Project Context and Scope
The National Migration Policy (NMP), the foundational instrument for guiding national migration management, provides the migration governance structure that outlines the actors and coordination mechanisms ensuring inclusive, coherent, and strategic responses, in a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. The four-level coordination structure includes the National Consultative Committee (NCC), the Technical Working Group (TWG), thematic working groups, and non-state actors. However, during the recent policy review process, guided by broad stakeholder consultations, the policy was found to have significant gaps in provisions for state-level coordination.
The revised NMP, recognizing the need to enhance grassroots inclusion, restructured the original four-tier coordination mechanism established in the 2015 policy. Specifically, it repositioned the fourth tier from non-state actors to state-level coordination, thereby providing for decentralizing migration governance and empowering grassroots actors to lead implementation efforts in their jurisdictions. This adjustment reflects the growing recognition that effective migration management must be anchored at the local level, where many migration challenges and opportunities manifest.
Migration governance in Nigeria also relies on various migration discourse processes, including the National Migration Dialogue (NMD) on the local level. This annual multi-stakeholder platform facilitates collaborative policy discourse, promotes experience sharing, and enhances stakeholder engagement across sectors. The NMD has enabled government, civil society, development partners, and the private sector to engage in open and evidence-based discussions on migration trends, policy priorities, and coordination gaps.
Regionally and globally, Nigeria continues to assert leadership through its active engagement in the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) as a Champion Country. The previous National Voluntary Reviews (NVRs) and participation at the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) 2022, increased Nigeria’s influence at global migration discourse and the alignment of national strategies with international standards. As preparations for the upcoming IMRF 2026 advance, there is a compelling need to support Nigeria’s engagement, ensuring that lessons from national implementation, especially at the state level, inform its global contributions.
To actualize these essential governance activities, IOM, under the EU-Support for Migration Governance in Nigeria and The Cooperation on Migration And Partnerships to Achieve Sustainable Solutions (COMPASS) 2.0 programmes, through this consultancy, seeks to assist the Nigerian Government to pilot the establishment of state-level coordination mechanisms in three states; assist the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) and the Technical Working Group (TWG) to achieve a successful hosting of the 2025 NMD and support Nigeria towards the 2026 IMRF.
The overarching objective of this consultancy is to strengthen Nigeria’s migration governance architecture by piloting decentralized coordination structures in three states, reinforcing inclusive national dialogue through the NMD, and supporting the country’s active participation in the IMRF, 2026. Through this approach, Nigeria will be better positioned to implement the revised NMP effectively, foster state-level ownership, and align national efforts with global commitments under the GCM.
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
Organizational Department / Unit: Governance and Protection Divisions
Project type: PX – Migration Governance and Protection and Assistance to Migrants in vulnerable situations
Project Name and Code: Support to Migration Governance in Nigeria - MS0060 and Partnerships to Achieve Sustainable Solutions 2.0 (COMPASS)- PX.0499
RESPONSIBILITIES
Tasks to be performed under this contract
First deliverable – Provide technical support to the Government towards the GCM IMRF, 2026
- Develop the workplan, agenda and the template that will be used for the collation of input from stakeholders on the status of GCM implementation in the country
- Facilitating the stakeholder engagement and consultation to review the status of implementation of the GCM
- Draft a national report on the status of GCM implementation following the review
- Draft Nigeria’s NVR report for the IMRF portal
- Provide technical support to NCFMI and FMHAPR towards the preparation for the 2026 IMRF (drafting of position papers, policy briefs and reports)
Second deliverable – Provide technical support to the FMHAPR, NCFRMI and TWG on the 2026 NMD
- Develop the concept notes and agenda for the NMD
- Facilitating pre-NMD engagements with the thematic leads and select TWG to review the concept note and agenda
- Oversee the overall facilitation of the NMD
- Draft NMD 2026 report
- Facilitate post-NMD meeting for the thematic leads and select TWG to review, validate the report and develop a roadmap for the implementation of the outcome of the NMD
Third deliverable – Provide technical support to the Government towards the establishment of the state-level coordination and support the development of a Migration Strategy at the sub-national/state level in a state of high migration/return .
