Pakistan: International Consultant, Technical Advisor, Trafficking in Persons Research and Capacity-Strengthening

Feb 17, 2026 (Deadline: 2026-02-24) | International Organization for Migration
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Project Context and Scope:

IOM Pakistan is expanding its counter-trafficking (CT) and migrant smuggling prevention portfolio by generating new evidence and building local capacity. Recent initiatives, such as the EU-funded GLO.ACT project, have helped the Government of Pakistan develop comprehensive prevention- and protection-focused CT and smuggling strategies. The current consultancies aim to complement these efforts. In particular, the mission seeks to commission two consultants (national and international) to produce an evidence-based research study on trafficking linked to human mobility and to develop tools for capacity-building. The primary objective is to generate actionable research on human trafficking/migrant-smuggling and to translate findings into practical programming – including training, SOPs, and guidance – that strengthens IOM Pakistan’s field operations and partnerships.

The consultancies will focus on vulnerabilities among migrant and mobile populations in Pakistan, including women, children, and other at-risk groups. Work will cover cross-border and internal mobility, irregular migration routes, and factors that facilitate exploitation. Through stakeholder engagement and in-depth analysis, the consultants will ensure the research informs program design and strengthens IOM’s outreach (for example, to law enforcement, NGOs, and community groups). Both roles are expected to work closely with IOM Pakistan’s Migration Management unit and Protection staff, and to align with global IOM standards.

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing:

Protection Unit under the Humanitarian, Resilience and Recovery Division.

Responsibilities:

Tasks to be performed under this contract

Under the overall supervision of the Programme Coordinator (Protection), the direct supervision of the Protection Officer, and in coordination with the National Consultant, the International Consultant will provide short-term technical expertise to support the design and quality assurance of a research study on protection risks linked to human mobility.

Responsibilities include developing the research framework and methodology, finalizing data collection tools, contributing to a global literature review, and advising on analysis and report drafting. The consultant will ensure the research is methodologically sound, protection-sensitive, and aligned with international standards and IOM guidance. Contributions to validation and dissemination activities may also be required. In addition, the international consultant will also support with developing tools, guidance and capacity-building material contributing to the expansion of a TiP portfolio within IOM Pakistan’s Protection Unit. The international consultant will be required to coordinate with different members of the team, as required.

a) Provide technical support with the design and operationalization of the research framework and implementation plan, ensuring that the methodology is contextually relevant, ethically sound, and aligned with IOM standards.

b) In close coordination with the National Consultant, conduct an in-depth literature review of existing research, resources and best practices in global trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants research.

c) Provide technical support to develop, review and adapt data collection tools for fieldwork (e.g. questionnaires, surveys, interview guides, glossaries).

d) Contribute to the development of practical tools and guidance materials on counter-trafficking and migrant protection, including field-level SOPs, referral protocols, and checklists for frontline actors, in close coordination with relevant members of the Protection Unit and other relevant colleagues within the mission.

e) Conduct consultations with different members of the Protection Unit and the wider IOM Pakistan mission to develop a capacity-strengthening plan and training material.

f) Design and deliver capacity-building activities (e.g. training modules, orientation sessions) for IOM staff and partners on topics such as identification of trafficking risks, ethical data collection, and protection-sensitive approaches, based on existing material and in line with IOM guidance and standards.

g) Maintain close coordination with the National Consultant to ensure that project implementation reflects international best practices and aligns with the overall research strategy and quality benchmarks.

h) Support with other initiatives at the Unit level to strengthen the TiP portfolio in Pakistan, as required.

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results:

Performance of the consultant will be evaluated based on the following indicators:

• Quality of Outputs: Deliverables meet high professional standards, with content that is insightful, accurate, and in line with the TOR and IOM guidelines. The final report is comprehensive, evidence-based, and suitable for external dissemination.

• Timeliness: All deliverables are completed on or before the agreed deadlines. The consultant demonstrates the ability to adhere to the timeline and promptly communicates any necessary adjustments.

• Technical Competence: Research methodology and analysis are carried out with technical rigor. The consultant applies appropriate analytical tools and international best practices, especially regarding protection, TiP, and SoM issues.

• Stakeholder Feedback: Positive feedback from IOM, project partners, and stakeholders on the consultant’s performance, collaboration, and the usefulness of the research. The consultant effectively incorporates stakeholder inputs and addresses suggestions/revisions.

• Communication and Coordination: The consultant maintains regular and effective communication with IOM and the National Consultant. He/She demonstrates professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and teamwork, contributing to a smooth implementation process.

Qualifications

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Social Sciences, Migration Studies, International Development, Law, Human Rights, or a related field. A focus on protection or refugee/migration issues is highly desirable.

Experience

• At least seven-ten years of professional experience in research and analysis within the fields of migration, humanitarian protection, human rights or related areas. Expertise on issues related to trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants in Pakistan, is required. Demonstrated experience leading large-scale studies or assessments, preferably on topics such as trafficking in persons, smuggling of migrants, refugee protection, or vulnerable migrant populations, is essential.

Skills

• Technical Skills: Proven expertise in research design and qualitative & quantitative data analysis. Familiarity with participatory research methods and protection assessments. Ability to use data analysis software or tools will be an asset.
• International Standards: Strong knowledge of international protection frameworks and best practices, including understanding of UN/IOM protection policies, the Palermo Protocols on TIP and SOM, and relevant humanitarian principles.
• Regional Knowledge: Good understanding of the socio-political context of Pakistan and the displacement dynamics. Prior experience in South Asia, and particularly in Pakistan or Afghanistan, is an advantage.
• Communication: Excellent analytical writing skills in English, with ability to produce clear, concise and well-structured reports. Experience presenting research findings to diverse audiences (government, donors, civil society) is desirable.
• Collaboration: Strong coordination and leadership skills. Experience working in multi-cultural teams and coordinating with various stakeholders (UN agencies, government officials, NGOs). Prior experience mentoring or supervising national researchers or teams is an advantage.
• Additional Skills: High level of professionalism and ability to meet tight deadlines. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving ability. Knowledge of IOM’s mandate and previous work with UN/IOM is a plus.

Languages

• Excellent writing and speaking skills in English are required for this role. Working knowledge of local languages (such as Urdu, Pashto, Dari) is considered an advantage.

IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish.

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

Travel required

• This position is home-based, with potential travel to Pakistan, to be coordinated upon recruitment. Important note: the consultant must be based in a time zone that allows them to have at least four hours of overlap with Pakistan working hours (8am – 5pm UTC+5).