Consultancy - Migration Policy Experts

Overview & Responsibilities

Somalia faces one of the world’s most complex migration landscapes, shaped by prolonged conflict, climate shocks, humanitarian crises, and evolving migration routes. With more than 3.5 million internally displaced persons, significant mixed migration flows, and a large diaspora, Somalia is simultaneously a country of origin, transit, return, and destination. To address these challenges, the Federal Government of Somalia has established a National Coordination Mechanism on Migration (NCM) under the Office of the Prime Minister, marking a significant step toward a whole‑of‑government migration governance framework. However, the NCM is still in early stages of operationalization and requires strengthened legal, policy, and institutional foundations.

IDLO, in close collaboration with IOM, is implementing a three‑year EU‑funded programme aimed at strengthening Somalia’s migration governance structures, enhancing policy and legal frameworks, and supporting future sustainable return and reintegration systems.

Purpose of the Roster

To support current and future migration-related initiatives, IDLO is seeking Expressions of Interest from qualified Migration Policy Experts for inclusion in an Open Expert Roster. Experts included in the roster may be engaged on an as-needed basis, subject to project requirements, availability of funding, and organizational needs. Inclusion in the roster does not constitute an offer of employment or consultancy engagement.

Potential Areas of Technical Support

Experts included in the roster may be called upon to provide technical assistance in one or more of the following areas:

• Development and review of migration-related policies, strategies and action plans;
• Development of migrant return, readmission and reintegration policies and frameworks;
• Policy gap assessments and institutional reviews;
• Legal and regulatory analysis relating to migration governance;
• Design and operationalization of migration coordination mechanisms;
• Alignment of national frameworks with regional and international migration standards;
• Stakeholder consultations and facilitation of policy dialogue processes;
• Capacity building and advisory support to government institutions; and
• Research, analysis and preparation of policy briefs and technical reports.

Education and Professional Experience

• Minimum postgraduate degree in Law, Migration Studies or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in migration policy development.

Specific knowledge, skills and competencies

• Experience in working with stakeholders, donors, UN and international agencies is an asset;
• Experience in training/advising policymakers and/or other officials in matters relating to migration;
• Proven experience of working with government institutions, executive committees or similar leadership;
• Work experience in developing countries, including Somalia, is highly desirable.

Languages

• Outstanding written and verbal skills in English.
• Somali language skills are an advantage

Core Skills and Competencies

• Strong analytical, research, and policy synthesis skills.
• Excellent communication and advisory skills, including with senior government officials.
• Knowledge of international migration governance, return and reintegration systems