Exciting IOM National Consultant Job 2026: GESI & Social Norms Role with UN Agency (Apply by March 12)

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has opened an exciting consultancy opportunity for professionals passionate about gender equality, social inclusion, and social norms transformation. The organization is currently recruiting a National Consultant (GESI and Social Norms Transformative Programming) based in Nairobi, Kenya, with regular travel to Somalia.

This consultancy role offers an opportunity to work with one of the leading international organizations within the United Nations system and contribute to impactful programs focused on security, justice, and governance.

If you have expertise in gender equality, behavior change communication, and social norms programming, this position could be an excellent career opportunity.

About the International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading international agency working on migration issues. The organization collaborates closely with governments, NGOs, and international partners to promote safe, humane, and orderly migration worldwide.

IOM’s mission focuses on ensuring that migration benefits both migrants and host communities. Through policy support, research, humanitarian assistance, and development programs, the organization addresses migration challenges while protecting vulnerable populations.

The organization is also recognized for promoting a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace culture, ensuring that professionals from various backgrounds can thrive while making a meaningful global impact.

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Job Overview

The National Consultant (GESI and Social Norms Transformative Programming) position is part of IOM’s Security & Justice Programme (Nabadaynta Soomaaliya).

This program focuses on strengthening people-centered security, justice systems, and governance structures in Somalia. It uses innovative approaches to identify community needs, understand social dynamics, and develop solutions that promote sustainable peace and social cohesion.

The consultant will play a critical role in ensuring that Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) and social norms transformation approaches are effectively integrated into program activities.

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Key Job Details

• Position: National Consultant (GESI and Social Norms Transformative Programming)
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya (with travel to Somalia)
• Contract Type: Consultancy (up to 11 months)
• Initial Contract Duration: 6 months
• Application Deadline: March 12, 2026
• Organization: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

This consultancy provides an opportunity to influence large-scale development and governance programs while working alongside global experts and development partners.

Key Responsibilities

The selected consultant will provide technical leadership, training support, and strategic guidance to ensure that social norms and gender-transformative approaches are effectively implemented.

1. Technical Leadership and Quality Assurance

One of the consultant’s primary roles will be to review and strengthen the implementation of gender-transformative and social norms programming across the project.

Responsibilities include:

• Ensuring program activities align with best practices in behavior change communication and GESI integration
• Developing and applying a Quality Assurance Framework for district-level activities
• Reviewing program strategies to ensure they promote inclusive and transformative outcomes

This work will help ensure the project delivers meaningful results in gender equality, social inclusion, and community empowerment.

2. Capacity Building and Training

The consultant will also play a key role in strengthening the skills of IOM staff, facilitators, and program beneficiaries.

Key tasks include:

• Designing and delivering training sessions on social norms transformation and gender equality
• Mentoring facilitators and co-facilitating workshops
• Reviewing training materials and curricula to ensure they align with GESI transformative approaches

These capacity-building activities will ensure that project partners have the skills and knowledge needed to deliver impactful programming.

3. Adaptive Programming and Monitoring

Another critical responsibility is helping the program adapt based on learning and evidence.

The consultant will:

• Provide recommendations based on Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) findings
• Support the implementation of the program’s Monitoring and Evaluation strategy
• Contribute to reviews and strategic planning sessions

By using data and learning insights, the consultant will help ensure the program remains effective and responsive to community needs.

4. Stakeholder Engagement

The role also requires strong collaboration with various stakeholders, including:

• Government institutions
• Civil society organizations
• Development partners
• Women’s rights organizations

The consultant will help strengthen partnerships, share learning on gender equality and social norms programming, and contribute to initiatives focused on preventing gender-based violence (GBV).

Expected Results and Performance Indicators

Success in this role will be measured through several outcomes, including:

• Evidence that the program successfully promotes behavior change and gender-transformative approaches
• Delivery of high-quality trainings and workshops
• Improved capacity among partners in GESI and social norms programming
• Effective integration of gender and inclusion principles across all project activities
• Strong contributions to program reviews and MEL strategies

These results will ensure that the project continues to deliver meaningful improvements in community safety, justice systems, and gender equality.

Required Qualifications

To qualify for this consultancy, candidates must meet specific educational and professional requirements.

Education

Applicants must have a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as:

• Gender Studies
• International Relations
• Political Science
• Security Management
• Development Studies
• Law
• Behaviour Change Communication for Development
• Education or other related disciplines

Professional Experience

Candidates should have at least five years of experience in roles related to gender equality, social inclusion, or social norms transformation.

Additional experience required includes:

• Designing and implementing gender-transformative approaches
• Working on gender-based violence prevention programs
• Designing and facilitating training on gender equality and social inclusion
• Implementing behavior change communication strategies

Experience working in fragile contexts, particularly in countries like Somalia, will be considered a strong advantage.

Required Skills and Competencies

IOM looks for professionals who demonstrate both technical expertise and strong interpersonal skills.

Key competencies include:

• Teamwork and collaboration
• Strong communication skills
• Accountability and professionalism
• Ability to deliver results efficiently
• Knowledge sharing and continuous learning

Candidates should also demonstrate the organization’s core values of integrity, inclusion, empathy, courage, and transparency.

Travel Requirements

Although the role is based in Nairobi, the consultant will be required to travel regularly to Somalia to support program implementation and stakeholder engagement.

This makes the role suitable for professionals comfortable working in international and sometimes complex operational environments.

Important Notes for Applicants

IOM provides occupational accident and illness coverage for consultants during the contract period. However, consultants must arrange their own medical insurance for non-work-related incidents.

The organization maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against misconduct, including sexual exploitation, harassment, discrimination, and abuse of authority.

Applicants should also be aware that IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.

Why This Role Is a Great Opportunity

This consultancy offers professionals the chance to:

• Work with a United Nations-affiliated organization
• Influence gender equality and social inclusion programs
• Contribute to peacebuilding and justice sector reform
• Gain experience working in international development and fragile contexts
• Collaborate with global experts and policymakers

For professionals passionate about gender equality, governance, and social transformation, this role presents a unique opportunity to create lasting impact.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application through the official IOM e-Recruitment system before March 12, 2026.