Civil Registration and Access to Civil Documentation Consultant

Project Context and Scope
 

Iraq continues to face significant challenges following the defeat of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), including protracted displacement, limited livelihoods and underdeveloped infrastructure. Vulnerable populations, particularly Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), returnees from northeast Syria (NES), Iraqi returnees from abroad, and host communities, face persistent barriers to accessing basic rights and services. Access to identity and civil documentation remains a critical challenge, restricting access to healthcare, education, social protection, and livelihoods and increasing the risk of marginalization. Structural and administrative gaps, inconsistent application of laws and weak coordination among government entities exacerbate these challenges.  

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Iraq is currently implementing a project aimed at strengthening Iraq’s legal, regulatory and administrative frameworks and systems to improve access to civil documentation, with a focus on vulnerable populations. Interventions combine policy support, government capacity-building and development and targeted direct legal assistance for IDPs, NES returnees and other at-risk groups. Geographically, the project adopts a whole-of-Iraq and whole-of-government approach, covering both Federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, with focus on specific governorates. Direct target groups include government stakeholders and NES returnees, while indirect target groups include IDPs, returnees from abroad, and host communities. Special emphasis will be given to persons with disabilities. The project seeks to promote equitable access to documentation, strengthen legal frameworks and support sustainable reintegration.

Note:  As part of your application, please submit a financial proposal outlining your approach and fees to complete the assignment.Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission for IOM in Iraq and the direct supervision of the Programme Officer (HLP & Legal Assistance), and in collaboration with relevant colleagues in the Programme and other units at the Iraq mission, the consultant will be responsible and accountable for the delivery of the legal, regulatory and administrative assessment, as well as the institutional mapping to support efforts toward integrated, accessible and citizen-centered civil registration and documentation systems in Iraq. The assessment will identify gaps, bottlenecks and reform opportunities within the legal framework, institutional arrangements and administrative processes. This work will directly contribute to improving access to rights, access to justice and institutional efficiency.
 
   Tasks to be performed under this contractObjectives of the assignment A. Legal and institutional framework

Analyse the legal and institutional mandates governing civil registration and access to civil documentation, while covering identity-related components only where they are direct dependencies for access (e.g., National Unified ID card registration/issuance prerequisites, etc.).

Identify overlaps, ambiguities and gaps, particularly regarding responsibilities for data exchange between the Ministry of Interior (MoI), the Ministry of Health (MoH), the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and Courts.

B. Policy and strategic environment

Assess existing national policies, reform plans, digital strategies and initiatives to determine gaps and opportunities for a mid-term, integrated civil registration strategy.

Identify needs for standard operating procedures, institutional standards and administrative guidance.

C. Stakeholder mapping and coordination

Map stakeholders at national and local levels, including mandates, roles and inter-institutional coordination mechanisms.

Assess coordination gaps, silo dynamics and opportunities for improved collaboration.

D. Administrative processes 

Review current administrative workflows for birth, death, marriage, divorce, nationality and related civil registration processes within MoI, MoH and Courts, with an emphasis on persons with disabilities (including procedural barriers (e.g. representation/guardianship requirements, presence requirements, documentation standards, etc.) and the accessibility of information and services (e.g. formats, communication methods, and outreach approaches).

Identify inefficiencies, duplications, regional disparities and service delivery bottlenecks.

E. Reform and capacity-building opportunities

Propose prioritized, feasible recommendations for legal, institutional, administrative and technical reform.

Identify potential pilot initiatives for system strengthening and capacity-building opportunities for Government counterparts.

Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment 

The consultant shall work for approximately 80 working days over a period of four (4) months, from February to May 2026. The actual number of working days and the deliverables submission dates may be adjusted based on workload and agreement with IOM.           

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Deliverable

Indicator

Timeline (Submission window and payment)

1

Inception report

Report outlining methodology, workplan, data collection sources, stakeholder engagement approach and analytical framework, validated by IOM

26 February 2026       2Draft report, covering all sections Draft report covering at least 90% of relevant laws, policies, regulations and institutional mandates, and including a stakeholder mapping and administrative analysis identifying at least 2 key coordination gaps and 1 administrative bottleneck per process9 April 20263Final consolidated reportReport validated by relevant stakeholders, including mainly MoI, MoH and MoJ through meetings, workshops, etc. Report should include recommendations, particularly in relation to system and capacity strengthening. 23 April 20264Presentation of the report Presentation to IOM and all stakeholders, including clear information of key areas assessed, findings and recommendations7 May 2026

Quality and completeness of reports

Relevance and feasibility of recommendations

Delivery of the presentation

Stakeholder satisfaction Education

Master’s degree in Law, Public Administration, Governance, Human Rights or a related field.Experience

At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in conducting research and assessments, preferably in civil documentation, identity management or public administration.

Proven experience in stakeholder mapping, workflow analysis and policy or legislative review.

Experience working in Iraq or conflict-affected contexts, with knowledge of local legal and institutional frameworks is highly desirable.

Experience in producing high-quality reports and delivering presentations to senior government or international stakeholders.

Experience working with a UN agency is desirable.Skills

Strong research, analytical, and writing skills.

Excellent communication and facilitation skills.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multi-stakeholder environment.

Proficiency in English; knowledge of Arabic and/or Kurdish is an asset.

Competence in using Microsoft Office. Travel required

Yes – Particularly between Baghdad and ErbilRequired 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: