Eagle Research Consultant

Duty Station of the Consultancy: 

Cairo, Egypt / Vienna, Austria

Duration of Consultancy: 

30 working days within 3 months

Nature of the consultancy: 

Professional skills need assessment and anticipation for metal processing occupations in the transport sector in Austria and Egypt for the purpose of developing a training curriculum.  

Category B Consultancy

Objective:  

The purpose is to generate a robust, evidence-based understanding of current and future skills needs in the metal processing sector—particularly in the transport industry—in both Austria and Egypt. The findings will directly inform the design of a modern, responsive training curriculum under the EAGLE project, supporting the development of a skilled workforce and enabling sustainable labor mobility between the two countries.

In April 2025 IOM in cooperation with Austrian Federal Chancellery will launch the Skills Mobility Partnership “EAGLE” between Austria and Egypt. The project will contribute to the deepening of economic cooperation and at the same time strengthen the regular migration routes between Egypt and Austria. The main objective is to mobilize Egypt's existing labor potential in the interests of both countries. This will be achieved through targeted investments in the skills development of the workforce in Egypt in the field of metal technology and processing for the transport sector, in particular on modern welding techniques. A total of 135 people will be trained as part of the project, whereas 100 participants will be trained to emigrate to Austria and 35 participants will be trained to join the Egyptian labor market. The prerequisite for participation is a completed apprenticeship in metal technology and processing that is comparable to Austrian standards. In addition to extensive language training, the project will consist of 6-month up-skilling course on technical and soft skills.  A major milestone of the project is the development of a state-of-the-art curriculum, which is based on a rigorous skills needs assessment Austria and Egypt conducted by a professional research consultant. Ideally the assessment will be based on a literature review, qualitative components such as focus groups and expert interviews, as well as surveys among employers in Austria and Egypt. To allow replicability of the results, the research will also examine the situation in other EU Member States experiencing similar shortages. The main output will be a research paper, which summarizes the results and feeds into the curriculum development. Furthermore, the research paper will be translated, published on the EAGLE website, and presented to relevant stakeholders in Austria and Egypt. 

EAGLE – a Skills Mobility Partnership between Austria and Egypt (AT10P0544)

Labour Mobility and Social Inclusion Unit, IOM Austria

Labour Mobility and Social Inclusion Unit, IOM Egypt

The consultant will be responsible for:

• Conducting comprehensive skills needs assessment in Austria and Egypt, with a focus on metal technology and welding occupations relevant to the transport sector.
• Designing and implementing a mixed-methods research approach, including:
  • Literature review of existing labor market and migration studies.
  • Key informant interviews with employers, training institutions, and policymakers.
  • Focus group discussions with industry experts and potential trainees.
  • Employer surveys to identify current and anticipated skills gaps.
• Mapping comparative labor market trends in other EU Member States facing similar shortages to ensure replicability and broader relevance.
• Producing a research report that: 
  • Summarizes key findings and trends.
  • Recommend priority skills and competencies for curriculum development.
  • Highlights policy and institutional considerations for labor mobility.
• Supporting the translation and dissemination of the report, including: 
  • Preparing a presentation for stakeholders in Austria and Egypt.
  • Contributing to the publication of the report on the EAGLE project website.
• Collaborating with the curriculum development team to ensure alignment between research findings and training content.

1. Category B Consultants: Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment 

Overall, the research project is expected to be completed within 3 months. 

1st Deliverable:  Table of Contents of Report + Research plan, Delivered by email after 2 weeks- (Weight: 30 %)

2nd Deliverable:  First draft of the report. Delivered by email after 6 weeks- (Weight: 30 %)

3rd Deliverable: Develop a set of recommendations for the curriculum development team to ensure alignment between research findings and training content- Delivered by e-mail after 7 weeks

4th Deliverable: Second draft of the report- Delivered by email after 8 weeks

5th Deliverable: Final report ready for publication and presentation of results- Delivered by email after 12 weeks (Weight: 40%)

• University degree at MA level or equivalent in the field of political and social science, migration studies, international development or related studies.
• Proven experience in conducting qualitative and quantitative research.
• Proven ability to independently draft clear and concise texts. 
• Knowledge of the Austrian and/or Egyptian labour migration policy and legislation is a distinct advantage.
• Fluency in English is required.

• 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.

• 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.

1. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.