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Vacancy Alert: IOM Hiring a Consultant for Biometrics and AI in Identity Management (Home Based) - AJTechnicalDr.com
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Vacancy Alert: IOM Hiring a Consultant for Biometrics and AI in Identity Management (Home Based)

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,Position Title: Consultant – Assessment on Ethical Framework and Practices on Biometrics and AI in Identity Management
Duty Station: Home-based
Classification: Consultant, Grade Other
Type of Appointment: Consultant, seven months
Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible
Closing Date: April 8, 2025

Introduction to IOM

Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading agency of the United Nations dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, working closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners globally. IOM aims to enhance the welfare and dignity of migrants and to support countries in their efforts to manage migration in a way that respects human rights and fosters development.

Project Context and Scope

Legal Identity is a foundational aspect linked to various IOM programmatic efforts, and it serves as a cross-cutting theme integrated into the organization’s mandate and operations. The Cooperation on Migration and Partnerships to Achieve Sustainable Solutions (COMPASS) programme, initiated in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, seeks to address the multifaceted challenges faced by migrants, host communities, and affected populations. Launched in 2021, the COMPASS programme aims to enhance compliance with Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW) within key sectors, including garments, footwear, palm oil, and the emerging lithium battery manufacturing industry.

The program is particularly focused on systemic changes that address the root causes of migrant vulnerabilities, promote gender equality, and combat exclusion in both humanitarian and fragile contexts. The next phase of COMPASS (2024–2027) emphasizes specialized protection, localization, and legal identity, and it is being implemented in 14 countries to support and empower migrants while adhering to national priorities and regional commitments.

The Role of Biometrics and AI in Identity Management

As technology advances, biometrics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are significantly transforming identity management. These technologies promise to improve security, convenience, and efficiency in identity verification processes. However, understanding the potential risks associated with these tools, including biases inherent in AI models, data privacy issues, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities, is essential. To ensure fair and reliable identity management solutions, these challenges must be addressed proactively, helping to build trust and improve governance frameworks while safeguarding human rights.

IOM’s initiative to assess ethical frameworks and practices surrounding the use of biometrics and AI in identity management seeks to provide actionable insights for governments on integrating these technologies ethically within identity systems. Such an assessment will critically appraise existing policies, identify strengths and weaknesses, and propose enhancements to ensure the tools are used responsibly, protecting privacy, security, and fundamental rights.

Goals of the Assessment

The principal aim of the assessment is to develop a comprehensive Guide on the Ethical Use of Biometrics and AI Technologies in Identity Management for Member States. This guide will deliver recommendations rooted in research findings, aiding governments in the development of inclusive, rights-based legal identity systems fully aligned with digital and technological advancements.

Proposed Research Questions

The consultant will address several crucial research inquiries, including:

  1. Alignment with International Standards: How do existing ethical and legal frameworks governing biometrics and AI in identity management align with international human rights and data protection standards? This will involve referencing existing international policies and legal frameworks from multiple countries as case studies.
  2. Risks and Challenges: What are the potential risks and challenges posed by the use of biometrics and AI-driven identity systems in ensuring equitable access to legal identity?
  3. Streamlining Identity Management: How do biometrics and AI-driven identity systems streamline identity management processes? The assessment will include relevant case studies and scenarios to illustrate best practices.
  4. Access to Rights: What role do biometrics and AI play in enabling or restricting access to essential rights such as freedom of movement, social services, and legal recognition?
  5. Strengthening Ethical Safeguards: How can governments implement robust ethical safeguards and governance mechanisms to prevent the misuse of biometrics and AI-driven identity systems? What recommended practices will facilitate the ethical implementation of these technologies in identity management?
  6. Future Consequences of Inaction: What are the potential future consequences for countries’ legal identity and identity management systems if they do not adopt emerging technologies such as AI?

Organizational Context

The consultant will contribute to the Legal Identity Unit (IBG) of the IOM COMPASS Global Programme, funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The IOM’s focus on legal identity emphasizes the importance of ethical frameworks in the growing intersection of migration governance and technology.

Responsibilities

The consultant will fulfill the entire scope of the assignment through three main deliverables:

  1. Deliverable 1: A comprehensive work plan outlining the framework for the assessment. This plan should detail methodologies, research questions, stakeholders to be interviewed, timelines, and process organization. Deadline: April 15, 2025. Payment: 15% of total.
  2. Deliverable 2: An assessment/research report based on comprehensive desk reviews and interviews with relevant stakeholders. Deadline: June 30, 2025. Payment: 35% of total.
  3. Deliverable 3: The final version of the Guide on the Ethical Use of Biometrics and AI Technologies in Identity Management tailored for Member States. Deadline: September 30, 2025. Payment: 50% of total.

Performance Indicators: Consultant performance will be assessed based on:

  • Development of a detailed work plan, methodology, and stakeholder overview for the study.
  • Completion and approval of a comprehensive assessment/research report by IOM.
  • Delivery of the final Guide targeting Member States.

Qualifications

Education:

  • A Master’s degree in International Relations, Identity Management, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Biometrics, Data Science and Analytics, Ethics and Data Privacy, or a related field from an accredited institution, along with five years of relevant professional experience.
  • Alternatively, a university degree in the aforementioned fields combined with seven years of relevant professional experience.

Experience:

  • Proven experience in conducting research related to biometrics, AI technologies, and identity management.
  • Prior involvement in research activities aimed at informing the development of migration management tools and policies.
  • Experience in creating guides and manuals.
  • Previous engagement in research with international organizations will be beneficial.

Skills:

  • Expertise in issues concerning biometrics and AI in identity management, alongside a solid understanding of ethical frameworks and practices in this domain.

Languages:

  • Fluency in English is mandatory (oral and written). Proficiency in additional IOM official languages (French or Spanish) is advantageous. Language skills will be evaluated during the selection process.

Required Competencies

The successful applicant will be assessed based on IOM’s competency framework, which can be reviewed through the IOM website. Competencies include:

  • Analytical and strategic thinking skills.
  • Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
  • Capacity to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
  • Multi-tasking ability and organizational skills.

Closing Remarks

This is an exciting opportunity for a consultant to shape the future of ethical biometrics and AI practices in identity management. IOM encourages qualified candidates to apply for this position by the closing date of April 8, 2025. Your expertise and insights could play a pivotal role in advancing the ethical implementation of these transformative technologies within migration governance frameworks.

Also Read

The post Vacancy Alert: IOM Hiring a Consultant for Biometrics and AI in Identity Management (Home Based) appeared first on Scholarly Africa.

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Position Title: Consultant – Assessment on Ethical Framework and Practices on Biometrics and AI in Identity ManagementDuty Station: Home-basedClassification: Consultant, Grade OtherType of Appointment: Consultant, seven monthsEstimated Start Date: As soon as possibleClosing Date: April 8, 2025 Introduction to IOM Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading agency of the …

The post Vacancy Alert: IOM Hiring a Consultant for Biometrics and AI in Identity Management (Home Based) appeared first on Scholarly Africa.

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