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Consultant-Assessment of ECOWAS Border Management strategies and their implementation in Member States

International Organization for Migration

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JOB DETAIL

Project Context and Scope
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) aims to strengthen economic integration among its 15 MS, where millions of citizens and migrants’ cross borders daily. This mobility is largely driven by a youthful population facing challenges in accessing quality education and decent employment opportunities, resulting in both regular and irregular migration. Irregular migration is influenced by factors such as conflict, climate change, and inadequate asylum systems.
As West Africa confronts environmental degradation and political instability, rapid urbanization is reshaping migration patterns. For many, mobility is essential, providing access to employment and remittances that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and serve as vital livelihood strategies for families across the region. The World Migration Report 2024 highlights that approximately 70% of migration flows in West Africa are intra-regional, with significant implications for labour mobility and the protection of migrants.[1]
Between 2013-2021, the International Organization for Migration (IOM Nigeria), in collaboration with International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and International Labour Organization (ILO) implemented the programme Support to Free Movement of Persons and Migration in West African (FMM I). The programme made significant progress in supporting ECOWAS Commission with the free movement of ECOWAS citizens within MS. However, challenges remain in the implementation of the Protocols on Free Movement, the Right of Residence, and the Right of Establishment. A baseline assessment conducted during this first phase examined the policy, regulatory, institutional, and administrative aspects of the ECOWAS border management framework, alongside concrete initiatives pursued by the Community.
Since May 2024, IOM has been implementing a second phase of the “Support to Free Movement of Persons and Migration in West Africa” programme (FMM II), in collaboration with ILO and ICMPD. Considering that the first phase ended in 2021, there is need to conduct an assessment to evaluate and follow-up on the progresses made since last assessment, as well as to identify gaps, challenges and best practices. The consultancy is to assess the border management strategies of ECOWAS and its implementation within MS. This assessment will consider the changing landscape of border management practices at regional, continental, and global levels, ensuring alignment with international human rights best practices. The final deliverable will be a comprehensive analysis report containing findings and key recommendations to inform policy-making decisions.
The main objectives of this assessment are:
  1. Assess ECOWAS Commission’s Border Management strategies and provide evidence-based recommendations to improve implementation and impact for ECOWAS.
  2. Assess the overall implementation and of ECOWAS Border Management strategies across MS by identifying achievements, challenges and lessons learnt.

[1] ECOWAS Consultation on the Implementation of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) for the International Migration Review Forum 2022.

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing FMM II Programme
Tasks to be performed under this contract
The tasks listed below will be subject to regular update throughout the consultancy period and,                  where necessary, adjusted in consultations between the consultant and IOM:
1. Legal and Policy Framework
  • Assess or review ECOWAS available legal and policy frameworks on border management.
  • Compare legal frameworks, strategies, procedures implemented by the MS with ECOWAS standards with a focus on identifying achievements, gaps, inconsistencies/challenges, best practices and lessons learnt.
  • Review existing ECOWAS thematic priorities and identify future priority areas in policy development, as relevant to border management (e.g health, gender, trade, humanitarian emergencies etc).
  • Provide recommendations for policy revisions or formulation of new policies (policy briefs, where possible), to address identified gaps and challenges in the ECOWAS border management strategies, including based on evolving dynamics and shifting contexts.
  • Examine how the ECOWAS regional legal and policy frameworks, strategies, legislations, regulation and practices on border management have considered the specific needs and challenges faced by vulnerable groups, including women and girls, at borders.

2. Administrative Institutional Framework and Coordination Mechanisms 

  • Review of the mandate, responsibilities, and roles of relevant Directorates at ECOWAS Commission, particularly the Directorate of Free Movement, and relevant government agencies and institutions at MS related to border management.
  • Identify gaps, challenges and propose mitigation measures regarding internal coordination mechanism between the Directorate of Free Movement and other relevant Directorates, as well as with MS.
  • Review practices of existing thematic groups concerned with border management, such as MIDWA and its coordination mechanisms with relevant Directorate in ECOWAS.
  • Assess ECOWAS coordination mechanisms with international partners and other third parties (including international organizations, Govt entities, Civil society, private sector, donors and implementing partners), as relevant to border management.
  • Identify and review the existing coordination mechanisms and cross-border cooperation initiatives of the ECOWAS on border management
  • Provide recommendations and possible policy brief on the institutional arrangements and   coordination mechanisms on border management in ECOWAS.

