National Consultant to: conduct the research on the financial inclusion and service needs of migrants and remittance recipients and development of information campaign on accessibility of financial services and products for migrants in Ka

Project Context and Scope
 

Since June 2022, the International Organization for Migration (IOM)/United Nations Agency for Migration has been implementing the regional project “Labour Migration in Central Asia” (Phase 1), funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), which contributes to the management of labour migration for maximizing the impact of human mobility on development in both countries of origin and countries of destination.  

The consultancy involves working alongside the International Consultant to conduct comprehensive research on the financial inclusion and service needs of migrants and remittance recipients. This includes reviewing existing literature, designing and implementing pre-departure and post-return surveys, collecting quantitative and qualitative data through surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions, analyzing the data to identify gaps and needs in financial inclusion and saving options, helping to prepare a comprehensive report detailing findings, conclusions, and recommendations, and presenting the findings to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and relevant stakeholders. The goal is to provide actionable insights and recommendations to improve financial inclusion and services for migrants and remittance recipients.

Project activity will contribute to the Outcome 5 of the project: “Migrants and their families achieve greater financial inclusion and uptake of financial services to sustainably improve their livelihoods”.

In order to achieve the project objective and expected results, close collaboration across all the main stakeholders within the labour recruitment process, including governments, international organizations, recruiters, and the private sector, will be required. IOM anticipates working with partners to ensure a wide range of expertise are leveraged to address the challenges outlined and deliver a large-scale response. Such coordination will also be critical to ensure the sustainability of the project’s activities to encourage sustainable change among stakeholders.

The purpose of this initiative is to develop research methodology, co-ordinate research activities including conducting interviews, develop report structure and deliver report on remittances and financial literacy policies and practices in Kazakhstan and develop an information campaign.
 

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
  LM0479/Labour Migration in Central Asia Tasks to be performed under this contract
1.    First deliverable – Work with international consultant to present qualitative and quantitative research and present results with financial institutions and beneficiaries  including interviews (15-20 interviews) by 30 of August 2025; 
2.    Second deliverable – Work on Final draft version of the report to be submitted for review and recommendations by the IOM - by 30 of September 2025; 
3.    Final deliverable - Review and contribute feedback to the entire report including recommendations to enhance supply and attractiveness of digital transfer options and financial inclusion instruments linked to remittance transfers and present before IOM and respective stakeholders by 30 November 2025.   Performance indicators for the evaluation of results  

The incumbent must be able to perform the functions described below:

1.    Undertake local research that assesses:
a.    The structure and ecosystem of the Money Transfer Agency industry within the target countries including digital remittance transfer options and additional financial services that may be provided by banks and MTAs to migrants and remittance recipients
b.    MTA perceptions of regulatory or market challenges that may limit the growth of digital services or uptake of additional financial services by remittance recipients, particularly pertaining to savings;
c.    Identified obstacles to the delivery and use/uptake of digital remittances or additional financial services from a client perspective;

In particular the following tasks are required:
•     Identify potential government departments and private sector operators to interview
•     Make list of interviewees
•     Translate, if appropriate, interview questions
•     Make interview appointments (for either video interviews or in person)
•     Where appropriate conduct interviews
•     Write interview notes and draw conclusions
•     Provide updates on research meetings
•     Brief and coordinate the local demand side research teams
•     Provide input to International Consultant on the preparation of the final report
•     Act as liaison and local coordinator for International Consultant

2.    Manage implementation of the research agenda according to the methodology and workplan approved by IOM; 
3.    Develop and submit for review/approval any products developed for the collection of data and information related to the research project including, inter alia, surveys, interview protocols and list of proposed interviewees;
4.    As required, coordinate with IOM office to assist in coordinating necessary meetings and tele/videoconferences with government officials and private sector actors within the MTA business, or other stakeholders;
5.    Perform fieldwork in Kazakhstan as outlined in the agreed methodology (this will include interviews, focus groups and so on,);
6.    Contribute in the scheduled research team meetings, providing updates on research and providing insights and connections to the research being conducted on the Demand Side by other members of the research team;
7.    Submit a draft of the of the research to the IOM by end of September 2025; 
8.    Coordinate any necessary revisions for a finalized version to be completed by beginning of September 2025.
9.    Help to deliver a presentation highlighting the key findings of the research project as well as recommendations to promote digitization of remittances focusing primarily on financial offerings that promote financial inclusion and savings among migrants and remittance recipients
10.    Consult with the IOM project team on appropriate and agreed approaches to the specified tasks before their completion;
11.    The quality of and the timely completion of deliverables; 
12.    Feedback from the IOM Project Management Team, Thematic Specialist and counterparts; 
13.    Compliance with IOM House style Guidelines;
14.    Compliance with IOM Data Protection Principles.
 

Education

• Higher education in Finance, Economics, Humanities, Marketing, Political Science, International Relations or related fields, as well as budgeting, communication, negotiation and participation skills; Experience

  Knowledge of development of the marketing and information campaigns, promotion of new products and services
  Experience conducting focus groups, qualitative and quantitative research. Experience with tools for creating interactive learning materials;
  Ability to communicate productively and clearly, high organizational skills, attention to detail, personal involvement, ability to work productively and cohesively with colleagues from diverse cultures and professional backgrounds;
   Relevant technical expertise and experience in working with a diverse range of stakeholders at the national and local level in creating a youth-friendly perspective across sectors
   

  Skills

  Knowledge of development of the marketing and information campaigns, promotion of new products and services
  Experience conducting qualitative and quantitative research. Experience with tools for creating interactive learning materials
  Ability to communicate productively and clearly, high organizational skills, attention to detail, personal involvement, ability to work productively and cohesively with colleagues from diverse cultures and professional backgrounds;
  Relevant technical expertise and experience in working with a diverse range of stakeholders at the national and local level in creating a youth-friendly perspective across sectors;
  Gender mainstreaming to apply during program implementation.
   

  Languages
  • English is mandatory and Kazakh advanced level. Russian is advanced.    Travel required
    • N/A 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.