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.

IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Project Context and Scope

Germany remains a key EU Member State engaging in return and follow-up processes involving Türkiye, including returns of Turkish nationals and third-country nationals who transit through or are hosted in Türkiye under international protection or other legal statuses, including Unaccompanied Minor Children (UMC). These processes involve multiple institutional actors across jurisdictions and require clear coordination mechanisms, shared procedural understanding, and consistent engagement between German and Turkish authorities, notably the Ministry of Family and Social Services (MoFSS) and the Presidency of Migration Management (PMM), the Federal office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) and the Youth Welfare Offices (mandated local child protection authorities). 

While cooperation between IOM Germany, IOM Türkiye, and national counterparts is well established, increasing volumes and procedural complexity have highlighted the need for greater systematization of coordination processes,  improved clarity on legal-administrative requirements, and strengthened capacity among implementing partners and NGOs engaged in counselling, referral, and follow-up. The consultancy will therefore prioritize system-and capacity building support, serving as a bridge between the two missions to: 

• Map coordination procedures relevant to return and follow-up processes involving Turkish caseload, including Unaccompanied Migrant Children (UMC).  
• Map and assist in navigating legal and administrative frameworks, including documentation requirements and relevant e-government platforms; 
• Develop practical guidance and reference materials to support consistent understanding among NGOs, partners, and practitioners; 

Under the overall technical supervision of IOM Türkiye’s Protection Unit, and in close coordination with relevant units in IOM Germany, the consultant will be expected to develop practical, actionable outputs grounded in applicable German and Turkish legal and administrative frameworks, IOM protection standards, and relevant international good practices related to protection-sensitive return and follow-up processes. 

The consultant’s work will be informed by existing IOM global and regional guidance, protection and return frameworks, and relevant EU- and Germany-based practices, while remaining firmly anchored in the operational realities and institutional arrangements in Türkiye and Germany. Draft outputs will be refined through iterative consultations with IOM Türkiye and IOM Germany, and adjusted based on feedback from internal reviews and coordination discussions, ensuring that deliverables are context-specific, operationally realistic, protection-sensitive, and aligned with institutional priorities. 

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing

The consultancy will contribute to ongoing projects implemented by the Protection Unit of IOM Türkiye and Germany 

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education, Experience and / or Skills Required

• University degree in Law, Public Administration, International Relations, or a related field, with demonstrated knowledge of European and Turkish legal frameworks.
• Familiarity with Turkish government institutions, relevant legislation, and e-government systems for document processing and verification.
• Familiarity with German asylum and migration law, child protection (Social Security Code SGB VIII) and respective administrative frameworks and institutions.  
• Strong coordination, communication, and analytical skills, with the ability to engage effectively with national counterparts and international stakeholders. 

Languages and Travel

For this consultancy, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Turkish and / or German will be a strong asset. 

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

Occasional duty travel may be required between Berlin and Türkiye for coordination meetings with relevant national authorities and IOM counterparts, subject to project needs and approval.  

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.

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