Lead Research Consultant

IOM and NAUSS signed a partnership agreement on the 14th of November 2022 to open and co-manage the Arab Centre for Technical Cooperation in Migration and Border Management on the University Campus in Riyadh. The overall objective of the initial 3-year programme is to strengthen technical cooperation in immigration and border management and enhance regional capacity and cooperation on migration management through the establishment of a Centre of expertise providing technical, legal, operational and policy support in the Arab region. Conducting joint research studies on topics of shared interest for the use of Member States is one of the activities carried out under this project. For 2025, three (3) research studies have been approved in the work plan. This consultant will lead the study on “Mechanisms for detecting and preventing terrorist activities at the borders.

Topic of the research study:

Human trafficking and migrant smuggling are pressing global issues that significantly impact the Arab region. Both crimes involve the exploitation of vulnerable populations but differ in their legal definitions and implications. Human trafficking is characterized by oppression and exploitation, while migrant smuggling involves facilitating illegal entry into a country for financial gain.

This study aims to explore the legal and judicial frameworks surrounding human trafficking and migrant smuggling in the Arab region. By examining the definitions, legal instruments, enforcement practices, and judicial responses to these crimes, the research seeks to highlight similarities and differences between the two phenomena. The findings aim to inform policymakers, legal practitioners, and NGOs working in the area of human rights and migration.

The research focuses on the Arab region aims to review relevant international treaties such as the UN Protocols on Trafficking and Smuggling, alongside regional agreements like the Arab Convention against Corruption. It will evaluate court cases related to human trafficking and migrant smuggling to identify trends and challenges in the judicial process. The legal framework will cover an overview of international laws, including the Palermo Protocols, and an examination of national laws in the selected Arab countries to identify gaps and inconsistencies. Additionally, the study will assess law enforcement agency capabilities and training in handling trafficking and smuggling cases, alongside analyzing judicial outcomes such as conviction rates, sentencing, and victim protection measures.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as migration studies, international relations, law, political science, sociology or another social science; or
• A BS degree in combination of 6 years working experience in conducting research on relevant topics to this study.

Experience:

• Extensive knowledge and expertise on the use of border management, preferably in the Middle East and North Africa region.
• Technical expertise and proven experience on Artificial Intelligence in a border management context.
• Previous experience conducting comparative research on policy, preferable including law enforcement, national security, or defense authorities.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting research studies on thematic relevant to this study.

Languages:

• Fluency is English is required.
• Fluency in Arabic is a distinctive advantage.

Source: https://fa-evlj-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1001/job/13470