Consultant – Capacity Development for Knowledge Management

Position Title: Consultant – Capacity Development for Knowledge Management

Duty Station: Homebased

Classification: Consultant, Grade Other

Type of Appointment: Consultant, six months

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 07 January 2025

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.

Context:

Project Context and Scope

IOM Member States have called for IOM’s knowledge management capacity to be strengthened, including in the recent Multilateral Organisation Performance Assessment Network (MOPAN) evaluation. At the same, IOM has identified learning and innovation as key enablers of its Strategic Plan for 2024-2028.

The Innovation and Knowledge Management (IKM) unit is the institutional focal point on knowledge management and innovation in relation to migration policy and programming. It seeks to strengthen IOM’s capacities to learn from its programmatic expertise and that of its partners by analyzing lessons learned, best practices and innovative approaches to enhance organizational effectiveness and result based management. The Unit works to identify methods to leverage innovative approaches and practices and seeks to amplify them through pilot initiatives that strengthen partnerships with governments, the private sector, academia and innovation networks.

In order to effectively respond to this need, the IOM Knowledge Management (KM) Strategy 2024-2028 seeks to strengthen IOM’s capacity to use its vast knowledge and experience to enhance the impact of its policy and programmatic work particularly on saving lives and protection of people on the move, driving solutions to displacement, and facilitating regular pathways. The strategy aims to leverage IOM’s cutting-edge knowledge and strategic insight to benefit migrants, societies and harness the potential of migration, while supporting the world’s most vulnerable.

As part of the operationalization of the KM Strategy, the consultant (Category B) will facilitate the development, implementation, and operationalization of the Strategy’s capacity development, ensuring its alignment with organizational objectives and its effective integration across Head Quarters (HQ), Regional Offices (RO), and Country Offices (CO). This pillar focuses on equipping IOM staff and partners with the tools, skills, and methodologies necessary to harness and apply organizational knowledge effectively. The consultant will focus on demonstrating how KM can enhance IOM’s ability to showcase tangible results and impacts across its operations.

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing:

Innovation and Knowledge Management (IKM) Unit, Department of Data, Insight & Policy Coordination (DIPC), HQ.

Reporting:

Under the direct supervision of the IKM Unit Head in Geneva and in close coordination with the Innovation and Knowledge Management Officer, the consultant will be responsible for providing technical expertise, facilitating capacity development, and delivering high-quality outputs aligned with the KM Strategy. The consultant will closely liaise with KM focal points at the Regional Offices.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

Tasks to be performed under this contract

Tangible and Measurable Outputs of the Work Assignment

Deliverable 1: Mapping of KM Initiatives and Resources

Tasks:

• Review and document existing KM tools, capacity development initiatives, and learning programmes within IOM (HQ, ROs, COs) as well as similar efforts from other UN agencies and related international organizations.
• Identify gaps, bottlenecks, and opportunities for systematizing KM practices tailored to IOM’s needs.
• Conduct key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus groups with relevant IOM focal points, KMstakeholders, including KM champions, focal points, and members of the Working Group on KM and Innovation, as well as other informants from the UN interagency KM working group.
• Deliver an actionable mapping report with clear analysis of findings, user-focused recommendations and priority areas to strengthen KM practices in IOM and concrete suggestions on areas that the capacity development approach will focus on

Delivery Date: 15 days from the start of the contract.

Delivery Method: Email submission.

Deliverable 2: Development of Fundamentals of Knowledge Management Course and Guidelines (Outline and Learning Package)

Tasks:

• Develop a comprehensive outline for the Fundamentals of Knowledge Management course, incorporating insights from surveys, KIIs, and a desk review of existing KM guidance and materials in IOM and other relevant organizations.
• Create a tailored learning package to introduce the fundamentals of Knowledge Management, ensuring coherence with related initiatives such as ICT-led KM training. This could include topics on overview of KM at IOM, basics on KM Strategy, KM tools and practices, and integrating KM and learning into various thematic and functional areas across IOM’s operations (project development & management, strategic planning, M&E, reporting, talent management, communications, etc.), creating a knowledge sharing and learning culture in IOM, etc.
• Draft learning materials, including user-centered tools and resources, to support practical application.
• Based on the learning package, develop complementary KM Guidelines that would demonstrate KM alignment with the IOM Project Handbook, Results Based Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, Risk and Compliance approaches, etc.

Delivery Date: 45 days from the start of the contract.

Delivery Method: Email submission.

Deliverable 3: Pilot Training for KM Fundamentals

Tasks:

• Design and deliver pilot training for the KM Fundamentals course.
• Facilitate feedback sessions with participants to refine course materials.
• Collect feedback from KM focal points from ROs and COs on the materials.

