Job Placement Promoters for Returned Migrants
Qualifications:
- Location: Guatemala
- Vacancy No: 17531
- Salary: N/A
- Organization: IOM International Organization for Migration
- Deadline: 9/11/2025
Brief details:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), established in 1951, is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration. In this endeavor, it provides services and advice to governments, migrants, and host communities.
IOM works to protect the rights of migrants and provides assistance to populations in need, in strict adherence to the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, incorporating human rights, intergenerational, and human mobility approaches. In collaboration with government counterparts, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and the private sector, IOM provides comprehensive assistance to people in situations of vulnerability, such as returned migrants.
Guatemala continues to be one of the countries in the region with a high level of irregular migration flows. The structural causes driving this migration persist, including limited access to food, health care, employment opportunities, and education. As a result, many people continue to see irregular migration as an option to meet their basic needs.
For many migrants, the migration cycle does not end in the destination country; it is sometimes interrupted, resulting in their return to the country of origin. During 2024, more than 75,000 Guatemalans were returned to the country, with a monthly average of approximately 7,000 returns. From January to early October 2025, more than 38,400 people have returned to Guatemala by air and land.
Returned migrants face multiple challenges upon their return to Guatemala, including frustration over not reaching their destination, indebtedness due to the costs of irregular migration, interruption of formal education that hinders job placement, loss of community ties, and lack of local connections.
Reintegration is crucial and requires the establishment of strong partnerships, as well as the adoption and implementation of coordinated policies and practices at the international, national, and local levels. It is essential to support returned migrants in their economic reintegration and access to employment and educational development opportunities.
Within the framework of the “Plan de Retorno al Hogar” (Homecoming Plan) led by the Government of Guatemala, IOM has strengthened the institutional capacity of entities such as the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (MINTRAB), the Guatemalan Migration Institute (IGM), the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC), among others, to promote the economic reintegration of returned migrants. This process involves supporting the implementation of an individualized assistance model that includes profiling, guidance, referral to available services (including those offered by IOM implementing partners), and support toward economic and employment opportunities.
Although this model is already operational through the Returned Migrants Assistance Unit of MINTRAB, the Municipal Employment One-Stop Windows (VUMEs), and the Migrant Resource Centers (MRCs) managed by IOM, there are still departments with a high number of returns that lack sufficient coverage.
The consultancy aims to deploy specialized technical personnel to provide direct support to returnees in priority departments, in coordination with other initiatives from entities such as the VUMEs, MRCs, implementing partners, local authorities, and other relevant actors, including the private sector.
Destination location for the consultancy ( Priority departments with a high number of returnees)
- 1 Huehuetenango
- 1 Saint Mark
- 1 Sololá
- 1 Quetzaltenango
- 1 Quiché
- 1 Verapaces
- 1 Petén
- 1 Zacapa
- 2 Guatemala
Project context and scope
IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment. Internal and external candidates are eligible to apply for this vacancy. For the purposes of this vacancy, internal candidates are considered primary candidates.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), established in 1951, is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration. In this endeavor, it provides services and advice to governments, migrants, and host communities.
The IOM works to protect the rights of migrants and provides assistance to the population, strictly adhering to the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, and incorporating human rights, intergenerational, and human mobility approaches. Thus, together with government partners, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and the business sector, it provides comprehensive assistance to vulnerable individuals, such as returned migrants.
Guatemala continues to be one of the countries in the region with a significant flow of irregular migration. The structural causes driving this migration persist, including limited access to food, healthcare, employment opportunities, and education. The population continues to see irregular migration as an option to meet their basic needs.
The migration cycle for many people does not end in their destination country; sometimes it is interrupted, resulting in their return to their country of origin. During 2024, more than 75,000 Guatemalans were returned to the country, with a monthly average of approximately 7,000 returns. From January to early October 2025, more than 38,400 people have returned to Guatemala by air and land.
Returned migrants face multiple challenges upon returning to Guatemala, including frustration at not reaching their destination, debt incurred due to the costs of irregular travel, abandonment of formal education which hinders labor market integration, displacement, and a lack of local ties. Reintegration is crucial and requires the establishment of strong partnerships, as well as the adoption and implementation of coordinated policies and practices at the international, national, and local levels. It is essential to support returned migrants in their economic reintegration and access to employment and educational opportunities.
Within the framework of the “Return Home Plan,” led by the Government of Guatemala, the IOM has strengthened the institutional capacity of entities such as the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (MINTRAB), the Guatemalan Migration Institute (IGM), and the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC), among others, for the economic reintegration of returnees. This process involves supporting the implementation of an individualized care model that includes profiling, guidance, referrals to available services (including IOM implementing partners), and support in accessing economic and employment opportunities. While the model is already operational through the MINTRAB Returnee Assistance Unit, the Municipal Employment Offices (VUMEs), and the Migrant Resource Centers (MRCs) managed by IOM, there are still departments with a high number of returns that lack sufficient coverage.
