[Hiring] Migration and Development Research Consultant @IOM

Role Description

The objective is to produce an integrated, gender-sensitive and forward-looking policy analysis of how migration, migrant skills and the inclusion of relevant non-Thai populations can support Thailand’s demographic resilience, workforce needs and national development priorities. Drawing on existing quantitative and qualitative evidence, demographic and labour market projections, selected international experiences and targeted stakeholder consultations, the research will develop strategic recommendations and practical prioritized and sequenced policy options to inform the 14th NESDP and related labour market policies.

• Hold an inception meeting with IOM and consult NESDC to confirm the priority policy questions, intended use of findings and relevant planning milestones.
• Refine the conceptual framework, research questions, methodology, stakeholder map, analytical framework and workplan.
• Undertake a structured desk review covering:
  • Policy frameworks: Relevant national strategies, action plans and legislation
  • Data sources: Census data, official statistics and administrative data relevant to migration, labour markets and demographic change
  • Existing evidence: Relevant studies, reports and evaluations, including labour market analyses and demographic projections
  • International experience: A focused desk-based comparisons of 2-3 countries that have addressed population ageing, labour shortages or skills gaps through migration and labour market policies.
• Map relevant policy mandates, institutional responsibilities, data sources and coordination mechanisms related to migration, labour market planning, skills development, professional qualifications and national development planning.
• Conduct targeted key informant interviews and/or small group consultations with selected government agencies, employers and employer associations, representatives of migrant and other non-Thai populations, civil society, academia, skills development providers and other stakeholders agreed with IOM.
• Analyze demographic and labour market trends and the current and potential contribution of migrant workers, migrant skills and other relevant non-Thai populations.
• Develop strategic recommendations and translate them into practical prioritized and sequenced policy options for the 14th NESDP and relevant institutional strategies.
• Monitor material developments in relevant national planning, migration, labour-market and skills policies during the assignment and update the analysis, strategic recommendations, policy options at agreed reporting milestones.
• Present preliminary findings to IOM and facilitate an appropriate stakeholder validation process.
• Submit a final analytical report, executive summary, policy brief, presentation deck, data/source inventory and consultation record in editable formats.

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree in economics, demography, development studies, public policy, labour economics, migration studies, statistics, social sciences or a related field from an accredited academic institution, with at least seven years of relevant professional experience; or a first university degree in the above fields with at least nine years of relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading applied policy research on migration, labour markets, demographic change, skills development, national development planning or a closely related area.
• Proven ability to analyze and synthesize quantitative and qualitative evidence and translate findings into clear, actionable policy recommendations.
• Strong understanding of Thailand's institutional, labour market and development planning context; prior work with Thai government institutions is a strong advantage.
• Experience designing and conducting key informant interviews, stakeholder consultations and validation processes.
• Track record of producing high-quality research reports, policy briefs and presentations for government, international organizations or development partners.
• Experience integrating gender equality, social inclusion, decent work, human rights and ethical considerations into research is desirable.
• Experience working with the United Nations, IOM or another international organization is an advantage.

Requirements

• Excellent analytical, research, writing and presentation skills.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, facilitation and interpersonal skills.
• Advanced proficiency in relevant quantitative and/or qualitative analysis tools and in Microsoft Office applications.
• Fluency in English and Thai, both written and spoken, is required. Knowledge of another language relevant to migrant communities in Thailand is an advantage.

Benefits

• 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.