- Develop the concept note and inception report on the activity
- Conduct an inception meeting with FMHAPR and NCFRMI to discuss the inception report and concept note, and for the development of the activity methodology
- Facilitating the state stakeholder engagement and consultation in three states
- Facilitate the inauguration of the migration coordination framework in the three states
- Draft report of the establishment of the state-level migration governance
- Support the development of one Migration Strategy at the state level in a state of high migration/return (One of the three states above).
Fourth deliverable – In coordination with the migrants’ protection assistance unit in IOM, facilitate capacity building of state-level actors through interstate exchange visits and knowledge sharing among three states.
- Develop the concept note and inception report on the activity
- Conduct inception meeting with FMHAPR and NCFRMI to discuss the inception report and concept note, and for the development of the activity methodology
- Facilitating the interstate exchange visit of stakeholder engagement and consultation in three states
- Draft report of the establishment of the state-level migration governance through interstate exchange and knowledge sharing among states to identify best practices in migration management.
Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
- Strict adherence to timelines and schedule of activities
- High-quality written documents
- Timely analysis, production and sharing of the report
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Advanced University degree from an accredited academic institution, preferably in Social Sciences, Policy Development, Public Administration and Sociology; a specialization in migration would be an advantage
Experience
- 10 years of experience (Fifteen years for candidates holding a first-level university degree) in the field of Migration Management and/or Policy Development.
- Demonstrated expertise in GCM processes, GFMD and other related topics
- Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, other international/national institutions and bodies
- Previous working experience in Nigeria is desirable.
Skills
- Proven ability to meet deadlines
- Knowledge of migration governance in Nigeria and understanding of national, regional and global migration issues
- Proven ability to write concise reports in English and facilitation skills are highly desirable
- Motivated, committed, responsible, and able to work independently with limited direct supervision
Languages
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
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 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.
go to method of application »
Project Context and Scope
- The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) seeks to enhance economic integration among its 12 MS, which experience significant mobility as millions of people move within and beyond borders daily. This migration, driven by a youthful and growing population facing limited access to quality education and decent job opportunities, manifests in both regular and irregular forms. Migration decisions are often driven by a combination of economic, environmental, social, and political factors. In West Africa, floods were with wind storms the most important cause of disaster displacement. Droughts, desertification, deforestation, water scarcity, rising sea levels, coastal erosion have increased in occurrence and severity over the last few decades due to the adverse effects of climate change, also compelling people directly and indirectly to leave their homes. These changes also affect mobile population such as transhumant herders.
- As West Africa grapples with environmental degradation and political instability, the region's rapid urbanization further reshapes migration patterns. Mobility remains crucial for many, offering vital access to employment and remittances, and providing essential livelihood strategies for families across the region, thus contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- West Africa is one of the world’s most mobile regions, historically characterized by trade, nomadic pastoralism and migration with the aim of diversifying the means of subsistence (RCS 2022) [1] . Human mobility can be seen as a climate change adaptation practice for communities but needs to be anticipated by the state, especially as the use of mobility in relation to disaster risk is already observed within the region. Human mobility is a descriptive term used under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) processes to collectively refer to three forms of population movement set out under paragraph 14(f) of the Cancun Adaptation Framework (Source: UNFCCC, 2010): i) Displacement – the primarily forced movement of persons; ii) Migration – the primarily voluntary movement of persons, iii) Planned relocation – the process of settling persons or communities in a new location.
- Since May 2024, IOM has been implementing a second phase of the “Support to Free Movement of Persons and Migration in West Africa” programme (FMM II), in collaboration with, in collaboration with International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and International Labour Organization (ILO). Based on existing evidence and regional expertise, FMM II is supporting ECOWAS and its Member States in prioritizing policy areas for concrete action and define the tools to support States in implementing the commitments made under the Global Compact on Migration (GCM) Objectives 2 and 5 related to environmental migration and disaster displacement at national and subnational levels, in synergy with ECOWAS climate strategy and other relevant strategic frameworks (e.g. Transhumance protocol, Early Warning and Early Response Strategic Plans 2022-2026).
- The ECOWAS Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs plays a critical role in addressing displacement, migration, and population movements resulting from conflict and disasters. In recent years, the West African region has experienced an increase in the frequency and intensity of climate-related hazards—such as floods, droughts, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events—exacerbating vulnerabilities and triggering large-scale displacement. Climate change acts as a threat multiplier, compounding existing socio-political tensions and undermining livelihoods, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected areas.
