Background

UNDP conceives of development as a process of enlarging people’s choices to realize their potential and enjoy the freedom to lead lives they value. Migration, both within and beyond borders, can expand people’s choices– in terms of incomes, accessing services and participation, for example -- but the opportunities open to people vary from those who are best endowed to those with limited skills and assets. These inequalities, which can be compounded by policy distortions, have implications for human development.  

There is a range of evidence about the positive impacts of migration on human development, through such avenues as increased household incomes and improved access to education and health services. There is further evidence that migration can empower traditionally disadvantaged groups, in particular women. At the same time, risks to human development are also present where migration is a reaction to threats and denial of choice, and where regular opportunities for movement are constrained.

National and local policies play a critical role in enabling better human development outcomes for both those who choose to move in order to improve their circumstances, and those forced to relocate due to conflict, environmental degradation, or other reasons.

Migration is therefore of relevance for traditional areas of work by UNDP such as poverty reduction and the MDGs, governance, conflict prevention and early recovery, climate change and health. UNDP is involved in several migration-related initiatives at the global, regional and country levels and is an active member of the Global Migration Group (GMG) and the global Knowledge Partnership for Migration and Development (KNOMAD). It regularly contributes to the inter-governmental Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD).

Since 2011, UNDP has partnered with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to support a number of countries in their efforts to integrate migration into national development strategies and to improve GMG coordination on this topic. In January 2014, both organizations embarked on the implementation of a second phase project on “Mainstreaming migration into national development strategies” covering eight countries for a four-year period. UNDP’s role in the project partnership is focused on global level coordination, knowledge management, and outreach. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Working under the direct supervision of the Team Leader, Inclusive Globalization, and the Migration and Development Expert, the incumbent will be responsible for supporting UNDP’s activities associated with the global project on “Mainstreaming migration into national development strategies”, as well as providing general support to UNDP’s migration and development portfolio.

• In support of the implementation of UNDP’s deliverables under the global Joint IOM-UNDP Programme on “Mainstreaming migration into national development strategies” help produce and disseminate communications materials and knowledge products;
• Ensure regular communications and flow of information between the project partners at country and global levels, as well as with other stakeholders;
• Help facilitate bilateral and multilateral peer-learning missions and meetings among project countries;
• Support the day-to-day management and periodic reporting of the project;
• Liaise with UNDP country offices involved in migration and development activities;
• Maintain inventory of UNDP’s activities on migration and development, including updates to the corporate website and Teamworks space;
• Support UNDP’s migration and development portfolio in its participation in the GMG, the KNOMAD network, and the GFMD through research, preparation and follow-up of meetings, and preparation of briefing materials for UNDP senior management.

The consultant will be expected to contribute to producing the following deliverables as part of his/her assignment:

• One final project report, including analysis of lessons learned, for the migration mainstreaming project - phase I;
• One monitoring framework and one progress report for the migration mainstreaming project - phase II;
• Two quarterly newsletters on the migration mainstreaming project – phase II;
• Draft copy of the second edition of the GMG Handbook on Mainstreaming migration into Development Planning;
• Draft outline of an online learning course on migration mainstreaming;
• Overhaul of the UNDP website as relates to migration.

Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• Excellent writing and analytical skills, ability to synthesize information;
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary team;
• Excellent organizational skills.

Required Skills and Experience

• Graduate degree in a development-related field (20%).

• Substantive experience in migration and/or development policy issues (25%);
• A minimum of two (2) years of work experience in an international development context, including project management and communications related work experience (25%);
• Familiarity with UNDP’s mandate and the concept of Human Development (10%);
• Previous work experience with the UN and familiarity with the UN system desirable;
• Field experience with UNDP or related development organization desirable;

• Excellent oral and written command of English;
  
• Proficiency in another official UN language is an asset (20%).