Call for Applications : Protection Research and Affective Cartographies Study

International Organization for Migration; Pakistan; On-site; PKR 9,187,000 - 15,311,000; Part time

Job summary

International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Pakistan seeks a consultancy to design and implement a comprehensive protection research study focused on Afghan nationals and other migrants with protection concerns. The study will map protection risks, psychosocial wellbeing, access to services, and cross-border dynamics across multiple spheres to inform protection programming and policy engagement.

The consultant will work with the Protection Unit in HRRD, contributing to evidence-based

Job description

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Project Context and Scope

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) works to strengthen the protection environment for displaced populations, migrants, returnees, and vulnerable communities in Pakistan. Within the context of increased movements of Afghan nationals between Pakistan and Afghanistan, evolving protection risks, return dynamics, legal and documentation challenges, and heightened vulnerabilities among different population groups, IOM seeks to commission a comprehensive qualitative and participatory research study.

The study will replicate and adapt the methodology used in the regional "Affective Cartographies" study while expanding its focus beyond women and girls to include:

• Adolescents
• Adult women
• Adult men
• Older persons
• Persons with disabilities
• Female-headed households
• Survivors of violence
• Persons at risk of trafficking, exploitation, detention, or deportation
• Valid VISA holders, documented (former) and undocumented Afghan nationals

The research will examine the experiences of Afghan nationals and other migrants with protection concerns through protection lens exploring: 1. Individual Sphere 2. Family and Community Sphere 3. Institutional Sphere 4. Cross-Border Sphere

The consultancy will generate evidence to support protection programming, policy engagement, advocacy, protection mainstreaming, community-based protection initiatives, legal assistance interventions, MHPSS programming, durable solutions planning, and future strategic investments by IOM and partners.

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing

The consultant will contribute to the Protection Unit, Humanitarian, Recovery and Resilience Division (HRRD), IOM Pakistan. The Protection Unit implements activities related to protection case management, gender-based violence, child protection, legal assistance, community engagement, protection mainstreaming, and evidence-based protection analysis through protection monitoring.

Objective of the Consultancy

To design and implement a comprehensive protection research study that maps:

• Protection risks
• Psychosocial wellbeing and migratory grief
• Access to services
• Protection barriers
• Coping mechanisms
• Community support systems
• Social cohesion dynamics
• Documentation and legal challenges
• Protection priorities and recommendations

Among Afghan nationals and other migrants with protection concerns in Pakistan and selected cross-border contexts relating to Afghanistan.

Scope of Research

The consultant shall examine:

Protection Risks

• Gender-based violence
• Family separation
• Human trafficking risks
• Smuggling vulnerabilities
• Exploitation and abuse
• Arbitrary detention
• Deportation risks
• Child protection concerns
• Child labour

Child marriage

Psychosocial Wellbeing

• Identity and belonging
• Fear and uncertainty
• Migratory grief
• Trauma
• Mental health and psychosocial wellbeing
• Resilience and coping strategies

Access to Services

• Documentation and legal identity
• Legal assistance
• Social protection
• Health services
• MHPSS
• Livelihoods
• Shelter and housing
• Education

Cross-Border Dynamics

• Return experiences
• Circular migration
• Family reunification
• Border management impacts
• Reintegration challenges

Social Cohesion

• Community support structures
• Relations with host communities
• Inclusion and participation
• Perceptions of discrimination
• Xenophobia