- The ECOWAS Regional Climate Strategy and Action Plan (2022-2030) [1] , published and endorsed by Member States (MS) in April 2022, will provide the basis to align regional climate actions with global objectives, enhance resilience, and facilitate sustainable development. It supports MS in managing climate-related challenges, promoting free movement, and ensuring effective migration management across the region. Thus, the consultancy seeks to sstrengthen the Directorate’s capacity to respond to these complex and interlinked challenges, as well as to provide technical support to the ECOWAS Disaster Operation Centre (DOC) Technical Team to enhance climate-informed disaster response mechanisms and ensure that migration dynamics are integrated into early warning, preparedness, and humanitarian coordination systems.
[1] ECOWAS Regional Climate Strategy (2022-2030)
- Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
-
- 5 . IOM UNIT TO WHICH THE CONSULTANCY IS CONTRIBUTING; FMM II Programme (PO 0225
Responsibilities:
- Tasks to be performed under this contract
- Research and provide analysis of migration trends in the ECOWAS region including displacement caused by conflict, disasters and environmental changes.
- Develop briefs, reports and policy recommendations for ECOWAS and partners on displacement and shed light on the link between humanitarian, development and climate policies.
- Support coordination mechanism efforts between ECOWAS relevant Directorates, the Disaster Operation Centre: humanitarian agencies and relevant stakeholders;
- Provide technical input to regional programmes and initiatives that address migration in contexts of conflict, disasters, and environmental stress;
- Assist in developing programs that enhance resilience and sustainable solutions for affected populations.
- Assist in the design and facilitation of capacity-building activities for ECOWAS Member States on disaster migration management;
- Contribute to advocacy efforts for policy reforms and regional frameworks and agreements on forced migration;
- Assist in improving data collection and information-sharing mechanisms between ECOWAS Institutions and its Agencies such as Early Warning Directorate and WASCAL to optimize disaster interventions;
- Contribute to the development of technical frameworks for humanitarian assistance coordination within the ECOWAS Disaster Operation Centre.
METHODOLOGY OF THE CONSULTANCY
- Desk Research: The Consultancy will review and analyze relevant documents including, but not limited to:
- Annual reports and topical issues reports including reports on climate change environmental degradation and disaster risk reduction thematic areas.
- The ECOWAS Regional Climate Strategy and Disaster Risk Reduction Policy and other sector-based climate change documents.
- Surveys (including their methodologies and data collection tools) and research studies relevant to climate change environmental degradation and disaster risk reduction conducted in the ECOWAS Commission and ECOWAS MS.
- Report from the assessment on ECOWAS Commission and its MS on approaches and efforts onaddressing Human Mobility in the Context of Climate Change Environmental Degradation & Disasters.
- All relevant documents as per the objectives of the consultancy
Expert Consultations:
- Meetings with relevant counterparts and consultations with the support of IOM, who will be accompanying the Consultant throughout all meetings.
- The Consultancy will hold extensive consultations with relevant ECOWAS bodies, especially with the Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affair, and other relevant departments within ECOWAS HQ in Abuja, as well as with selected institutions at MS level.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS FOR THE EVALUATION OF RESULTS:
- Quality of work: Ability to accurately coordinate with the ECOWAS Commission and relevant stakeholders.
- Timeliness: Ability to meet the consultancy timeline and deliver on time.
- Clarity: Ability to communicate and integrate climate change environmental degradation and disaster risk reduction contents clearly and concisely.
- Understanding: Ability to understand and interpret the complexities of climate change environmental degradation and disaster risk reduction in integrated border management and free movement-related programme.
- Adaptability: Ability to adjust to changes in scope or objectives.
- Knowledge: Understanding of climate change environmental degradation and disaster risk reduction and Free Movement of persons in the context for West Africa region.
- Responsiveness: Ability to provide timely responses to inquiries.
TANGIBLE AND MEASURABLE OUTPUT OF THE WORK ASSIGNMENT:
Deliverables: Deadline
I. Deliverable: Inception Report (5–10 pages).
- Activity : Conduct a preliminary virtual meeting with ECOWAS Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, the Disaster Operation Centre Technical Team, and IOM to align on expectations and scope.