Delivery Date: 75 days from the start of the contract.

Delivery Method: tbc (online, in-person, or hybrid)

Deliverable 4: Development of Knowledge Management Course for Practitioners (Outline and Learning Package)

Tasks:

• Collaborate with KM stakeholders to draft a detailed outline for the KM Practitioners course, ensuring alignment with the Fundamentals of Knowledge Management course and guidelines.
• Develop a modular learning package tailored for advanced KM practitioners, incorporating case studies, interactive tools, and a menu of strategies such as Fishbowl discussions, Retrospective exercises, and other participatory methodologies. This could also include topics on knowledge sharing and generation in complex and multi stakeholder environments, building knowledge networks and partnerships, driving KM leadership and culture in IOM, etc.
• Design a pathway for participants to conceptualize and implement their own mini-KM projects during or after the course, enabling them to apply concepts and tools in real-world contexts.
• Provide tailored and dedicated mentorship and coaching support for colleagues to work on their KM projects

Delivery Date: 120 days from the start of the contract.

Delivery Method: Email submission.

Deliverable 5: Pilot Training for KM Practitioners

Tasks:

• Conduct pilot training for the KM Practitioners course, engaging KM champions and KM focal points from ROs and COs.
• Facilitate interactive workshops to encourage cross-office collaboration and knowledge exchange.
• Establish, engage and drive a network of KM focal points and champions to foster a learning culture and enhance knowledge-sharing practices.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to participants as they initiate and develop their mini-KM projects, ensuring practical application of the course content.
• Collect and analyze participant feedback to validate course design and effectiveness.

Delivery Date: 150 days from the start of the contract.

Delivery Method: tbc (online, in-person, or hybrid)

Deliverable 6: Revision and Finalization of KM Courses and Dissemination Package

Tasks:

• Revise and finalize the Fundamentals and Practitioners courses based on pilot feedback.
• Finalize KM Guidelines in alignment with RBM, M&E and Project Handbook
• Develop a dissemination package with user-friendly guidance, quick reference sheets, and a searchable resource library.
• Produce an indexed, searchable resource library tailored to CO, RO, and HQ needs, ensuring alignment with user-centered design principles.

Delivery Date: 180 days from the start of the contract.

Delivery Method: Email submission.

Performance indicators for evaluation of results

• Satisfactory completion of tasks indicated in these ToRs.
• Quality of the analysis.
• Adequate and prompt provision of the technical inputs.
• Timely delivery of drafts and deliverables as indicated in these ToRs.
• Periodic and regular updates on the progress of the document reviews.
• Level of adherence to the objectives.
• Compliance with the IOM Data Protection Principles; IOM Guidelines on Research Report Writing; IOM House Style Manual; and IOM Spelling List.
• Delivery of any other tasks indicated above.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Statistics, Social Sciences, Economics, Development Studies, Evaluation and Monitoring or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Professional experience in Knowledge Management, Information Management, or Capacity Development, preferably within the UN system, international organizations, or similar environments;
• Demonstrated experience in designing and delivering learning packages, training modules, or capacity-building programs tailored to diverse audiences;
• Experience facilitating interactive workshops and collaborative exercises (e.g., Fishbowl discussions, Retrospective exercises) to foster knowledge exchange and cross-office collaboration;
• Experience engaging with stakeholders across multiple levels (HQ, Regional, and Country Offices) to co-create and implement organizational strategies; and,
• Previous work experience with migration and development issues would be an advantage.

Skills

• Proven expertise in mapping and systematizing knowledge resources and practices, with a strong track record of applying Human-Centered Design (HCD) principles;
• Familiarity with innovation methodologies, lessons learned, and good practices to enhance organizational effectiveness and result-based management;
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple deliverables and deadlines effectively;
• Excellent facilitation and training skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences and mainstream a culture of learning and collaboration;
• Advanced analytical skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information and present it in a clear, actionable format;
• Proficiency in digital tools for Knowledge Management and capacity building, such as content management systems and collaboration platforms; and,
• Expertise in creating user-centered tools and resources for knowledge sharing, application, and dissemination.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Notes

For applicants to be considered, applicants are required to apply via PRIMS IOM e-recruitment system and attach the following:

• Motivation letter
• CV

The consultant must adhere to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Data Protection Principles (IN/138) and maintain confidentiality.

The consultant will be responsible to follow IOM writing guidelines and latest glossaries in all given assignments for accurate translation.

Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database (https://whed.net/home.php).

Required Competencies:

Values – all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.

https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.pdf

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

Other:

• The appointment is subject to funding confirmation.
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and background verification and security clearances. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required for individuals hired on or after 15 November 2021. This will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.
• Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.