3. Operations 

  1. Review of the implementation of the functions of the ECOWAS Commission bodies relevant to the protocol on free movement of persons and other relevant bodies involved in supporting border management operations, including but not limited to:
  • ECOWAS Passport and Travel Certificate (status)
  • Status of regional biometric ID card initiative (ENBIC)
  • Status and prospects of the residence card
  • Status and prospects of ECOWAS visa
  • Brown Card (status)
  • Relevant SOPs, regulations, instructions, if any
  • Regional coordination on movement tracking and alerts, if any.

2. Compliance functions (including document examination and identity fraud).

Intelligence collection, Investigation and management (API/PNR)

Coordination of detention, readmission and removal procedures

3. Provide specific recommendations on operational procedures with policy briefs on border management practices for the ECOWAS Commission.

4. Information Management 

  1. Review of existing knowledge management SOPs, guidelines, and their adherence to international standards and best practices. These include:

Alert lists and risk management at entry/exit points

Biometric ID and migrant data storage

Passport and Visa management systems

Authentication of passport/ Visa integrity

Movement tracking

2. Assess the current operational capacity and implementation of knowledge management guidelines, SOPs, etc.

3. Review of existing Data Protection and Sharing principles/protocols, their adherence to international standards, and their current implementation capacity.

4. Provide specific recommendations on information management and data sharing for relevant          Directorates at ECOWAS, particularly the Directorate of Free Movement.

5. METHODOLOGY OF THE ASSESSMENT

Pre-Survey Questionnaire: The consultant will share a pre-survey questionnaire with relevant ECOWAS officials, other key stakeholders (if necessary) including government officials, MS and focal points and border personnel, and proceed to collect quantitative and qualitative data to establish a baseline for measuring progress and impact over time.  An in-depth survey should target the five (5) ECOWAS MS (to be agreed during inception phase).

Desk Research: The Consultancy will review and analyse relevant documents including, but not limited to:

  • Relevant regional and national legislation, policies, and strategies.
  • Annual reports and topical issues reports (including reports of the annual Heads of Immigration meetings).
  • Existing data and figures on border usage.
  • The African Union Strategy for Integrated Border Governance (AUBGS), country border assessments conducted in ECOWAS MS.

Onsite Evaluation and assessment: The onsite evaluation will include:

  • Meetings with all relevant counterparts and consultations with the contracting Implementing Partner team (IOM), who will be accompanying the Consultant throughout all meetings.
  • Extensive consultations with relevant ECOWAS bodies, especially with officers employed with the Department of Trade, Customs, Industry, and Free Movement and its Free Movement of Persons Directorate and other relevant departments within ECOWAS HQ in Abuja.
  • Conduct pilot assessment on desk review with MS with regards to border management strategies framework and procedures on Free Movement.
  • Field visits to selected MS and border crossing points and immigration offices.
Tangible and Measurable Deliverables of the Assignment
Time required Activities and deliverables[1]
1ST Deliverable 

(15 days after start of consultancy)
  1. Update the proposed outline of the assessment report which includes:
  • Updated the proposed detailed assessment methodology and timelines.
  • Develop consultancy updated assessment workplan.
  • Drafting of assessment questionnaires.
  • Payment of 10% of total consultancy services fee upon validation by IOM of the initial updated assessment report plan (including updates methodology, workplan and questionnaires).
2nd Deliverable 

