Legal expert consultant

Project Context and Scope

The project "S.T.A.R.T. – Safe Transfers And Reception Turnover" aims at decongesting the Hotspot of Lampedusa and other first reception centers located in Sicily. IOM, in close coordination with the Ministry of Interior, organize charter flights and, when needed, ferry transfers to internally relocate migrants from Lampedusa or other Sicilian locations to designated airports or ports, depending on reception facility availability. Before departure, beneficiaries receive from IOM staff medical checks and information sessions to ensure fitness for travel and understanding of the process. Upon arrival, onward bus transfers to reception centers are arranged, with medical or operational escorts provided for vulnerable individuals, such as unaccompanied minors. IOM also maintains coordination with all relevant authorities and partners to manage vulnerabilities, ensure proper handovers, and duly prepare every step of the procedure. The objective of the consultancy is to independently evaluate and certificate the compliance with IOM standard regulations and procedures for service and supply procurement processes undertaken by IOM Italy, as per AMIF Eligibility and Reporting rules Manual, producing 2 certificate opinions, to be attached to the IOM payment periodical requests to the Donor.

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing

Facilitated Migration and Vulnerable Groups Unit

PROJECT CODE IT10P0578 – S.T.A.R.T. project

Duty Station : Rome, Italy (Homebased)

Estimated Start Date : 1 December 2025 (tentative)

Responsibilities: Tasks to be performed under this contract

In the framework of the "S.T.A.R.T. – Safe Transfers And Reception Turnover" project the consultant will be responsible for the evaluation and certification of compliance with IOM standard regulations and procedures for service and supply procurement processes undertaken by IOM Italy, as per AMIF Eligibility and Reporting rules Manual. In particular, the incumbent will product 3 certificate opinions, to be attached to the IOM payment periodical requests to the Donor, respecting the following reporting schedule:

First interim report in Italian, by 15 March 2026

Final report in Italian, by 20 June

Tangible and measurable output of the work assignment:

Category B Consultant hired to deliver a report on a three-instalment payment basis:

First deliverable – production of one certificate opinion to be attached to the IOM payment periodical requests to the donor, by 15 March % of overall contract value)

Final deliverable – production of one certificate opinion to be attached to the IOM payment periodical requests to the donor, by 20 June % of overall contract value)

For the economic offe r:

Overall contract value: up to 6,000 Euro

Instalments as per deliverables described above:

30% of overall contract value

70% of overall contract value

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

EVALUATION CRITERION

Maximum Score

Scoring

1 Clarity and completeness of the methodology for compliance evaluation and certification 10

Maximum score of 10 pts

Points are assigned based on the clarity of the content proposed

2 Proven experience in procurement auditing and compliance certification 25

Maximum score of 25 pts:

Points are assigned based on the relevance of the experiences

3 Experience working with international, governmental, and non-governmental institutions 20

Maximum score of 20 pts:

Points are assigned based on the relevance of the institutions served and coherence of the works carried out

4 References from other clients 5

Maximum score of 5 pts :

Points are assigned based on reported and documented references

Qualifications: Education

Qualified lawyer registered as practitioner.

Experience

At least 5 years of proven experience in procurement auditing and compliance certification.

Proven experience working with international, governmental, and/or non-governmental institutions.

Other requirements

At least two recent references (not older than 6 months) by previous clients.

List of services carried out in the last 3 years; works already carried out for IOM are a valuable asset.

Economic tender.

Languages

Fluency in Italian and English (oral and written).

IOM's official languages are English, French and Spanish.

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

Travel required

No

Implementation Period

From 1 December 2025 to 30 June 2026 (tentatively)

Required Competencies

IOM's competency framework can be found at this link . Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three 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.

Notes

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.

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. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.