- Output : Updated consultancy plan, including a detailed work plan with refined methodology, timelines for data collection, and stakeholder engagement approach.
- Payment of 25% amount of total consultancy service fees upon submission and approval by IOM and ECOWAS Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs.
1 st Deliverable – by 30 November 2025
- II. Deliverables: Regional Analysis Report complementary to existing regional analysis and One (1) policy brief in relevant areas to regional and global frameworks on migration, disaster displacement.
- Activity: Conduct desk review, data collection, and stakeholder consultations to analyse migration and displacement trends linked to conflict, disasters, and climate impacts in West Africa.
- Output: Comprehensive regional analysis with actionable recommendations for ECOWAS and partners.
- Payment of 25% amount of total consultancy service fees upon submission and approval by IOM and ECOWAS Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs.
2 nd Deliverable – by 28 February 2026
- III. Deliverables: Training report and Toolkit (slides, manuals, checklists) for sustained use.
- Activity: Design and facilitate at least one regional training session for the ECOWAS Commission; its Member States and partners on disaster-related migration management.
- Output: Strengthened technical capacities of national focal points and regional institutions to address disaster- and conflict-induced migration.
- Payment of 25% amount of total consultancy service fees upon submission and approval by IOM and ECOWAS Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs.
3rd Deliverable – by 30 April 2026
- IV. Deliverables: Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) document for Data collection and information sharing (15–20 pages), validated and piloted with at least two ECOWAS Member States.
- Activity : Develop/update and validate a practical SOP to strengthen data collection and information-sharing on conflict- and disaster-induced migration between ECOWAS Institutions (e.g., Disaster Operation Centre, Early Warning Directorate, Research and Statistics Directorate, WASCAL) and Member States.
- Output: Clear and standardized operational guidance for ECOWAS and Member States to collect, share, and use migration and displacement data in disaster and conflict contexts.
- Payment of 25% amount of total consultancy service fees upon submission and approval by IOM and ECOWAS Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs.
4 th Deliverable – by 15 May 2026
Qualifications:
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND/OR SKILLS REQUIRED
Education
- Master’s degree or higher in Humanitarian Affairs, Migration Studies, International Relations, Environmental Degradation and Disaster Risk Reduction, or related fields.
Experience
- At least seven (7) years of experience in humanitarian response, conflict-induced migration, disaster management, or population movements in West Africa or similar regions.
Skills
- Demonstrated experience and skills in facilitating stakeholder/working group consultations.
- Relevant regional and international experience will be an added advantage.
- Proven experience in drafting and producing high-quality written reports.
- Excellent understanding of gender-related needs, perspectives, concerns, and participation.
Languages
- Proficiency in English. Fluency in French of Portuguese is highly desirable.
- 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
- No travel is foreseen for this consultancy. Any travel, if needed later, should be talked about and approved by IOM and ECOWAS.
- Required Competencies
go to method of application »
Project Context and Scope
- Recognizing the complexities associated with the national migration dynamics, Nigeria adopted its first National Migration Policy (NMP) in 2015 to provide a coherent framework for managing all aspects of migration. The policy, through the national migration governance structure, recognized the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) as the lead coordinating agency and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction (FMHAPR) as the supervisory ministry.
- The policy review conducted in 2025, involving wide-ranging stakeholder consultations, revealed critical gaps, particularly in the coordination and supervisory functions. These gaps point to institutional capacity challenges particularly of the coordinating and supervising agencies that were recognized and directly addressed in the revised 2025 NMP and its Integrated Implementation Plan (IIP), with specific emphasis under Objective Six, which prioritizes enhancing cooperation and coordination in migration governance.
- Also, a key priority of the revised policy, which falls under the coordination mandate of NCFRMI, is the promotion of dignified return, readmission, and sustainable reintegration. The Commission oversaw the development of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on Return, Readmission, and Reintegration (RRR) in 2019. The SOP includes a provision for periodic review to account for emerging trends and evolving migration dynamics. Now due for review, the SOP presents an opportunity to strengthen coordination, ensure institutional alignment, and enhance service delivery to returnees.
