Job description:
As part of the Migration, Business and Human Rights in Asia programme (MBHR Asia), IOM seeks to engage a consultant to conduct research and provide recommendations to inform the development of the Department of Migrant Workersโ (DMW) standard Quality Management System (QMS) requirements for Philippine Recruitment Agencies (PRAs). The research will contribute to ensuring that the QMS requirements are closely aligned with international human rights standards and fair and ethical recruitment principles. The consultant will undertake the following tasks: ย
Conduct comprehensive mapping of relevant international human rights standards and best practices in the following recruitment process areas, among others that may be identified:ย
a. Selection and training of recruitment agency staff and third-party service providersย
b. Selection of employer clients and contract managementย
c. Selection of applicantsย
d. Recruitment and deployment of workersย
e. Monitoring of and welfare check on workersย
f. Selection of Applicantsย
g. Recruitment and deploymentย
h. Monitoring and welfare checkย
i. Rendering on-site assistance, evacuation /repatriation planย
j. Reintegration program for workers returning homeย
k. Data Managementย
l. Compliance with reportorial requirement and document submissionย
2. Identify key management system elements that are critical to ensuring adherence to the mapped international standardsย
3. Document 1-2 best practice examples demonstrating the application of management system elements in ensuring adherence to international standards relevant to the listed recruitment processesย ย
4. Present the findings from the research to the Department of Migrant Workers and IOM, highlighting actionable recommendations to inform the development of the Standard QMS requirementsย
As an output-based consultant (Category B), the consultant is expected to provide professional high-quality research and writing services and ensure that the knowledge product follows the IOM House style manual, IOM Spelling List, layout manual, and brand guidelines.
Project Scope and Context
MBHR Asia is a regional programme aimed at promoting corporate responsibility to respect migrant workersโ rights in line with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), implemented in the Philippines, Viet Nam, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Nepal and Malaysia.ย ย
Through MBHR Asia, IOM collaborates with governments, business, and civil society to uphold the human and labour rights of migrant workers in key sectors and migration corridors. The programme recognizes that enabling businesses to conduct comprehensive human rights due diligence, promotes greater adherence to fair and ethical recruitment principles and the broader goal of strengthening responsible business practices in labour migration. The programme aims to contribute to the enhancement and expansion of regular labour migration pathways that ensure ethical recruitment, facilitate labour mobility and decent work.ย
Background and Scope of the Practical Guide for PRAs:ย
Since the 1970s, the Government of the Philippines has engaged PRAs as key partners in addressing the increasing global demand for OFWs while ensuring their protection and welfare during recruitment and employment abroad. Over the years, the government has introduced a comprehensive set of requirements, including stringent licensing standards, deployment prerequisites, and penalties for non-compliances, to effectively regulate PRA activities and reduce the risk of exploitation and abuse among OFWs. In response, many PRAs have developed a compliance-driven culture, primarily focused on meeting government requirements and often losing sight of the regulationsโ original intent to protect OFWsโ rights during recruitment.ย
To enhance OFW protection, the DMW is introducing a standard set of Quality Management System (QMS) requirements designed to support PRAs in ensuring a more consistent and rights-centered approach in complying with DMW requirements that were established to safeguard OFWsโ rights. A management system-based approach will provide PRAs with a structured framework for embedding human rights considerations into every aspect of their business operations and engagements. This approach puts greater emphasis on implementing proactive measures to identify and address human rights risks and establishing action plans for the systemโs continuous improvement. Shifting focus from mere compliance also enables PRAs to adopt a more sustainable and holistic approach in meeting the growing expectations of destination countries, employer clients, and the civil society to practice fair and ethical recruitment and human rights due diligence that align with the international standards and frameworks.ย ย
In support of this initiative, IOM is collaborating with the DMW to ensure that the established QMS requirements for PRAs align with the international standards and frameworks on fair and ethical recruitment and business and human rights (BHR). As part of its contribution, IOM will assist in mapping the international standards relevant to the recruitment process areas covered by the QMS. The mapping will also identify key management system elements necessary for PRAs to effectively adhere to the relevant international human rights standards. The research will reference globally recognized social compliance systems and cover key international frameworks for human rights due diligence, a critical component of effective management systems. The findings from the mapping exercise and research will be shared with DMW to support the development of the standard QMS requirements that are closely aligned with international standards.ย
