Consultant: Identification and Referral of Trafficking Victims in Migration Flows – Belarus, Minsk

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Project Context and Scope

In 2026, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Belarus launched the project "Strengthening the National Capacity of the Republic of Belarus to Identify Victims of Human Trafficking within Migration Flows, Including Foreign Nationals."

The project aims to strengthen the response to human trafficking in the Republic of Belarus by enhancing the effectiveness of the identification, referral, and protection of victims of human trafficking within migration flows, including foreign nationals. The initiative focuses on building the institutional capacity of key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the State Border Committee, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as regional Multidisciplinary Groups (MDGs) responsible for the identification, referral, and reintegration of human trafficking victims.

The project includes a comprehensive desk review/mapping to take stock of existing national legislative and operational frameworks and current practices related to the identification of victims of trafficking within migration flows, including the mapping of existing procedures and mechanisms for interagency cooperation. The desk review will identify gaps and areas requiring further improvement.

In order to provide expert and advisory support for the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and/or an interagency algorithm, the project includes six meetings of MDGs tasked with the identification, referral, and reintegration of victims of human trafficking across the country.

Based on the findings and recommendations of the MDGs, interagency SOPs and/or an interaction algorithm for the identification and referral of human trafficking victims within migration flows, including foreign nationals, will be developed, endorsed, and disseminated among all relevant stakeholders.

Considering the above, IOM Belarus is announcing a vacancy for a consultant to deliver these activities between early November 2026 and late March 2027.

Responsibilities

Tasks to be performed under this contract

• A comprehensive desk review/mapping to take stock of existing national legislative and operational frameworks and current practices in Belarus related to the identification of victims of trafficking within migration flows has been conducted and includes the mapping of existing procedures, coordination and cooperation mechanisms among relevant stakeholders, and a review of practices against applicable international standards and good practices.
• A desk review report is available, assessing the effectiveness of existing identification and referral mechanisms, identifying key gaps and needs, and providing recommendations for strengthening the national system for the identification and referral of victims of human trafficking within migration flows.
• Expert support has been provided to six Multidisciplinary Working Groups meetings across the regions of Belarus. Proposals, recommendations, and identified needs from participating stakeholders have been collected and analysed and subsequently consolidated into a dedicated report to inform the development of the SOPs/ interagency algorithm.
• Based on the findings of the analysis, inputs from the MDGs, stakeholder consultations, and international best practices, draft Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)/an interagency algorithm for the identification and referral of victims of human trafficking within migration flows, including foreign nationals, have been developed.
• The draft SOPs/interagency algorithm have been submitted to the project’s Steering Committee and relevant stakeholders for review and approval. Feedback and recommendations received during the review process have been systematically analysed and incorporated into the revised draft.
• The final version of the SOPs/interagency algorithm for the identification and referral of victims of human trafficking within migration flows, including foreign nationals, has been prepared and submitted to the project’s Steering Committee for final review and approval.
• Following completion and endorsement, the SOPs/interagency algorithm have been formally handed over to IOM Belarus, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, and other relevant stakeholders to support their implementation, dissemination, and future application.

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

• Comprehensive desk review/mapping report produced, covering legislation, operational frameworks, current practices, stakeholder mapping, and review against international standards.
• Desk review report includes effectiveness assessment, key gaps/needs, and recommendations for strengthening the national system.
• Expert support provided to all 6 MDWG meetings; inputs collected, analysed and consolidated into a dedicated report.
• Draft SOPs/algorithm developed, based on desk review findings, MDWG inputs, consultations and international best practices.
• Draft submitted to Steering Committee and stakeholders; feedback systematically analysed and incorporated into revised draft.
• Final SOPs/algorithm prepared and submitted to Steering Committee for final review and approval.
• SOPs/algorithm formally handed over to IOM Belarus, Ministry of Internal Affairs and other stakeholders for implementation and dissemination.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• A university degree in social sciences, law, or a related field (such as migration, international law, or another relevant discipline) from an accredited institution;

Experience

• At least 7 years of professional experience in the field of migration or counter-trafficking, including practical experience in interagency coordination within these areas;
• At least 7 years of proven experience in conducting research and developing evidence-based policies, regulatory documents, methodological guidelines, procedures, or other normative framework, preferably within the fields of migration, counter-trafficking, or law. This includes demonstrated experience in developing SOPs, training modules, instructions, manuals, and training materials;
• Experience in conducting advocacy and capacity-building initiatives, along with the ability to precisely fulfill the requirements outlined in the Terms of Reference while ensuring that the deliverables are practically applicable;

Skills

• Knowledge of the national context regarding migration and counter-trafficking in Belarus, as well as familiarity with the relevant national legislation, is a mandatory requirement;
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives of government bodies, civil society organizations, and others.

Languages

For this consultancy, Advanced proficiency in written and spoken Russian is required, advanced proficiency in written and spoken English is an asset.

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

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 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

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.