- These highlight the need for a comprehensive needs assessment of the coordinating and supervisory agencies, focusing on institutional capacities, operational roles, and inter-agency collaboration. Hence, this consultancy, under the EU-funded Programmes, Support for Migration Governance in Nigeria and the Migrants Protection, Return and Reintegration Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa (MPRR–SSA) and the Government of the Netherlands funded Programme Cooperation on Migration and Partnerships to Achieve Sustainable Solutions 2.0 (COMPASS), seeks to conduct a needs assessment and capacity building of the FMHAPR and NCFRMI in their oversight roles of supervising and coordinating national migration governance and review the 2019 SOP on Return, Readmission and Reintegration.
- This assessment and capacity are critical to reinforcing the central roles of NCFRMI and FMHAPR in Nigeria’s migration governance system and ensuring that both institutions are well-equipped to implement the revised policy and meet evolving national and international migration obligations. Likewise, a review of the SOP on RRR will ensure that Nigeria’s conduct promotes a dignified return, readmission, and sustainable reintegration, as prescribed in objective 21 of the GCM, with the aim of enhancing capacities of Ministries, Departments and agencies at federal and state levels.
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
Organizational Department / Unit: Migration Governance and Protection Divisions
Project type: Migration Governance and Migrants Protection and Assistance units
Project Name and Code: Support to Migration Governance in Nigeria - MS0060 and Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa (MPRR-SSA) - RR0342, and Cooperation on Migration and Cooperation on Migration and Partnerships to Achieve Sustainable Solutions 2.0 (COMPASS) PX.0499 Programmes.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Tasks to be performed under this contract
Consultant hired to provide technical support towards the implementation of the deliverables listed below on a five-instalment payment basis:
- Conduct an analysis of the factors impacting operational efficiency of the FMHAPR and NCFRMI and the available opportunities for improved efficiency in service delivery of supervising and coordinating migration
- Assess and analyse capacity (Personnel and Structural) gaps within FMHAPR and NCFRMI and recommend key areas of intervention for capacity-building initiatives
- Establish baseline measures and appropriate targets relevant to the needs identified for capacity building activities
- Conduct capacity building trainings for the staff of FMHAPR and NCFRMI on identified capacity gaps
- Support the Ministry and the Commission in facilitating the review of the Standard Operating Procedure on Return, Readmission and Reintegration
- Perform such other duties as may be assigned
First deliverable – Inception Report and Meeting
- Present inception report and work plan to FMHAPR, NCFRMI and IOM
Second deliverable – Conduct Needs assessment of FMHAPR and NCFRMI
- Preliminary Meeting with Ministry and Commission’s Officials
- Needs Assessment Tools
- Administer and analyze needs assessment survey
- Report of Needs Assessment
Third deliverable – Conduct Capacity building for FMHAPR and NCFRMI staff
- Develop training curriculum and plan
- Facilitate two sessions of 3-day capacity-building workshop for FMHAPR
- Facilitate two sessions of 3-day capacity-building workshop for NCFRMI
- Pre and Post evaluation of the workshops administered and analysed
- Detailed narrative reports covering the entire workshops prepared and submitted
Fourth deliverable – Facilitation of SOP on RRR review
- Facilitate an inception meeting with NCFRMI on the review of the SoP on RRR
- Develop SOP review template
- Facilitate 3x 3-day review workshop with the review committee for the SOP
- Present draft of the reviewed SOP and facilitate review and validation meeting by the WGRRR
- Detailed narrative reports covering the entire workshops and review process prepared and submitted.
Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
- Strict adherence to timelines and schedule of activities
- High-quality written documents
- Timely analysis, production and sharing of the report
- Ability to manage stakeholders from diverse backgrounds
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Advanced University degree from an accredited academic institution, preferably in Social Sciences, Policy Development, Public Administration and Sociology; a specialization in migration would be an advantage
Experience
- Ten years of experience (Fifteen years for candidates holding a first-level university degree) in the field of Migration Management and/or Policy Development, demonstrated expertise in return and reintegration within the Nigerian context and related topics.
- Knowledge of migration governance in Nigeria and understanding of national, regional and global migration issues
- Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, other international/national institutions and bodies
- Previous working experience in Nigeria on policy development and return and reintegration of returned migrants is desirable
Skills
- Proven ability to meet deadlines
- Proven ability to write concise reports in English and facilitation skills are highly desirable
- Motivated, committed, responsible, and able to work independently with limited direct supervision
Languages
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
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 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.
Gmail
Yahoomail