International Consultant - HRDDP Risk Assessment, Immigration and Border Governance

About the role

IOM Syria's Immigration and Border Governance unit is seeking an international consultant to carry out a comprehensive Human Rights Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP) risk assessment for its planned assistance to Syrian border authorities, including the General Authority for Borders and Customs. The assessment covers command and oversight arrangements, accountability mechanisms and the willingness and capacity of recipients to prevent and address violations, and it will inform IOM's decision on whether and under what conditions to provide support. The consultancy lasts 50 working days, including 10 working days in Syria.

Key responsibilities

• Define the scope and methodology of the assessment, map the assistance and intended recipients, and prepare a workplan.
• Conduct a desk review of OHCHR, treaty bodies, UN special procedures and other credible sources, and identify information gaps.
• Develop a comprehensive HRDDP risk assessment covering human rights risks, accountability records, prevention mechanisms and gender-related risks.
• Prepare a mitigation action plan with responsibilities, timelines and resource estimates, and a monitoring, reporting and review framework with indicators and triggers for escalation.
• Coordinate with IOM technical units, HRDDP focal points, UN agencies and relevant national authorities and civil society, respecting confidentiality and the do-no-harm principle.
• Produce a final report, risk matrix, mitigation and monitoring plan, and practical templates for periodic review and incident reporting.

Required profile

• Minimum 15 years of professional experience in human rights, due diligence, protection, rule of law or security sector governance, including HRDDP risk assessments.
• Experience in conflict-affected or transitional contexts; experience in Syria or the wider region and knowledge of Arabic are an advantage.
• Ability to handle confidential and politically sensitive information responsibly.

Required skills

• Strong technical expertise in applying the HRDDP, risk matrices, mitigation measures and monitoring frameworks.
• Knowledge of international human rights law and UN/IOM mandates and guidance.
• Ability to integrate gender considerations, including risks of sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse.
• Strong analytical, research and reporting skills, and proven consultation and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• English required; Arabic desirable.