Homebased Consultant – Study to Inform the Development of an EAC Regional Framework on Return and Reintegration of Stranded Migrants

This Consultancy offer is only open to the East Africans of the Eight (8) Partner States of the EAC (i.e the Republics of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Somalia, DRC, Uganda and Tanzania).

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. 

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

1.0 BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

In early April 2026, the 13^th Joint Meeting of the Sectoral Councils on Cooperation in Defence Affairs, Inter State Security and Foreign Policy Coordination adopted the Terms of Reference (ToR) for a consultant to undertake a comprehensive and inclusive study to inform the development of a framework on return and reintegration of stranded migrants originating from the East African Community (EAC) Partner States. The Joint Meeting noted the need to separate the consultant of the study from the one for  development of the framework subject to availability of funds from the development Partner (EAC/JSC-13/Directive 045).

This initiative responds to the directive of the 14th Meeting of the EAC Sectoral Council on Foreign Policy Coordination held in April 2024, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. At the request of the EAC, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is providing technical, operational and financial support in this process. 

The Migration Policy Framework for Africa (MPFA, 2018–2030) recommends best practices and standards for return, readmission, and sustainable reintegration. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 10.7) call for facilitating safe and voluntary return, while the Global Compact for Migration (GCM, Objective 21) highlights the need for cooperation on return and reintegration. IOM’s approach is summarized in the comprehensive IOM Policy on the Full Spectrum of Return, Readmission and Reintegration (RRR). Despite the existence of these frameworks, there remains a policy gap in the EAC region, resulting in fragmented standards, lack of accountability, and limited cooperation between states on return and reintegration. Accordingly, an RFRR is considered an essential pillar for sustainable migration management and regional integration. Such a framework will harmonize approaches, fill protection gaps, and maximize the benefits of return for individuals, communities, and the region.

1.1 Rationale

Migration is a complex phenomenon, and its effective management requires a rights-based approach requiring coordination and cooperation with relevant stakeholders at country, regional and global levels. States are primary actors and retain the right and responsibility for decisions pertaining to migration management and governance in line with international law. Yet, at international level, growing consensus has been directed towards recognizing that no State acting unilaterally is able to fully manage international migration.

The EAC continues to observe high volumes of migration flows as it is a region of origin, transit, and destination for thousands of migrants who cite the effects of climate change, conflict, and deteriorating socio-economic conditions as the main drivers of migration. Thousands of men, women, boys, and girls in the EAC region leave their countries of origin for various reasons, including but not limited to pursue better livelihood opportunities abroad. While some migrate to neighboring countries, a significant number migrate outside the region through regular channels with the help of employment agencies. However, a significant majority migrate in an irregular manner with help from smugglers and traffickers to countries in the region, the Gulf Countries, Middle East, Southeast Asia, Southern Africa, and Europe.

While some arrive at their preferred destination and secure employment, many remain stranded in transit and host countries in vulnerable situations and exposed to various forms of protection risks. Migrants are at risk of being stranded, coerced, discriminated against, or falling into irregularity despite entering through regular pathways. Returns to EAC countries occur both voluntarily and involuntarily. Voluntary returns may be spontaneous, self-organized, or assisted with financial and logistical support. Involuntary returns conducted by states are also common. Migrants often return in vulnerable conditions, facing stigma, unaddressed root causes, and inadequate reintegration support, which increases the likelihood of irregular re-migration.
 

2.1 Purpose of the Consultancy

The EAC and IOM are seeking a consultant with expertise in research, analysis and policy development on return and reintegration of migrants to undertake a comprehensive study on existing return and reintegration policy, practices, gaps and opportunities in the EAC region to inform the development of the regional framework on return and reintegration of stranded migrants within the EAC. The framework shall establish common standards, guiding principles, and coordinated approaches to be adopted collectively by EAC Partner States in the governance of return and sustainable reintegration of migrants. The framework seeks to strengthen regional cooperation, enhance policy coherence, and promote rights-based, safe, orderly, and dignified return and reintegration processes in line with applicable international, continental, and regional legal and policy instruments.

2.2 Specific Objectives

The specific objectives of the consultancy are to:

1. review existing practices, policies, legal, and institutional frameworks governing the return and reintegration of stranded migrants within EAC Partner States, with the aim of identifying gaps, overlaps, and opportunities;

2. undertake a Comprehensive and Inclusive Study to inform the development of EAC Regional Framework on Return and Re-Integration of Stranded Migrants;

3. facilitate National Consultations in each EAC Partner State and stakeholders;

4. convene an Online Partner States Experts meeting to validate the study report;

5. upon Approval of the Validation report by Partner States develop an appropriate outcome document (policy framework, Policy etc) for addressing the intervention; and 

6. conduct a situational analysis on migration trends, drivers, challenges and incidences affecting return and reintegration in the EAC Region.