International Consultant, Editor-In-Chief , AMR3

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

 

IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration
 

Project Context and Scope

The African Migration Report (AMR) is a collaborative endeavor between the African Union Commission (AUC) and the International Organization for Migration, which attempts to unpack and deconstruct negative narratives on migration by acknowledging that migration in Africa is more complex than it is often perceived. The report provides an opportunity for practitioners to advance the migration policy discourse on the continent and inform programming by engaging both academia and research in its approach. It promotes enhanced research coordination between and within institutions, presenting a common language and understanding of migration on the continent. The report uses collaborative approaches with the African Union Commission (AUC), Regional Economic Communities (RECs), Regional Mechanisms (RMs), the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, and partners, such as the African Development Bank (AfDB), to shape the migration narrative based on solid evidence and analysis. Further, the report amplifies African perspectives within the migration dialogue while attempting to balance the migration narrative and acknowledging that most African migrants move inter-regionally by crossing land borders rather than oceans.

The Third Edition of the African Migration Report (AMR III) will deepen regional analysis of migration dynamics across the continent. Building on previous editions, it will continue to challenge dominant narratives by underscoring that African migration is primarily intra-continental, multidimensional, and a driver of development and integration. The report will address Africa’s interconnected humanitarian, development, and mobility challenges within an evolving geopolitical context, emphasizing the need for AMR III to generate actionable knowledge to inform policies, programmes, and investments at national, regional, and continental levels. It will support evidence-based policymaking, enhance migration-sensitive development planning, and promote cross-sectoral solutions to Africa’s mobility challenges. It also provides a strategic opportunity to consolidate and expand the tripartite collaboration between the AU, IOM, and AfDB. The report will focus on the following thematic topics: 

• Migration governance in Africa and related aspects of regional trade, labour mobility, border governance, and free movement; 

• Diaspora engagement for development, and 

• Development solutions for Africa’s displacement-affected populations. 

• Climate change 

• Migration health 

 Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
SLO ADDIS ABABA Tasks to be performed under this contract

1.  Under the overall guidance of IOM and in close coordination with the coordinator, the co-editors, and relevant IOM departments and partners, the consultant will serve as Editor-in-Chief of the third edition of the African Migration Report (AMR III). The Consultant will be responsible for providing strategic editorial leadership and ensuring the overall quality, coherence, and readiness of the Report for publication.
   Specifically, the Consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Provide overall editorial leadership for the development and finalization of AMR III, ensuring coherence, consistency, and alignment with the agreed analytical framework and objectives of the report.
• Conduct overall review of the proposed chapters and propose areas for consolidation (where repetition and duplication may occur)
• Develop and provide contributors with editorial guidelines, structure, and expectations, to ensure consistency and alignment across all chapters.
•  Lead and oversee the process of consolidating, integrating, and refining inputs and feedback received from thematic experts, co-editors, peer reviewers, and the coordinator, with a view to producing a unified and high-quality publication.
•  Ensure that the content of AMR III is analytically sound, contextually appropriate, and accurately reflects migration dynamics, trends, and policy debates across the African continent.
•  Apply senior-level editorial judgment and expertise to maintain an appropriate balance between technical rigor, policy relevance, and accessibility for diverse target audiences, including policymakers, practitioners, academics, and students.
•   Review and provide substantive editorial comments on the first, second, and final drafts of all chapters of AMR III, in accordance with agreed timelines and quality standards.
• Review draft chapters as necessary to ensure their conceptual clarity, internal consistency, and overall quality, and to confirm their readiness for inclusion in the final Report. 
• Coordinate closely with IOM to monitor progress against the agreed workplan, including maintaining accurate records of time spent and periodically informing IOM to support effective management of the consultancy.
•  Contribute, as agreed with IOM, to dissemination and visibility efforts for AMR III, including supporting launch events, policy dialogues, academic outreach, and other promotional activities targeting key stakeholders.
•  Perform any other related tasks, as mutually agreed with IOM, that are necessary for the successful completion, dissemination, and uptake of AMR III.

 

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing:  

International Organization for Migration, Special Liaison Office, Addis Ababa, under the project of “Enhancing Joint Knowledge Production on Migration for Policy and Programmatic Action: Technical Collaboration between IOM and the African Development Bank under the Strategic Economic Sector works.”Budget code ETF0P0523

 Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

1. Demonstrated leadership in coordinating editorial inputs from co-editors.
2. Timely consolidation of expert feedback into coherent editorial guidance.
3.  Final report demonstrates analytical coherence, internal consistency, and clarity across all chapters.
4.  Content accurately reflects African migration dynamics and is appropriate for policy, academic, and practitioner audiences.
5.  Comprehensive, constructive editorial comments provided on first, second, and final drafts of all chapters.
6. Chapters reviewed to ensure conceptual accuracy, internal logic, and readiness for publication
    

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Doctorate/PhD in Law, Political Science, Philosophy, Literature, Governance, or Regional Integration, Migration law, or any related field. 

Experience

• At least 10 years of proven experience in the field of academic research in development, migration, and/or other related topics in Africa.
• Proven experience in editing academic journals or publications. 
   
• Ability to undertake research and strategic dialogue on issues in relation to migration, immigration, or similar fields; 
• Demonstrate effective ability for teamwork, as well as the ability to work independently; 
• Strong communication skills; 
• Excellent analytical writing skills in English; knowledge of French is an advantage
   

Languages

For this consultancy, Excellent analytical writing skills in English; knowledge of French is an advantage. 

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

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 five 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

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. 

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

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.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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