Consultant - Assessment on ethical framework and practices on biometrics and AI in identity management (C)

Position Title: Consultant - Assessment on ethical framework and practices on biometrics and AI in identity management
Duty Station: Homebased
Classification: Consultant, Grade Other
Type of Appointment: Consultant, seven months
Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible
Closing Date: 8 April 2025

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

Project Context and Scope: 

Legal Identity is relevant to a broad range of IOM programmatic areas and constitutes a cross-cutting theme integrated into IOM’s mandate and programmes. Established in 2021 by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the “Cooperation on Migration and Partnerships to Achieve Sustainable Solutions (COMPASS)” programme works collaboratively with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners to fulfil commitments toward migrants, affected populations, returnees, and host communities. This is achieved in alignment with national priorities, regional and global commitments, and migration governance processes.

The programme focuses on systemic changes to address the root causes of migrants’ vulnerability, promote gender equality, and combat exclusion, including in humanitarian and fragile settings. It supports rights-based policies and legislation, equitable access to protection services, strengthened local partnerships for migrant inclusion and social cohesion, access to legal identity, data-driven responses, and efforts to influence social behaviours and norms.

The new phase of COMPASS (2024–2027) outlines three key priorities: specialized protection, localization, and legal identity. Implemented in 14 countries, the programme aims to identify the most effective and sustainable approaches to supporting migrants, safeguarding their human rights, dignity, and well-being, and assisting partners in achieving their migration governance priorities.

Biometrics and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming identity management, offering enhanced security, convenience, and efficiency in authentication processes. From facial recognition and fingerprint scanning to voice and behavioural biometrics, AI-driven systems provide robust and seamless user verification. Understanding potential risks—such as biases in AI models, data privacy concerns, and vulnerabilities to cyberattacks—is essential to developing secure and fair identity management solutions. Addressing these challenges proactively can help build trust, improve regulatory frameworks, and ensure that biometric and AI-based authentication systems are both reliable and inclusive.

IOM aims to conduct a comprehensive assessment of ethical frameworks and practices for the use of biometrics and AI in identity management. This research will generate data-driven insights to assist Governments to design inclusive, rights-based and ethical legal identity systems with digital and technological advances. The study will critically examine existing policies and operational frameworks regulating the use of biometrics and AI in identity management, identifying strengths and areas for improvement to ensure that AI and biometrics are used ethically in identity management systems while protecting privacy, security and fundamental human rights. The assessment will examine how these technologies affect access to rights such as freedom of movement, social protection, and legal recognition, while also addressing risks related to data governance and potential misuse. Upon the completion of assessment, the consultant should develop the Guide on the Ethical Use of Biometrics and AI technologies in identity management for Member States. 

Findings from this study will provide Governments with actionable recommendations to address identified gaps, promote inclusive and secure identity systems, and strengthen policies that protect the rights of individuals. By promoting legal identity frameworks that are both protective and empowering, the study will contribute to broader efforts to facilitate safer migration pathways, strengthen legal protections, and uphold the right to identity for all individuals, regardless of nationality or migration status. The Guide will serve as a useful tool in implementing recommendations in enabling biometric and AI technologies to facilitate registration, identification, and verification processes in identity management context. 

This research study publication will provide robust evidence to inform policy and operational protection responses in support of GCM Objectives such 4 (Legal Identity and Documentation), 5 (Regular Pathways), 14 (Consular Protection), and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as target 5.1 (End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere), target 10.7 (Responsible and well-managed migration policies), and target 16.9 (By 2030, provide legal identity for all, including birth registration).

Proposed Research Questions:

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing: Legal Identity Unit (IBG), IOM COMPASS Global Programme funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The entire scope of the Consultancy Contract will be fulfilled in 3 deliverables: 

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

The performance of the consultant will be evaluated based on the following indicators:

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process,
which may include written and/or oral assessments. 

Subject to approval by the relevant IOM approving authority, the selected candidate is expected to work remotely/homebased.