Project Context and Scope
Since gaining independence in 2011, the Republic of South Sudan has faced ongoing challenges, including conflict, natural disasters, and economic hardship, all of which have contributed to the displacement of millions and affected the overall well-being of its people.. As an impact of displacement, many South Sudanese citizens have sought refuge in nearby countries or have been resettled further afield in countries, such as Australia and the United States of America. South Sudan has approximately one million diaspora who remain very much connected with South Sudan despite moving abroad. Leveraging the diaspora contribution will be critical for achieving the socio-economic development of the country. ย Despite this, South Sudan has weak institutional capacities to respond to meaningly engage the diaspora. South Sudan currently has a draft policy that promotes engagement with South Sudanese diaspora and this policy has not been endorsed yet. Also, there is a weak institutional mechanism whereby diasporas can be invited and incentivized for the investments they make. South Sudanese diasporas are fragmented along ethnic lines; diaspora associations are very diversified and not much coordination exists. Nevertheless, collective remittances from formal or informal diaspora groups reaffirm transnational ethnic solidarity and maintain local bonds and sense of belonging.ย ย In response to the above challenges, in 2023, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) partnered with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the African Union Commission (AUC) to support the implementation of a project entitled โStreamlining Diaspora Engagement to Catalyze Private Investments and Entrepreneurship for Enhanced Resilienceโ (SDE4R) project. The project seeks to support socio-economic development of South Sudan by reviving the domestic private sector, climate resilience and recovery from political or humanitarian crises by leveraging the expertise and networks of diaspora groups, including identifying the best methods for effectively mobilizing the diasporaโs social and economic capitals. The regional project covers eight African transition states, including South Sudan, Somalia, The Gambia, Liberia, Mali, Togo, and Madagascar Zimbabwe. These countries have existing interventions on diaspora engagement for private sector development that this project will contribute to scale-up.ย
ย Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
Project Code: TK.0049 IOM South Sudan is the primary beneficiary of the consultancy. The assignment is managed by theย Department of Migration Management Unit (MMU),ย IOM, Juba, South Sudan. The project will contribute to the Special Liaison Office in Addis Ababa and Regional Office in Nairobi.ย The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator (Migration Management Unit) IOM Juba, South Sudan, in coordination with the Regional Thematic Specialist and focal points at the Special Liaison Office in Addis Ababa (SLO), East, Horn and Southern Africa Regional Office and Headquarters.ย
ย Tasks to be performed under this contract ย The primary objective of this consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive mapping of the South Sudanese diaspora in Western Europe to understand their potential contributions to trade, FDI, business creation, and entrepreneurship in South Sudan. The outcome of the consultancy should be a detailed mapping report with actionable recommendations.
The consultant will conduct the following activities:ย
Conduct a literature review on diaspora participation in trade, FDI, and entrepreneurship.ย The literature reviewed should include, among others, academic publications, policy reports, IOM literature, and case studies from similar contexts. Identify and document diaspora communities including organisations and key individuals. This shall entail analysis of the composition, demographic details and geographic distribution of South Sudanese diaspora population in western Europe.ย Conduct surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions to collect both qualitative and quantitative data on the interests, motivations, and barriers faced by diaspora members in engaging in trade, foreign direct investment (FDI), and entrepreneurship in South Sudan. Leverage online tools and platforms to broaden outreach, maximizing the use of the IOM Diaspora Mapping Toolkit. Examine the governance factors that affect diaspora engagement. Identify both challenges and opportunities, including policy and regulatory frameworks, institutional arrangements, support services, access to finance/capital relevant to diaspora engagement in South Sudan. Based on the findings from the analyses, develop strategic and actionable recommendations for enhanced diaspora engagement by the government of South Sudan, IOM and other relevant partners. At the very least, the recommendations should cover policy changes, capacity-building initiatives, resource mobilization, and partnership opportunities between the diaspora, IOM, and the Government of South Sudan. Performance indicators for the evaluation of resultsDepth of Analysis: the diaspora mapping shall include mixed method approach and methodology such as surveys and interviews with key informants (KIIs) that conform to the IOM diaspora mapping guidelines and is based on thorough assessment of economic potential, barriers, and enablers, supported by robust data and evidence. Timeliness: Adherence to deadlines for the consultancy deliverables. Clarity of Recommendations: Actionable, well-structured, and clear recommendations that are feasible and strategically sound. Quality of Research: Comprehensive literature review and accurate identification and documentation of diaspora communities. Engagement Level: quality of the surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions conducted with diaspora members and consultations with IOM technical staff overseeing the consultancy.ย ย Professional writing: well written, designed and laid out mapping reports (in Ms word) that are analytical and technically sound, considerate of IOM cross-cutting issues (youth, gender, disability inclusion), and guided by IOMโs writing style/guidelines.ย Stakeholder Feedback: Positive feedback from IOM, the Government of South Sudan, and other stakeholders on the usefulness and relevance of the final report. Education
A minimum of a Masterโs Degree in Economics, Business, Migration Studies, Development Studies, International Relations, or a related field. Experience
Minimum of 5-10 years of proven experience in diaspora mapping and engagement preferably in sub-Saharan Africa.ย Skills
Strong analytical and research skills applied to migration/diaspora related policy development, research and strategic planning.
Capacity to organise and facilitate senior-level consultative meetings involving the UN Agencies, governments and international organisations.ย
Proven excellent technical writing, effective communication, and facilitation skills within a multi-cultural setting.ย
Highly motivated and committed to the values of transparency, accountability, and integrity.ย
Ability to work under pressure with restrictive timelines and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people.ย Languages ย IOMโs 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. ย Travel required
Possible travels within Europe to engage with the various migrant networks of South Sudan origin as needed. Where travel to Juba, South Sudan is required to support the dissemination of the mapping findings, IOM can facilitate the consultant with Subsistence Allowance (DSA) and flights in addition to the all-inclusive consultancy/professional fee. Required Competencies ย IOMโs competency framework can be found atย this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process. ย 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 Competenciesย โ 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 Organizationโs 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. Notes Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable. IOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts. 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. For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website:ย IOM Careers and Job Vacancies