Consultant, Support to ECOWAS Child Rights Information Management Systems (ECRIMS) at the International Organization for Migration (IOM)

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) - Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and 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.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Consultant, Support to ECOWAS Child Rights Information Management Systems (ECRIMS)

Job Identification: 16265
Location: Abuja
Employment Type: Contract
Job Schedule: Part time
Grade: UG
Contract Type: Consultancy (Up to 11 months)
Alternative Required Language: French

Job Description

• The selected consultant will build on the work done so far and will support ECOWAS in operationalization of the ECRIMS, especially on data collection, maintaining and updating the database through the online tool developed, and will support in the draft report with key findings.
• The consultant will also support ECOWAS on the follow up of the ECOWAS-GTPE joint workplan and the ECOWAS Child Policy and Plan of Action (2019-2030).

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing:

• The consultant is contributing to the ECOWAS regional project “Support to Free Movement of Persons and Migration in West Africa Phase II,” which is funded by the European Union and jointly implemented by a consortium including the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
• The consultant will work closely with the Program Officer for Child Rights, Child Protection, and Child Labour, in the Humanitarian and Social Affairs Directorate.

Responsibilities
Tasks to be performed under this contract:

• The tasks listed below will be subject to ongoing review and, where necessary, adjusted in consultations between the incumbent, IOM and ECOWA:
  • Support the collection of child protection and child rights data across ECOWAS Member States and ensure its integration and regular update in the ECRIMS database.
  • Support interaction between the Humanitarian and Social Affairs Directorate and the Regional Group on Child Protection, providing updates and reports on each member state. 
  • Support the implementation of the ECOWAS- RWGCP Joint Action Plan 
  • Support the finalization of the Child Rights Intersectoral Strategic Plan and Coordination Mechanism for Mainstreaming Child Rights in ECOWAS Programming.  
  • Support the ECOWAS Program Officer for Child Rights, Child Protection, and Child Labour in developing materials for capacity building materials of member states.
  • Support the Annual Review Meeting on the implementation of the Child Policy and its Strategic Framework, as well as the implementation of the GRPE Joint Action plan. 
  • Support the finalisation of the 2024 State of the Rights of the Child Report published by ECOWAS in collaboration with involved Partners.
  • Prepare a Synthesis Regional report on the implementation of the ECOWAS Child Policy by Member States. 
  • Support the development of concept notes and project proposals for funding for advancing the Child Rights Program&
  • Support organization of meetings/ Annual Review Meetings on the Implementation of key policy and framework ( ECOWAS Child Policy, ECOWAS Strategic Framework to prevent and response to child violence in West Africa), write meeting reports, support in the development of technical reports and maintain documentation on projects and activities.

Time Required Activities & Deliverables

• 1st Deliverable: 15 days after start date of consultancy:
  • Develop and submit a consultancy work plan with key deliverables developed in coordination with the Humanitarian and Social Affairs Directorate
  • Support the finalisation of the ECOWAS-GRPE joint workplan /and the Official Submission of the Final Joint Action Plan to the DHDSA
  • Payment of 25% (USD 3,375) amount of total consultancy services fees upon submission of consultancy work plan.
• 2nd Deliverable: 3 months after the start date of consultancy:
  • Support and follow up with Member States for the submission of the information and data on child protection according to the existing templates:
  • Support Member States in the collection of key data following the indicators developed in the tool
  • Give technical assistance to Member States in need of support
  • Support the implementation of the Joint ECOWAS Regional Working Group on Child Protection Operational Plan 2023 – 2027 according to the timeframe
  • Review the Joint ECOWAS Regional Working Group on Child Protection Operational Plan 2023 – 2027 and submit a report/work plan on recommendations on how to implement as well as a Monitoring and Evaluation framework for the plan, ensuring synergies with the ECOWAS intersectoral coordination mechanism.
  • Conduct a validation session with relevant stakeholders and submit a detailed report documenting stakeholder feedback
  • Support the finalization of the ECOWAS Inter-Sectoral Strategic Plan on Child Rights and its effective implementation
  • Support ECOWAS to review the draft ECOWAS Inter-Sectoral Strategic Plan on Child Rights and submit a report on identified gaps with recommendations on its implementation and alignment with regional and international child rights frameworks
  • Support ECOWAS to conduct a validation session with relevant stakeholders and submit a detailed report documenting stakeholder feedback and how they will be incorporated into the final document
  • Submit a draft of the finalized ECOWAS Inter-Sectoral Strategic Plan on Child Rights
  • Support the finalization and launch of the Draft Report on Child Protection in West Africa
  • Support the process of translation of the report in the 3 languages 
  • Support for the submission of the Draft Report to MS for their inputs, while ensuring data protection principles
  • Support the follow of on the finalization of the Report
  • Payment of 25% (USD 3,375) amount of total consultancy services fees upon submission of reports on the validation session for the Joint ECOWAS Regional Working Group on Child Protection Operational Plan 2023 – 2027 and the ECOWAS Inter-Sectoral Strategic Plan on Child Rights as well as drafts of the finalized documents.
• 3rd Deliverable: 6 months after start date of consultancy:
  • Prepare a Draft Synthesis Regional report on the implementation of the ECOWAS Child Policy 2024 submitted by Member States.
  • Develop a structured compilation of individual Member State submissions detailing progress, challenges, and good practices in implementing the ECOWAS Child Policy.
  • Review of existing documentation, legal frameworks, and monitoring reports to supplement Member State inputs.
  • Draft an analytical document summarizing progress across Member States, identifying common trends, gaps, and areas requiring further action.
  • Validate the draft analytical document with stakeholders
  • A finalized version incorporating all comments, with clear recommendations for ECOWAS and its partners 
  • Support the submission of the draft 2024 Synthesis report to MS for their inputs after official translation before the 2025 Annual Review on the Implementation of ECOWAS Child Policy
  • Payment of 25% (USD 3,375) amount of total consultancy services fees upon submission of  a structured compilation of individual Member State submissions detailing progress, challenges, and good practices in implementing the ECOWAS Child Policy, Review of existing documentation, legal frameworks, and monitoring reports to supplement Member State inputs, validation of the draft analytical document with stakeholders and a finalized report incorporating all comments, with clear recommendations for ECOWAS and its partners.
• 4th Deliverable: 9 months after start date of the consultancy
  • Support the 2025 Review Meeting on the Implementation of the ECOWAS Child Policy: and ECOWAS Strategic Framework for Strengthening National Child Protection Systems to prevent and respond to Violence, Abuse and Exploitation against Children in West Africa
  • Concept note and Meeting preparation (draft invitation letter, follow up on nominations etc) 
  • Technical support during for the meeting
  • Payment of 25% (USD 3,375) amount of total consultancy service fees upon submission of a reporting template for the State of the Rights of the Child Report, a framework or matrix guiding data collection from member states including indicators, source and tools, and the final version of the report.

