Local Consultant CC-2025-24

Project Context and Scope

The consultancy is part of the project Enhancing the Capacities of Armenian Authorities in Border Security and Crime Prevention (IB0525), which supports Armenia’s efforts to modernize and strengthen its border management system.

The project aims to:

• Align Armenia’s border guard training and educational system with European and international best practices.
• Enhance national capacity to autonomously manage borders, including secondary inspections.
• Improve detection and countering of irregular travellers, terrorists, and serious criminals through the introduction of Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems.
• Promote gender-responsive border management, recognizing that gender equality and human rights are integral to security, professionalism, and operational effectiveness.
• National partners benefiting from this consultancy are the NSS Border Guard Troops (BGT) and the Scientific and Educational Centre of the NSS.
    Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing

  Enhancing the Capacities of Armenian Authorities in Border Security and Crime Prevention /IB0525

  Tasks to be performed under this contract   Under the overall supervision of the Head of Office and the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator, as well as in close cooperation with relevant stakeholders, the local consultant will perform the following tasks:
  1. Conduct a Training Needs Assessment (TNA) (desk review, consultations with NSS, IOM, and relevant stakeholders) to adapt the ToT content to Armenia’s specific operational context.
      
  2. Develop a five-day ToT training package, including:
     • Curriculum design, agenda, and detailed session plans.
     • Trainer’s manual and participant handbook.
     • Case studies (including Armenia-relevant and international comparative examples).
     • Practical exercises, interactive group work, role plays, and scenario-based simulations.
     • Use of multimedia (presentations, short videos, handouts, etc.).
     • Reference to DCAF, OSCE, and IOM materials on Border Management and Gender.
       
       3.Deliver the five-day ToT to selected NSS lecturers and BGT officers in Yerevan.
       
       4. Introduce monitoring and evaluation tools:
        
     • Pre- and post-training knowledge assessments.
     • Daily participant feedback forms.
     • Post-training evaluation summary with recommendations for institutional follow-up.
       
       5. Prepare and submit a final report with:
     • Overview of activities conducted.
     • Analysis of participant progress (baseline vs. post-training).
     • Recommendations for embedding gender-sensitive case studies and exercises into NSS training curricula as well as relevant practices into daily border management operations.   Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
       • Relevance and quality of training content in line with international standards (DCAF, OSCE, IOM).
       • Contextualization of materials to Armenia’s operational, cultural, and institutional environment.
       • Gender-sensitivity: Training reflects gender equality principles, avoids stereotypes, and highlights practical tools for implementation.
       • Knowledge transfer effectiveness: Demonstrated improvement in participant knowledge and skills, as per pre-/post-assessments.
       • Sustainability: Training package and materials are usable by NSS lecturers for future roll-outs.
       • Timeliness: Deliverables submitted within agreed deadlines. Education
         • Advanced university degree (Master's level or above) in Gender Studies, Security Studies, International Relations, Human Rights, Migration, or other relevant fields. Experience
           • Minimum five (5) years of professional experience in gender mainstreaming in border management, migration governance, or security sector reform.
           • Proven track record in curriculum development and training design, especially ToTs.
           • Experience with international organizations (IOM, OSCE, DCAF, UN agencies) and/or national security institutions.
           • Strong expertise in gender and border management frameworks.
           • Knowledge of European and international standards on border management and gender (e.g., DCAF/OSCE/IOM resources).
           • Previous experience in Armenia or South Caucasus is an asset. Skills
             • Skills in adult learning methodologies and participatory training approaches.
             • Ability to adapt international resources (e.g., DCAF, OSCE, IOM materials) to the Armenian institutional setting.
             • Ability to monitor and evaluate training effectiveness. Languages
               • Fluency in Armenian (oral and written).
               • Working knowledge of English and/or Russian is an asset. 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

                 No international travel required. Local travel within Yerevan (if needed) will be arranged and covered by IOM.

                 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.
  3. 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.