Immigration and Border Governance International Consultant

Description

1. ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT AND SCOPE

Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading United Nations agency in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners to promote humane, safe and orderly migration for the benefit of all. As part of its global mandate, IOM supports Member States to strengthen border governance systems that facilitate regular mobility, uphold national security, protect the rights and dignity of travellers and migrants, and contribute to sustainable development.

In the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), cross-border mobility is of high strategic importance. As a geographically dispersed Small Island Developing State comprising numerous islands and atolls across a vast maritime area, the Marshall Islands faces unique border management challenges linked to remoteness, dispersed entry points, constrained human resources, infrastructure limitations, and the high cost of service delivery. At the same time, the country relies heavily on safe and efficient international mobility for trade, labour movement, health referrals, family connections, tourism, development cooperation, and essential supplies.

The Department of Immigration (DOI) plays a central role in managing migration and border functions in the Marshall Islands. This includes traveller processing, immigration status management, visa and permit administration, border integrity, identity verification, enforcement functions under applicable legislation, and coordination with other national agencies engaged in border governance. Effective immigration management in RMI therefore depends not only on DOI’s internal operational capacity, but also on strong collaboration with a range of government stakeholders involved in public health, maritime and aviation operations, law enforcement, labour mobility, disaster response, statistics, investment promotion, and national security.

Since 2018–2019, IOM has partnered with the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to strengthen border governance systems through the deployment and operationalisation of the Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS) at key points of entry. MIDAS has enhanced traveller processing, strengthened data capture and reporting, improved oversight of entries and exits, and supported more efficient management of border movements. The system provides an important platform for evidence-based decision-making and stronger border administration.

Recent technical assessments and engagement with DOI have identified that the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of MIDAS depends on broader institutional and governance foundations. These include fit-for-purpose strategic planning, clear operational procedures, sustainable maintenance arrangements, staff capacity development, improved data governance, and practical interagency coordination mechanisms that allow relevant authorities to use migration information effectively and appropriately.

The DOI Strategic Plan currently in place concludes in 2026. This presents an important opportunity to support DOI in articulating a renewed institutional vision and practical reform agenda for the period 2027–2032. The next Strategic Plan is expected to guide organisational development, service delivery improvements, legislative and policy implementation, workforce capability development, digital systems sustainability, and coordination with national partners over the medium term.

In parallel, there is a need to review, prioritise, develop and validate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and related operational guidance that translate strategic priorities into day-to-day practice. These may include, subject to consultation and prioritisation with DOI, procedures relating to traveller processing, new or amended points of entry arrangements, visa and permit workflows, information management, referral pathways, interagency coordination, reporting processes, and other border governance priorities identified during implementation.

Given the importance of whole-of-government approaches to border management in the Marshall Islands, the consultancy will also support strengthened interagency coordination. This may include stakeholder mapping, clarification of institutional roles and responsibilities, development of practical data-sharing and communication protocols, and support to mechanisms that enable gender-responsive and evidence-based decision-making across relevant ministries and agencies.

Within this context, IOM seeks to engage an international Category B Consultant with demonstrated expertise in International Border Management, strategic planning, and strong familiarity with IOM’s MIDAS system. The Consultant will provide high-level technical assistance to DOI to develop the DOI Strategic Plan 2027–2032, support prioritised SOP and/or policy development, strengthen interagency coordination arrangements, and provide practical recommendations for phased implementation of reforms.

The Consultant will work under the direct supervision of IOM RMI’s Head of Sub-Office, in close coordination with DOI leadership and designated technical counterparts. The assignment will be conducted on a partially home-based and partially in-country basis, recognising the need for both analytical drafting work and in-person consultations, workshops, training, and validation activities in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, including Majuro and other locations as required.

Responsibilities

2. RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Lead a structured strategic planning process for DOI and prepare the DOI Strategic Plan 2027–2032.

2. Review and translate existing IBM and MIDAS assessments into practical reform priorities.

3. Facilitate consultations with DOI leadership, operational staff and relevant government stakeholders.

4. Identify, prioritise, draft and refine operational SOPs and policy instruments jointly agreed with DOI after commencement.

5. Develop interagency coordination mechanisms, data-sharing protocols and referral pathways.

6. Ensure outputs promote gender-responsive, protection-sensitive and evidence-based border governance.

7. Design and deliver technical workshops and targeted capacity-strengthening sessions.

8. Prepare implementation recommendations, validation of materials and final handover of products.

3. DELIVERABLES & PAYMENT SCHEDULE

The total duration for this assignment is nine (9) months. All outputs shall be submitted electronically in editable formats and shall be considered complete upon IOM’s written approval (with up to two rounds of revisions).

4. CONSULTANT’S WORKPLACE

The Consultant will be engaged under an international consultancy contract and will work on a partially home-based and partially in-country basis in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. In-country presence will be required at key milestones, including consultations, workshops and validation activities.

Qualifications

5. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education:
• Advanced university degree (Master’s preferred) in border management, migration studies, public administration, law, international relations, or a related field.

Experience:
• Minimum seven (7) years of relevant professional experience in International Border Management.
• Demonstrated experience with IOM MIDAS in operational settings.
• Proven experience in strategic planning, institutional reform, SOP development, or immigration governance.
• Experience facilitating multi-stakeholder or interagency coordination processes.
• Experience in Small Island Developing States or Pacific contexts is an asset.

Languages:
• Fluency in English (oral and written) is required.