Consultancy for a Gender-Sensitive Assessment of Zimbabwe’s Social Protection Policy in the Context of Migration and Sustainable Reintegration

Project Context and Scope

Zimbabwe being a country of origin, transit and destination for migrants, Zimbabwe is characterized by complex mixed-migration dynamics that pose both challenges and opportunities for migration management. Zimbabweans continue to move internally and across borders predominantly to South Africa in search of better livelihood opportunities, social welfare and protection. This is predominantly in response to the prevailing socio-economic dynamics, environmental changes and the rise of slow-onset hazards compelling migrants and migrant communities to seek better livelihood opportunities for survival elsewhere. 

Unfortunately, significant numbers of Zimbabweans living abroad face difficulties which may include violent xenophobic treatment by host communities and job loss as host governments prioritize the national labour force over migrants. These factors frequently necessitate migrants to return as they lose the means to survive overseas. Unfortunately, difficulties in accessing social support back home is a common feature facing returned migrants and forced returnees.

In light of the above, the objective of the project is to contribute to the sustainable reintegration of Zimbabwean returnees and maximise their contribution to the development of Zimbabwe. The project aims to engage the Government of Zimbabwe (GoZ) and relevant stakeholders to adopt an integrated, gender-sensitive, whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to return and reintegration that enhances the social protection of returning migrants (Outcome 1). First, the project will undertake a comprehensive gender-sensitive assessment of the existing social protection policy in Zimbabwe to identify gaps in the context of migration and human mobility (Output 1.1)

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing   IOM Zimbabwe, Migration Governance and Development Unit (GDU): Supporting the Return and Reintegration of Migrants Through Enhanced Inclusion into the Social Protection Framework in Zimbabwe. Implementing with technical cooperation from the Government of Zimbabwe under the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Tasks to be performed under this contract

• Assess the extent to which current policies integrate gender considerations, particularly in addressing the vulnerabilities of women, children, persons with disabilities and other marginalized groups within migrant and returnee populations.
• Identify gaps and challenges in accessing social protection services for returned migrants, including legal, institutional, and operational barriers.
• Conduct stakeholder consultations with relevant government ministries, development partners, civil society organizations, migrant and returnee communities, and other key actors.
• Develop recommendations to strengthen Zimbabwe’s social protection framework to ensure a more inclusive and gender-responsive approach to migration and reintegration.
• Produce a comprehensive report outlining findings, policy gaps, and actionable recommendations Performance indicators for the evaluation of results   The consultancy will be evaluated against the following indicators, for which targets will be discussed with IOM:
  • Timely submission of all deliverables according to the agreed-upon timeline.
  • Quality and depth of the analysis in assessing gender-sensitive gaps in social protection policies.
  • Effectiveness of stakeholder consultations, including diversity and inclusiveness of participants.
  • Practicality and feasibility of recommendations provided for policy enhancement.
  • Level of stakeholder engagement and validation of findings in the final report.
  • Adherence to ethical standards and methodological rigor in data collection and analysis. Education
    • Advanced degree in Social Sciences, Migration Studies, Gender Studies, Public Policy, or a related field. Experience
      • Proven experience in conducting policy assessments, particularly in the areas of social protection, migration, and gender.
      • Strong understanding of migration dynamics in Zimbabwe and the Southern African region.
      • Demonstrated experience in gender-sensitive research and analysis. Skills
        • Excellent report-writing and presentation skills.
        • Ability to conduct stakeholder consultations and facilitate discussions. Languages
          • Proficiency in written and spoken English IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish. Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.   Travel required
            • Travel requirements will be determined based on project needs 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 and innovate.