(end of January 2024)
  1. Desk Review/onsite evaluation (if needed and approved): Based on the agreed work plan for the consultancy:
  • Desk research and review of ECOWAS Commission documentation.
  • Meeting and interviews with the ECOWAS Commission staff and other stakeholders proposed by consultant.
  • Conduct assessment on border management strategies framework and procedures at all the MS and to conduct a pilot in-dept assessment on four MS.
  • Conduct field visits or virtual interviews, if agreed, to selected border posts to meet with border officials.
  • Develop a draft preliminary assessment report including findings, analysis, recommendations and policy briefs for each task.
  • Payment of 30% of the total consultancy services fees upon validation of desk review of the ECOWAS documentation, meeting/activity reports with the ECOWAS Commission staff, and border officials, and draft preliminary assessment report.
3rd deliverable

(end of February) 
  1. Final Reports:
  • Submission of a draft final report to IOM.
  • Incorporate IOM’s initial technical review, comments and feedback including analysis, preliminary recommendations and policy briefs based on findings from the impact of FMM I.
  • Payment of additional 30% of the total consultancy services fees upon approval by IOM and ECOWAS of the draft report
4th deliverable

(first week of April 2025)
  1. Validation process
  • Facilitate a validation/finding meeting, seminar, or workshop on the preliminary final draft assessment report.
  • Final assessment report validated by relevant stakeholders.
  • Presentations of final report to key stakeholders.
  • Payment of remaining 30% of the total consultancy services fees upon final approval of final assessment report, including analysis, recommendations and policy briefs based on findings, present the assessment report to relevant stakeholders for validation and key stakeholders for adoption.

 

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

  • Satisfactory completion of tasks indicated in the ToR.
  • Consultative meetings with ECOWAS, border authorities and relevant institutions, as well as consortium of partners and key stakeholders.
  • Accurate coordination mechanisms established.
  • Timely execution of assigned responsibilities.
  • Timely reporting and documentation of proceedings and milestones.
  • Satisfaction with coordination efforts and overall performance of the consultant.
Education
  • Master’s Degree in Law, Development Studies, Political or Social Sciences, Development Studies, Migration Studies, or any other related field, from an accredited academic institution with six (6) to ten (10) years of progressive working experience in the field of border management.
Experience
  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience in regional integration and free movement protocol.
  • Demonstrated experience and skills in facilitating stakeholder/working group consultations.
  • Extensive knowledge and ability to draft and produce high-quality written reports.
  • Excellent understanding of gender-related needs, perspectives, concerns, and participation
Skills
  • Relevant regional and international experience on the institutional capacity of ECOWAS on migration or border management will be an added advantage.
Languages
  • Proficiency in English and French. Knowledge of Portuguese is an added advantage.
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
  • The consultant may be required to travel on needs basis.
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.
  • 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.
  • Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.
Notes
  1. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
  2. 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. Vaccination against COVID-19 will be required for IOM personnel who are hired or otherwise engaged by IOM. As part of the mandatory medical entry on duty clearance, candidates may be requested to provide evidence of full vaccination. Consultants engaged to work on a home-based consultancy who do not need to travel do not need to provide vaccination records, regardless of the length of the consultancy contract.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies
  • The consultant will be responsible for:

All the deliverables as set out in the ToR.

Cost for translation/interpretation (if applicable), communication (phone/internet) where applicable.

  • IOM will be responsible for:

Costs for in-country coordination for data collection, and local and international travel arrangements if applicable. This will include flight ticket, terminal transfer cost and accommodation only.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT:

Upon the advertisement of the Consultancy Notice, qualified individual consultants are expected to submit:

  1. CV/Resume, indicating comprehensive experience in similar projects/assignments, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the candidate and at least three (3) professional references.
  2. Technical Proposal (Narrative) detailing methodology approach for the consultancy.
  3. Financial Proposal with breakdown costs.
  4. All individual applicants should be Community Citizens of ECOWAS.

*Pre-selected candidates will be called for interviews.

*Applications without the adequate set of documents will not be considered in the selection process.

Abuja, Nigeria

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