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

Libya is an important transit country along the Central Mediterranean Route. Sharing its borders with several countries makes it a significant migration hub. Libya has faced political and security instability since 2011, leading to the rise of influential militias, transnational criminal networks, and armed groups involved in illicit activities such as human trafficking. Transnational criminal networks have exploited the weak legislative framework to prey on vulnerable populations, resulting in severe human rights violations. According to UNODC’s 2024 Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, 60% of all detected victims of trafficking in North Africa are children (33% boys and 27% girls), 29% are women, and 11% men. The main forms of exploitation of these victims are forced labor (65%), sexual exploitation (15%), removal of organs (2%), and other purposes (18%). Women and girls are disproportionately affected by sexual exploitation (97% of all detected victims in North Africa and the Middle East), while children represented 99% of the victims exploited in forced begging.[1] Since 2020, IOM assisted over 7,000 victims of trafficking in Libya, about 60% males and 40% females. A large majority of them were over 18 years old and subjected to forced labour, sexual exploitation or slavery. A smaller number reported being victims of forced begging. The main countries of origin of victims identified are Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Somalia and Sudan[2]. Data from IOMs Displacement Tracking Matrix reports further corroborates this information and show that migrants enter Libya via four primary routes: the Niger route, Sudan route, Egypt route and Chad route. Among these routes, the Niger and Sudan routes account for more women and children[3].The Algeria route has become an increasingly important route, used both smugglers and traffickers. These trends point to the risks faced by migrants from different nationalities and age groups as well as the need for route-based interventions that are responsive to risks and vulnerabilities of migrants along different routes. Strengthening and tailoring victim assistance, establishing robust information sharing mechanisms to enhance protection and prosecution efforts, and addressing root causes in countries of origin, are essential steps in combatting trafficking. 

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 notably by kidnapping, trafficking in persons and arbitrary detention. The most vulnerable groups are disproportionately affected, and severe human rights violations continue to be perpetrated with impunity. IOM counter trafficking work in Libya is multi-fold and aims notably to improve service delivery to victims of trafficking; implement community-based protection programming; strengthen institutional mechanisms through capacity building and advocacy; reinforce cross border collaboration and reinforce evidence-based interventions through data analysis and research. In this context, with Czech Republic funding, IOM implements the Project Evidence-based Interventions to Address Human Trafficking in Libya. In line with IOM Counter trafficking theory of change[4] and in complementarity with other counter trafficking projects, the overall objective of this action is to contribute to an improved protection landscape for vulnerable migrants in Libya, especially victims of trafficking, exploitation and abuse, through strengthening the capabilities of the Government of Libya and protection actors to combat trafficking in Libya and contributing to reducing the vulnerabilities of VoTs. 

Given the limited availability of up-to-date information and data on trafficking in persons and counter trafficking initiatives, there is a critical need for evidence-based insights to inform government policy, programming, and capacity-building interventions. It is in this context that IOM is searching for a research consultant to lead a study project on TiP in Libya. 
 

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 programme support and data & research teams as well as experts based in IOM Regional Office in Cairo and Headquarters. The consultant is being sought to develop a comprehensive study on Trafficking in Persons in Libya. 

The primary analytical focus of this study is to examine the evolution of trafficking dynamics along Libya’s main migration routes (Niger, Sudan, Chad, Egypt and Algeria) over the past 24 months. Specifically, the study aims to identify the 'pivot points' where smuggling becomes exploitation, determine if specific forms of exploitation (e.g., forced labor vs. ransom) are route-dependent, and pinpoint geographic blind spots where victims are most isolated from existing protection and referral mechanisms.  The consultant will also be asked to work in partnership with key counterparts and present its work during different forums (online, hybrid and/or in person in Tunis or Tripoli depending on visa and other logistical considerations). Following each presentation, the consultant will adjust his/ her work, in line with IOM and participants comments and recommendations. 

ToR_TiP Study_2026_VF.docx

Tasks to be performed under this contract

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in Migration Studies, Statistics, Demography, Data Science, Social Sciences, or related field;   

Experience

• A minimum of eight years of experience of professional experience in migration data analysis, research, or policy development, preferably in the MENA region and with United Nations Agency, International Organization or NGOs/ Civil Society Organization;

• Proven experience in conducting high quality assessments, evaluations, or research related to migration and/or protection; 

• Experiences related to government engagement is a clear advantage;   

• Previous experience of working with academia is an advantage; 

Skills

• Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills, and proven ability to produce comprehensive research reports with actionable recommendations;

• Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information and produce high-quality analytical reports; 

• Good understanding of migration issues, in particular migrants’ rights and migrants’ protection; 

• Demonstrable knowledge of Libya’s socio-political context and regional migration dynamics; 

• Excellent communication skills. both written and verbal;  

Languages

• Fluency in English required; knowledge of Arabic and/or French is an asset. 

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