Consultancy - National Coordination Mechanism on Migration (NCM) Experts

Overview & Responsibilities

Somalia faces one of the world’s most complex migration landscapes, shaped by prolonged conflict, climate shocks, humanitarian crises, and evolving migration routes. With more than 3.5 million internally displaced persons, significant mixed migration flows, and a large diaspora, Somalia is simultaneously a country of origin, transit, return, and destination. To address these challenges, the Federal Government of Somalia has established a National Coordination Mechanism on Migration (NCM) under the Office of the Prime Minister, marking a significant step toward a whole‑of‑government migration governance framework. However, the NCM is still in the early stages of operationalization and requires strengthened legal, policy, and institutional foundations.

IDLO, in close collaboration with IOM, is implementing a three‑year EU‑funded programme aimed at strengthening Somalia’s migration governance structures, enhancing policy and legal frameworks, and supporting future sustainable return and reintegration systems.

Purpose of the Roster

To support current and future migration-related initiatives, IDLO is seeking Expressions of Interest from qualified National Coordination Mechanism (NCM) Experts for inclusion in an Open Expert Roster. Experts included in the roster may be engaged on an as-needed basis to provide advisory and technical support under current and future migration governance programmes. Inclusion in the roster does not constitute an offer of employment or consultancy engagement.

Potential Areas of Technical Support

Experts included in the roster may be called upon to support one or more of the following areas:

• Strengthening the design, institutionalization, and operationalization of national migration coordination mechanisms;
• Advising on governance structures, mandates, and institutional arrangements for migration coordination bodies;
• Supporting the development and review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Terms of Reference, coordination frameworks, and operational guidance documents;
• Reviewing and improving coordination processes, decision-making systems, and information-sharing mechanisms;
• Facilitating inter-ministerial coordination and whole-of-government approaches to migration governance;
• Supporting establishment and strengthening of secretariats, technical working groups, steering committees, and advisory bodies;
• Conducting institutional assessments and coordination effectiveness reviews;
• Providing technical advice on international good practices and coordination models relevant to migration governance;
• Designing and delivering capacity-building programmes for government officials and coordination structures.

Education and Professional Experience

• Minimum postgraduate degree in Law, Public Policy, Migration Studies, International Relations, or related fields, depending on the expert profile
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience
• Extensive experience strengthening national coordination mechanisms, inter‑ministerial collaboration systems, government steering committees, or whole‑of‑government structures.
• Experience supporting or advising coordination secretariats, technical working groups, or cross‑ministerial bodies on policy, planning, or decision‑making.
• Experience reviewing or designing institutional mandates, governance structures, SOPs, or coordination processes.

Languages

• Outstanding written and verbal skills in English.
• Somali language skills are an advantage

Core Skills and Competencies

• Experience in working with stakeholders, donors, UN and international agencies is an asset;
• Experience in training/advising policymakers, law enforcement officers, prosecutors and/or other officials in matters relating to migration;
• Proven experience of working with government institutions/regulators, executive committees or similar leadership;
• Work experience in developing countries, including Somalia, is highly desirable.