International Consultant:Development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to Strengthen Migrant Support, Protection and Access to Rights in Georgia

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

Duty Station of the Consultancy: Tbilisi, Georgia (Remote assignment, with travel to Georgia for stakeholder meetings)

Duration of Consultancy: 30 Working days over a period of three month, September-December 2026

Nature of the consultancy: The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is implementing the project “Building Resilient Futures for Migration-Prone Populations in Georgia (REforM)”, which aims to strengthen migration governance in Georgia through rights-based, innovative and sustainable approaches that enhance the protection and inclusion of populations affected by migration dynamics. The project focuses on improving migrant protection frameworks, strengthening ethical recruitment practices and expanding access to information, services and remedies for migrants residing in Georgia. Georgia is increasingly evolving as a country of destination for migrant workers and other foreign nationals, resulting in a growing need for accessible, coherent and rights-based support systems for migrants. While the country has continued to strengthen its migration governance architecture, migrants may still encounter practical barriers in registering their legal presence and employment activities, understanding and exercising their rights, navigating administrative procedures and accessing available support mechanisms. Language barriers, limited awareness of existing procedures, unfamiliarity with institutional structures and limited access to trusted information channels may increase vulnerabilities and hinder access to timely assistance in situations involving exploitation, discrimination or other forms of abuse. Recent legislative developments further underscore the need to strengthen migrant support mechanisms. In particular, amendments to the Law of Georgia on Labour Migration, which entered into force in March 2026, introduced a new work activity permit system and additional compliance requirements for foreign nationals and employers, significantly reshaping the regulatory landscape governing labour migration in Georgia.[1] These changes increase the importance of ensuring that migrants have access to reliable information and practical support to understand and navigate evolving administrative and legal requirements. For the purpose of this assignment, migrants refer to foreign nationals residing and/or working in Georgia, particularly those encountering barriers in accessing information, administrative procedures, legal rights and available support mechanisms. In this context, civil society organizations (CSOs) are well positioned to serve as trusted intermediaries between migrants and relevant institutions by providing information, guidance, support related to registration and administrative procedures, referral services and advocacy support. However, the ecosystem of civil society organizations directly engaged in supporting migrants in Georgia remains relatively limited and fragmented. Existing initiatives are often project-based, sector-specific or focused on particular categories of migrants, resulting in uneven service availability and limited coordination among relevant actors. Strengthening and standardizing service delivery approaches is therefore essential to establish a more coherent, sustainable and accessible support framework for migrants in Georgia. Strengthening collaboration and referral pathways among CSOs, relevant state institutions and other stakeholders will further contribute to the gradual development of a coordinated support ecosystem for migrants in Georgia. This intervention contributes to broader efforts aimed at strengthening ethical recruitment practices and enhancing migrant protection by ensuring that migrants have improved access to registration mechanisms, information, rights, services and available remedies. By strengthening access to information, grievance mechanisms and support services for migrants, the intervention also contributes to preventing labour exploitation and reducing vulnerabilities associated with unethical recruitment practices and trafficking risks. Under this activity, IOM will support the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for CSOs engaged in supporting migrants, including organizations providing legal aid, human rights, labour rights, social inclusion, community-based and referral services in Georgia. The SOPs will establish a practical and standardized framework to guide CSOs in conducting initial case intake and registration, identifying vulnerabilities and support needs, providing information on rights and obligations, assisting migrants in navigating relevant administrative procedures and facilitating access to appropriate services, referrals and available remedies in situations involving abuse, exploitation or other protection concerns. The process will include technical drafting, stakeholder consultations, validation and integration of feedback to ensure that the SOPs are practical, context-specific and