Performance Indicators For The Evaluation Of Results

• Satisfactory completion of tasks indicated in the ToR.
• Quality of work: Ability to accurately coordinate with the ECOWAS Commission and relevant stakeholders.
• Timeliness: Ability to meet the project timeline and deliver on time.
• Clarity: Ability to communicate free movement and child protection contents clearly and concisely.
• Understanding: Ability to understand and interpret the complexities of child protection policies and free movement-related programme.
• Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively with other stakeholders.
• Adaptability: Ability to adjust to changes in scope or objectives.
• Knowledge: Understanding migrant protection, free movement and the Child Rights trends globally and most especially in the West African region.
• Responsiveness: Ability to provide timely responses to inquiries.

Requirements
Qualifications:

• Education:
  • First degree or equivalent degree in Development Studies, Social Work, Political or Social Science, International Relations, Law, Public Administration, or a related field 
• Experience:
  • A minimum of 3 years progressive experience in the field of Child Protection or Child Rights, Data Collection and Analysis for reporting.

Skills:

• Substantive knowledge and skill in Research and Development of Data Collection and Analytical Systems etc.
• Strong Analytical, Drafting, Communication and Reporting skills.
• Knowledge of the ECOWAS Region and Child Rights issues within the region.
• Proficiency in English and French. Knowledge of Portuguese is an added advantage.
• Computer Literacy and Competence in the use of Graphical Presentation software.
• Cultural sensitivity.
• Willingness to travel

Languages:

• Proficiency in English.
• Knowledge of French and Portuguese is an added advantage.
• Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Travel required:

• This consultancy does not foresee travels. In case any travel is required, it will be approved and coordinated between relevant ECOWAS Directorates and FMM II Senior Programme Manager.

Required Competencies

• Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three 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.

Duration Of The Contract And Payment

• The duration of the contract is 9 months.
• The incumbent will receive an all-inclusive payment of USD 13,500.
• Payments will be made based on the prevailing United Nations (UN) exchange rate at the time of payment and in 4 instalments:
  • Instalment 1 (25% - USD 3,375): IOM receipt and validation of deliverable one.
  • Instalment 2 (25% - USD 3,375): IOM receipt and validation of deliverable two.
  • Instalment 3 (25% - USD 3,375): IOM receipt and validation of deliverable three.
  • Instalment 4 (25% - USD 3,375): IOM receipt and validation of deliverable four.
• The consultant will be responsible for:
  • All the deliverables as set out in the TOR
  • Payment and coordination of additional costs for translation, if applicable
  • Provision of communication (phone/internet), including payment 
• IOM will be responsible for:
  • Travel and DSA if agreed in advance

Remuneration
USD 13,500 (9 months).

Application Closing Date
28th August, 2025; 00:45.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Criteria For Selection Of Individual Consultant:

• Upon the advertisement of the Consultancy Notice, qualified individual consultants are expected to submit:
  • CV / Resume, indicating comprehensive experience in similar projects/assignments, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the candidate and at least three (3) professional references.
  • Letter of expression of interest.
  • Technical Proposal (Narrative) detailing methodology approach for the consultancy
  • All individual applicants should be community citizens of ECOWAS

Notes

• 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.
• Pre-selected candidates will be called for interviews. 
• Applications without the adequate set of documents will not be considered in the selection process.