Consultancy: Regional Paper Under Mbhr Programme

Project Context and Scope:
Due to increased awareness of international standards and legislation (such as the EUCSDDD, the Australia Modern Slavery Act, the French Duty of Vigilance Act and several other upcoming regulations at various stages of approval) requiring companies to carry out human rights due diligence and ensure there is no forced labour present in supply chains, brands increasingly make commitments to the ‘employer pays principle’ and expect their suppliers globally to implement this commitment throughout their operations and supply chains. However, in the changing and complex landscape of labour migration and as companies advance on the implementation

Various actors, such as consultancy firms, civil society organizations, and UN agencies, already provide guidance, advice and recommendations to companies on the repayment and reimbursement of worker-paid fees and costs. However, different actors have different interpretations, and this may result in conflicting recommendations and guidance provided to companies. Conflicting guidance may be confusing to companies and may lead to non-satisfactory reimbursement or repayment provided to affected workers.

In this light, IOM, in collaboration with the ILO, seeks to engage a consultant to support the development of a case compendium on emerging practices among businesses on reimbursement and repayment of worker-paid recruitment fees and related costs, aiming to provide a streamlined reference point for relevant actor.

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing: MBHR Asia, LM.0532, LMI IOM Malaysia

Responsibilities: To develop the case compendium, a desk review shall be carried out on

3) Case examples in which companies repaid or reimbursed migrant workers, outlining their approach, rationale behind, modalities, decision-making, gender responsiveness and any other considerations.

The desk review shall be complemented with in-depth interviews with representatives (to be identified by the consultant and IOM, and upon consultation with ILO) from key stakeholders providing guidance and recommendations to companies on reimbursement and repayment, and from companies themselves. Upon completion of the data collection, all data shall be analyzed and consolidated into a 20-page white paper.

Upon completing the final draft of the report, the consultant shall support IOM to organize an online roundtable meeting in February 2026 to validate the white paper. The consultant is expected to attend the roundtable. Feedback and input received during the roundtable shall be reflected in the completed white paper.

4. Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing: MBHR Asia, LM.0532, LMI IOM Malaysia

5. Category B Consultants: Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment

Category B Consultant hired to deliver a white paper on a two-instalment payment basis:
7. Performance indicators for the evaluation of results: - High-quality report with complete and well analyzed data. Timely delivery of deliverables.
- Qualifications: Education, Experience and/or skills required
- Master’s degree in law, human rights, social sciences, international development, or any other related field.
- At least five years of experience in the field of migration, business and human/labour rights.
- Fluency in English, in writing and verbally, is required.
- Experience working with UN agencies is an asset

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish.
Proficiency of English language will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Travel required
No travel required. If travel is required, IOM will cover the relevant costs.

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