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing:ย ย
The consultant will report to IOM Philippinesโ Private Sector Engagement (PSE) Unit, funded by the MBHR Asia programme. The consultant is also expected to collaborate closely with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), including with a consultant to be hired by DMW who will support: (a) Baseline research and desk and document review of current practices in the recruitment industry (based on DMW standards, internal documentation, consultations with DMW officials and staff, and actual document submissions to the DMW); and (b) development of a Quality Management System Framework (including relevant templates/guide for DMW evaluators/inspectors).ย
Project Code: LM.0532ย Category B Consultants: Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment:
First deliverable โ Approved research outline and workplan including the proposed references and research methodology - First instalment payment - Deliverable by 20 May 2025ย Second deliverable โ Draft research including the mapped relevant international standards, the applicable management system elements in the QMS scope, and best practice examples โ Second instalment payment โ Deliverable by 30 June 2025ย Final deliverable โ Final version of the research and presentation of findings and recommendations to IOM and DMW โ Third and Final instalment payment (no less than 25% of overall contract value) - Deliverable by 31 July 2025ยPerformance indicators for the evaluation of resultsย
Required deliverables are submitted at the agreed-upon deadlines.ย Submitted output clearly delivers high-quality, impactful research that expounds on the currently available literature.ย Submitted output ensured that all writing and formatting are consistent and aligned with the IOM Brand Style Guide.ย Issues raised are resolved amicably with outcomes accepted by the parties involved.ยEducation, Experience and/or skills requiredย
Minimum of a bachelorโs degree in economics, business management, public policy, social science, international relations, international development, migration studies or related courses with a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience, or an advanced/ graduate degree with at least five years of relevant professional experienceย Substantial formal training and experience in social compliance management system development and implementation, such as but not limited to SA 8000, ISO 45001, and ISO 9001.ย Advanced understanding of internationally recognized frameworks and standards on business and human rights, including human rights due diligenceย ย In-depth knowledge of the laws, policies and cross-cutting issues in Philippine labour migrationย Fluency in English, with strong communication skillsย ย Excellent writing skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise, and structured outputs and documentation. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit samples of previous written work, such as research output or technical manuals/guides developed or co-authored by the candidate ยTravel requiredย
The consultant may work remotely, but may be required to travel within Metro Manila to attend in-person meetings with stakeholders and with the project team.ย
Competenciesย ย
Valuesย
Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.ย Integrity and transparency: maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.ย Professionalism: demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.ย Courage: demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.ย Empathy: shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.ยCore Competencies โ behavioural indicatorsย
Teamwork: develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.ย Delivering results: produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.ย Managing and sharing knowledge: continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.ย Accountability: takes ownership for achieving the Organizationโs priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.ย ย Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.ยScope of Financial Proposals and Schedule of Payments ย
All financial proposals should be in US dollar (USD) or Philippine pesos (PHP). ย
The Consultant must include all relevant fees in the computation of their financial proposal, inclusive of professional fees of any support personnel; coordination and communication costs; planning of activities; etc. ย
Key outputs of milestone activities for which payments will be made, the corresponding percentage of the contract price that will be paid per milestone/output, including the conditions/documentation required prior to the release of any tranches of payment, are as follows: ย
ย
Payment tranches ย
Deliverables ย
15% ย
Upon submission and acceptance by IOM of the proposed research outline and workplan ย
35%ย
Upon completion of the first draft of the research ย
50% ย
Upon completion of the final research draft approved by the project team and presentation of key findings and recommendations to DMW and IOMย
Other: ย
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. ย
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How to apply: ย
IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
The submission should include: ย
1. Curriculum Vitae ย
2. A Cover Letter (not more than one page) ย
3. IOM Personal History Form. To access the form, please visit link. ย
5. A detailed financial proposal ย
6. Minimum of one (1) sample of previous research/technical writing work (such as links to published research or other written output). ย
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Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. ย
Job Type: Contract ย
Contract length: 3 months ย
Schedule: Day shift ย