Consultant (Research and Technical Support)

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.

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Project Context and Scope

Germany remains a key EU Member State engaging in return and follow-up processes involving Türkiye, including returns of Turkish nationals and third-country nationals who transit through or are hosted in Türkiye under international protection or other legal statuses, including Unaccompanied Minor Children (UMC). These processes involve multiple institutional actors across jurisdictions and require clear coordination mechanisms, shared procedural understanding, and consistent engagement between German and Turkish authorities, notably the Ministry of Family and Social Services (MoFSS) and the Presidency of Migration Management (PMM), the Federal office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) and the Youth Welfare Offices (mandated local child protection authorities).

While cooperation between IOM Germany, IOM Türkiye, and national counterparts is well established, increasing volumes and procedural complexity have highlighted the need for greater systematization of coordination processes, improved clarity on legal-administrative requirements, and strengthened capacity among implementing partners and NGOs engaged in counselling, referral, and follow-up. The consultancy will therefore prioritize system-and capacity building support, serving as a bridge between the two missions to:

• Map coordination procedures relevant to return and follow-up processes involving Turkish caseload, including Unaccompanied Migrant Children (UMC).
• Map and assist in navigating legal and administrative frameworks, including documentation requirements and relevant e-government platforms;
• Develop practical guidance and reference materials to support consistent understanding among NGOs, partners, and practitioners;

Under the overall technical supervision of IOM Türkiye’s Protection Unit, and in close coordination with relevant units in IOM Germany, the consultant will be expected to develop practical, actionable outputs grounded in applicable German and Turkish legal and administrative frameworks, IOM protection standards, and relevant international good practices related to protection-sensitive return and follow-up processes.

The consultant’s work will be informed by existing IOM global and regional guidance, protection and return frameworks, and relevant EU- and Germany-based practices, while remaining firmly anchored in the operational realities and institutional arrangements in Türkiye and Germany. Draft outputs will be refined through iterative consultations with IOM Türkiye and IOM Germany, and adjusted based on feedback from internal reviews and coordination discussions, ensuring that deliverables are context-specific, operationally realistic, protection-sensitive, and aligned with institutional priorities.

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing

The consultancy will contribute to ongoing projects implemented by the Protection Unit of IOM Türkiye and Germany