International Migration Data Governance Specialist

Country: Iraq Organization: International Organization for Migration Closing date: 11 Nov 2026 Job Description 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 consultancy contributes to the the ‘Awda Amina Phase II: Strengthening Miration Governance in Iraq’ project funded by the European Union and to the ‘Strengthening Data Systems to Improve the Managament of Internally Displaced Persons Referral Systems in Iraq’ project funded by the United Nations Internal Displacement Solutions Fund. Under the overall guidance of the Head of Sub-Office (Erbil) and the direct supervision of the Programme Officer (DTM and Research), The consultant will provide specialized technical support and policy-development support to IOM staff working on migration and displacement data governance initiatives under the project portfolio. The consultant will draft technical and policy documents under the supervision of the Programme Officer (DTM and Research) and support technical consultations, workshops, framework development, implementation tracking, and reporting activities, identify technical and policy challenges, and provide recommendations for consideration by the Programme Officer (DTM and Research). All managerial, representational, and decision-making functions shall remain the responsibility of IOM staff. Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer (DTM and Research) and the overall supervision of the Head of Sub-Office (Erbil). Responsibilities Tasks to be performed under this contract Data ownership and access i. Support the development a structured framework that outlines roles, responsibilities and processes for managing migration and displacement data across government ministries and agencies, in both Federal Iraq and KRI. ii. Provide technical support and draft clear guidelines for data ownership, access, sharing and utilisation, complying with national policies and promoting adherence with international best practices in terms of data protection. iii. Under the supervision of the Programme Officer (DTM and Research) and in consultation with relevant IOM staff, the consultant will provide technical input and draft documentation for consideration by IOM in relation to: i) Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between relevant ministries and the Central Statistical Office; and ii) data-sharing protocols between Federal and KRG authorities aimed at enhancing collaboration and access to migration-related data. iv. Draft a Data Integration Framework and provide technical recommendations regarding its implementation under the supervision of the Programme Officer (DTM and Research), to establish links with the National Referral Mechanism and enable seamless data flow by connecting the digital infrastructure for migration management. Data standards v. Draft a national framework for migration and displacement-related statistical definitions and concepts aligned with international/UN recommendations and standards, integrating inputs from consultations led by IOM staff with relevant national and international partners. vi. Develop technical data guidelines and standardized indicators to ensure consistency and comparability across different governmental agencies in the operationalization of agreed definitions. Data analysis and use vii. Utilize secondary data analysis to inform and enhance policy development and facilitate Iraq's participation in international migration data forums. viii. Develop recommendations for improved data analysis and reporting on migration and displacement by relevant Ministries, supporting evidence-based policy formulation. ix. Prepare briefing materials and provide technical support to IOM staff for intra- and inter-ministerial workshops led by IOM staff.Draft recommendations, publication schedules, and other technical documents to facilitate the publishing of periodic statistics on government-owned websites to ensure public availability of migration data. Other x. Perform any other duties as may be assigned. Performance indicators for the evaluation of results • Agreed outputs set out in the ToRs are delivered in a timely manner and to a satisfactory quality standard. • Technical outputs produced by the consultant result in measurable improvements in data governance practices. Qualifications Required Qualifications and Experience • Master’s degree in law, economics, political science, public policy, demography/statistics, or a related field with at least five years of relevant professional experience, or Bachelor’s degree with seven years of professional experience. • Proven experience in migration data governance through previous work with government bodies, international organizations or think tanks. • Familiarity with international statistical standards such as the International Recommendations on IDP Statistics and the Recommendations on Statistics of International Migration and Temporary. • Familiarity with IOM’s Data Protection Principles and with othe international data protection frameworks and best practices. • Familiarity with the Iraqi context and government institutions. • Strong writing and communication skills; experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder workshops and in drafting policy framework, guidelines and technical standards. • Fluency in Arabic and English. Languages For this consultancy, excellent command of English is required. Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments. Travel required 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 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. For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies How to apply International Migration Data Governance Specialist[ - IOM Careers