Project Context and Scope
IOM has entered into an agreement with Australia to develop and test a framework for a market-driven, scalable and sustainable TRAIN-TO-HIRE FRAMEWORK IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION, in partnership with UNHCR and in close collaboration with the Global Taskforce on Refugee Labour Mobility.
Complementary labour pathways are safe and legal migration avenues accessible to refugees, which are additional to existing resettlement commitments, and lead to a net increase in third-country solutions. The expansion of complementary pathways represents an opportunity to alleviate existing overburdened asylum systems, benefiting destination countries, displaced individuals, and host countries alike.
Effective, scalable, skills-based complementary pathways unlock the wealth of available human capital in the region, offering protection and opportunity to affected individuals while simultaneously meeting the needs of employers to address structural labour shortages.
The objective of the initiative is to design and develop an employer led and customized train-to-hire scheme that supports businesses to meet workforce shortages by providing them with an accessible pool of suitable job ready candidates from among refugees and other displaced populations residing in Asia-Pacific.
The project will design and test a model to build displaced persons skills to better access employment opportunities.
A central component of the initiative that will inform the final program design is the sectoral analysis.
IOM is seeking a lead consultant to support identification of appropriate target sector(s) and occupation(s) based on employer engagement, common existing and forecast demand across potential destination countries, skill profiles, and existing training providers.
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
Under the overall leadership of the Chief of Mission and the direct supervision of the National Project Officer, this consultancy will support the implementation of LM.0607 TRAIN-TO-HIRE FRAMEWORK IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION, within the IOM Australia Country Office for Partnership and Advocacy.

2ND DELIVERABLE: DESK RESEARCH SUMMARY REPORT, DUE 7 AUGUST 2025

The consultant will research and review available publications assessing current and forecast skills shortages for 3-4 countries (tentatively: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea). This will include analysing existing government skills shortage lists, supported by a robust research methodology. In addition to government analyses and publications, the consultant will research and analyse other written information that is publicly available and relevant to forecasting skills shortages of the respective countries.
The consultant will identify priority sectors and the occupations within these suitable for the train-to-hire model according to the following key criteria: current shortage, forecast shortages, alignment across destination countries, government priorities, feasibility skill level required for entry into the occupation, skills recognition/credentials and licensing required.

The report will be a minimum of 2000 words and include:

• Executive Summary
• Table of Contents
• Research Methodology
• Identify common sectors across the countries experiencing, and with forecast, labour shortages.
• Identify at minimum 10 occupations within these common sectors that are feasible targets, with a skill level requirement that is achievable within a three- to six-month training timeframe.

3RD DELIVERABLE: INDUSTRY AND EMPLOYER CONSULTATION SUPPORT AND SUMMARY REPORT, DUE 31 AUGUST 2025

The consultant will coordinate with project staff engaged in industry body consultations, compile the lists of bodies engaged and their feedback with respect to (1) occupations relevant to the industry, (2) existing training and skills recognition requirements/systems, and perceived suitability/feasibility to ensure all occupations relevant to the industry in shortage and on relevant occupation skills shortage lists have been captured.
The consultant will support the facilitation of online employer consultations, presenting the predetermined questions for consideration, collate contributions and conduct an analysis of findings.

The report will be approximately 3000-5000 words, excluding annexes and include:

• Executive Summary
• Highlight any additional occupations relevant to the industry in shortage that have been captured
• Summarise industry body support for occupations to explore under the train-to-hire model

• Capture employer needs in terms of (1) training standards, (2) candidate profile criteria for train-to-hire selection and recruitment and, (3) visa settingsCompile the employer network details

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• A minimum of a master’s degree in a relevant field

Experience and Skills

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience;
• Knowledge and experience in the field of migration;
• Strong understanding of labour migration;
• Experience working with United Nations agencies;
• Experience working in a multicultural team;
• Strong analytical, synthesis and writing skills;
• High level of planning and organizational skills;
• Ability to manage multiple activities and meet deadlines;
• Excellent interpersonal and diplomatic skills, and ability to negotiate on complex issues;
• High level of flexibility and adaptability;
• Ability to establish effective working relationships to support the achievement of objectives;
• Ability to demonstrate a results-based management approach;
• Excellent analytical, oral and written communication, and presentation skills;
• Proven ability to advocate and provide policy, substantive, and strategic advice on gender-based violence issues.

Languages

• Full proficiency in English

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

• No

Tasks to be performed under this contract ( Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment)