Consultant (Legal, Technical and Capacity Building)

Project Context and Scope: 

Germany remains a key EU Member State engaging in return and follow-up processes involving Türkiye, including returns of Turkish nationals and third-country nationals who transit through or are hosted in Türkiye under international protection or other legal statuses, including Unaccompanied Minor Children (UMC). These processes involve multiple institutional actors across jurisdictions and require clear coordination mechanisms, shared procedural understanding, and consistent engagement between German and Turkish authorities, notably the Ministry of Family and Social Services (MoFSS) and the Presidency of Migration Management (PMM), the Federal office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) and the Youth Welfare Offices (mandated local child protection authorities).

While cooperation between IOM Germany, IOM Türkiye, and national counterparts is well established, increasing volumes and procedural complexity  have highlighted the need for greater systematization of coordination processes,  improved clarity on legal-administrative requirements, and strengthened capacity among implementing partners and NGOs engaged in counselling, referral, and follow-up. The consultancy will therefore prioritize system-and capacity building support, serving as a bridge between the two missions to:

Map and clarify coordination procedures relevant to return and follow-up processes involving Türkish caseload, including Unaccompanied Migrant Children (UMC). 

Assist in navigating legal and administrative frameworks, including documentation requirements and relevant e-government platforms.

Develop practical guidance and reference materials to support consistent understanding among NGOs, partners, and practitioners; and

Design and deliver targeted capacity-building activities (e.g. briefings or trainings) to strengthen procedural coherence and protection safeguards.

Under the overall technical supervision of IOM Türkiye’s Protection Unit, and in close coordination with relevant units in IOM Germany, the consultant will be expected to develop practical, actionable outputs—including procedural mappings, guidance notes, and training materials—grounded in applicable German[TS1]  and Turkish legal and administrative frameworks, IOM protection standards, and relevant international good practices related to protection-sensitive return and follow-up processes.

The consultant’s work will be informed by existing IOM global and regional guidance, protection and return frameworks, and relevant EU- and Germany-based practices, while remaining firmly anchored in the operational realities and institutional arrangements in Türkiye and Germany.[TS2]  Draft outputs will be refined through iterative consultations with IOM Türkiye and IOM Germany, and adjusted based on feedback from internal reviews and coordination discussions, ensuring that deliverables are context-specific, operationally realistic, protection-sensitive, and aligned with institutional priorities.

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing:

The consultancy will contribute to ongoing projects implemented by the Protection Unit of IOM Türkiye and Germany.

Category B Consultants: Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment

Deliverable 1 – Inception note and detailed workplan
Description: Short inception note outlining the scope of work, methodology, engagement modalities, and coordination arrangements with IOM Türkiye and IOM Germany.
Detailed workplan including timelines, milestones, and deliverables for the six-month assignment.
Delivery: By email by 15 March 2026
Payment: First instalment (1/6 of contract value)

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

Participate in relevant coordination meetings between IOM Germany and Türkiye and contribute legal-administrative insights to strengthen case management practices (ongoing).

Timeliness and completeness of case file consolidation and documentation submitted to IOM and relevant authorities.

Number and proportion of cases for which follow-up with Turkish authorities is completed within agreed timeframes.

Demonstrated improvements in communication flow and reduction in delays related to administrative or legal procedures.

Quality and usefulness of recommendations and guidance provided to strengthen UMC coordination processes.

Stakeholder satisfaction and positive feedback from IOM Germany, IOM Türkiye, and relevant Turkish and German institutions.

Compliance with institutional child protection, data protection, and return standards throughout tasks performed.

Education, Experience and/or skills required

University degree in Law, Public Administration, International Relations, or a related field, with demonstrated knowledge of European and Turkish legal frameworks.

Familiarity with Turkish government institutions, relevant legislation, and e-government systems for document processing and verification.

Familiarity with German asylum and migration law, child protection (Social Security Code SGB VIII) and respective administrative frameworks and institutions.  

Strong coordination, communication, and analytical skills, with the ability to engage effectively with national counterparts and international stakeholders.

Travel required

Occasional duty travel may be required between Berlin and Türkiye for coordination meetings with relevant national authorities and IOM counterparts, subject to project needs and approval. 

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.

Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.

Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Category B Consultants: Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment