Office in Cairo and Headquarters. The consultant is being sought for the development of a guide on safe and ethical migration coverage, associated training material and deliver a training of trainers (ToT). 

The guide should be inspired from other existing relevant resources 1 and put a focus on safe and ethical media reporting. It will also include a definition of concept linked to migration with an emphasis on protection principles and return operations. Building on the guide, the consultant will also conduct a training of trainers on the same topic:  safe and ethical media reporting for which he/she will develop training material Both the guide and training material should be tailored for three types of audience: journalists, members of governmental communication departments and 3 IOM staff and their final version should be available in English and Arabic. The training material should offer different agenda options, from one day training to three days training, for the three different targeted audience. It should comprise modules outline with learning objectives for each of the modules, relevant content and presentation slides, recommended exercises description, quizzes, check lists and guidance for trainers on the delivery of cascade trainings. The materials need to be easily understood for when the consultant will not be providing the training him/herself. The ToT will take place in Tunis or Tripoli depending on visa and other logistical considerations and will target 15 to 20 participants maximum. Following the training, the consultant will as needed edit the material developed, in line with IOM and participants comments and recommendations. 

1. First deliverable – Desk review of existing resources on safe and ethical migration media coverage available at the global, regional and/or country level relevant to IOM Libya context; meetings with IOM colleagues, and relevant partners (government and non-government actors); online presentation of proposed methodology and work plan for the remaining deliverables, integration of feedback. Inception report (around 10 page), approved methodology and workplan - First instalment payment - Deliverable in English by email by 26 October 2025
2. Second deliverable – Outline of proposed safe and ethical migration coverage guide; training of trainer draft agenda and outline of training material - Deliverable in English by email by 8 November 2025
3. Third deliverable – Safe and ethical migration coverage guide and associated training material final draft and ToT delivery – Third instalment payment - Deliverable by email in English and Arabic and ToT conducted in person in Tunis by 17 December 2025
4. Final deliverable – ToT report (in English) and final version of safe and ethical migration coverage guide and associated training material (in English and Arabic) inclusive of ToT participants feedback – Fourth and final instalment payment - Deliverable by email by 31 December 2025

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

• Rapid and clear understanding of the scope of the assignment by developing a relevant workplan that accurately assess the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish the tasks.  
• Deliverables submitted in a timely manner. 
• Length of internal review and number of rounds of comments to ensure the quality desired. 
• Final version of the documents submitted reflect inputs from IOM specialists, field staff and relevant partners. 
   

        Education, Experience and/or skills required

•  Postgraduate degree in journalism, social work, international studies, law, political or social sciences, development studies, or a related field from an accredited academic institution;  
•  A minimum of four years of experience on migration, journalism, social work and/or capacity development, preferably with a Media, Civil Society Organization, United Nations Agency or International Organization; 
• Experiences related to migration journalism a clear advantage;   
• Experience of developing and delivering capacity building training for practitioners,  government officials and/or media personnel;  
• Knowledge of learning principles including adult learning, learning styles, participatory methods and related topics; 
• Good understanding of migration issues, in particular migrants’ rights and migrants’ protection; 
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal;