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
The Project is implemented in Armenia to further strengthen the capacities of the national authorities to tackle cross-border organized crime and independent border management capacities. The primary national partners benefiting from its outcomes are the National Security Service of the Republic of Armenia (NSS) and its Border Guard Troops (BGT). The Project will build on the results achieved in recent years and will further advance the alignment of the border guard training/ educational system and standards with European and international best practices, enhance capacity to autonomously manage borders through enhanced secondary inspection as well as capacity to detect and counter irregular travellers, including terrorists and serious criminals through setting up Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) data.
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
Enhancing the Capacities of Armenian Authorities in Border Security and Crime Prevention /IB0525
Responsibilities
Tasks to be performed under this contract
Under the overall supervision of the Head of Office and direct supervision of the Project Coordinator, the International Consultant shall deliver the following outputs:
Inception and Needs Assessment
- Review existing NSS training documentation, legal framework, and operational requirements.
- Conduct consultations with NSS leadership, Border Guard Troops command, instructors, and relevant stakeholders.
- Identify training needs and competency gaps.
- Prepare an Inception Report outlining methodology, work plan, and curriculum development approach
Competency Framework Development
- Define occupational profile(s) for contract border guards.
- Develop learning outcomes and competencies required for operational deployment.
- Align competencies with EU IBM principles and relevant FRONTEX standards where applicable.
Curriculum Design
- Develop a complete six-month training curriculum, including:
- Curriculum structure and sequencing.
- Modules and subjects.
- Learning outcomes for each module.
- Recommended contact hours.
- Theory/practical training ratio.
- Training methods.
- Required training facilities and equipment.
- Evaluation and assessment framework.
Development of Training Materials Framework
- Propose outlines for lesson plans.
- Recommend practical exercises and simulation-based learning scenarios.
- Provide guidance on assessment tools and examination procedures.
Capacity Building of NSS Instructors
- Develop a capacity-building plan for instructors responsible for delivering the new curriculum.
- Design and conduct a Training of Trainers (ToT) program.
- Introduce competency-based training methodologies, practical and simulation-based learning approaches, and learner assessment techniques.
- Provide mentoring and guidance on curriculum implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
- Recommend mechanisms for continuous professional development of instructors.
Validation and Finalization
- Facilitate a curriculum validation workshop with NSS representatives.
- Incorporate comments and recommendations.
- Submit the final curriculum package.
Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
- All deliverables submitted according to the agreed timeline.
- All reports and curriculum documents accepted without requiring substantial revision.
- Curriculum demonstrates alignment with competency-based vocational education principles and relevant international border management standards.
- NSS stakeholders express satisfaction with the relevance and usability of the curriculum and training framework.
- At least 80% of workshop and ToT participants report increased confidence in implementing the new curriculum.
- Final curriculum approved for piloting and/or institutional adoption by the NSS Border Guard Troops.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
- Advanced university degree in border management, security studies, military sciences, law enforcement, education, public administration, or related field.
Experience
- Minimum 10 years of professional experience in border management, border guard training, or security sector education.
- Demonstrated experience in curriculum development for border guard, law enforcement, military, or security institutions.
- Experience working with FRONTEX Common Core Curricula and EU Integrated Border Management concepts.
- Previous experience with border guard training reform, competency-based curriculum development, or capacity-building initiatives in Armenia, the South Caucasus region, Eastern Partnership countries, or other relevant partner countries is highly desirable.
- Experience facilitating stakeholder consultations and training workshops.
Skills
- Design and deliver border management training programs
- Develop competency-based curricula and learning materials
- Facilitate training workshops and Training-of-Trainers (ToT) sessions
- Assess and strengthen institutional training capacities
- Coordinate and engage stakeholders throughout project implementation
Languages
For this consultancy, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Proficiency in Armenian or Russian would be beneficial.
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Travel
Yes
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
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