The consultancy aims to deploy specialized technical staff to provide direct support to returnees in prioritized departments, in coordination with other initiatives of entities such as VUMEs, MRCs, implementing partners and local authorities and other relevant actors such as the business sector.
Department /unit of the Organization to which the consultant provides services
The consultancy is part of the “Reception and Reintegration of Returned Persons” (RRP) project. The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the National Grants Officer, who will approve reports, authorizations, and the certification of results; secondarily, the consultant will be under the general supervision of the RRP National Project Officer.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Tasks to be performed under this contract
1. Labor Assessment and Guidance
- Identify and profile returned migrants to determine their skills, experience, and training needs.
- Develop occupational profiles.
- Promote access to labor skills certification programs, prioritizing job placement through engagement with the private sector and local recruiters.
2. Engagement with the Private Sector
- Develop and strengthen partnerships with the private sector, hiring companies, and local business networks (e.g., members of local sectoral or trade chambers) to facilitate job placement for project beneficiaries and raise awareness about hiring returned migrants.
- Create and update a database of partner companies and available job vacancies, managing direct contact between beneficiaries and employers using tools provided or approved by the project.
3. Follow-up and Support
- Provide personalized guidance to beneficiaries in preparing CVs, interview preparation, and submission of job applications.
- Monitor the job placement process and provide support during the first weeks of employment.
- Participate in job fairs and activities for guidance, job placement, and linking beneficiaries with private companies.
- Monitor and follow up on the job placement process, ensuring satisfaction for both beneficiaries and employers.
4. Information Management
- Maintain updated databases on participants, processes, and outcomes.
- Prepare monthly work plans and progress reports on cases handled, placement results, lessons learned, and operational challenges.
- Perform other activities as assigned by their supervisor and/or the “Reception and Reintegration of Returned Persons” (RRP) project.
- Number of returned persons who, through follow-up processes, have obtained official recognition of their educational, technical, and professional competencies, including English language proficiency, and hold official certification validating their skills and technical abilities.
- Rate of case management follow-up with positive economic reintegration outcomes.
- Percentage of returned persons who applied to at least one job vacancy after completing workforce development programs with assistance from the United States Government.
- Number of returned persons employed after participating in reintegration programs supported by the United States Government.
- Number of returned persons who received reception and/or reintegration services with support from the United States Government.
Category “A” Consultants: Tasks to be performed within the framework of this contract
1. Diagnosis and career guidance
- Identify and profile returned migrants to identify skills, experience and training needs.
- Develop occupational profiles
Promote access to job skills certification programs, prioritizing intermediation with the business sector and local recruiters.
2. Intermediation with the business sector
- Develop and strengthen alliances with the private sector, contracting companies and local business networks (e.g., members of local sectoral or trade associations), to facilitate the job placement of project beneficiaries and raise awareness about the hiring of returned migrants.
- Develop and update a database of partner companies and available vacancies, managing direct contact between beneficiaries and employers using the tools provided or approved by the project
3. Monitoring and support
- Provide personalized advice to beneficiaries on CV preparation, interview preparation, and submission of job application files.
- Monitor the job placement process and provide support during the first weeks of employment.
- Participate in job fairs and activities related to guidance, intermediation and job placement with private companies.
- Monitor and follow up on the job placement process, verifying compliance from both beneficiaries and employers.
4. Information Management
- Maintain up-to-date databases on participants, processes, and results.
- Prepare monthly work plans and monthly progress reports on cases handled, placement results, lessons learned, and operational challenges.
- Other activities that are assigned by your supervisor and/or the project “Reception and Reintegration of Returned Persons” (RRP).
Performance indicators for evaluating results
- Number of returned persons who, through follow-up processes, have obtained official recognition of their educational, technical and professional skills, including English language proficiency, and have official certification that accredits their technical skills and competencies.
- Follow-up rate for case management with positive results of economic reintegration.
- Percentage of returned individuals who applied to at least one job bank vacancy after completing workforce development programs with assistance from the United States Government.
- Number of people who returned with employment after their participation in reintegration programs supported by the United States government.
- Number of returned persons who received reception and/or reintegration services with support from the government of the United States of America.
QUALIFICATIONS
University degree in Economics, Business Administration, Human Resources, Community Development, Social Sciences, or related fields.
- At least 2 years of proven experience in job placement, recruitment and/or personnel selection, and engagement with the private sector (e.g., commerce, industry, services).
- Experience in programs serving migrant populations and social/economic reintegration projects is desirable.
- Ability to communicate and interact with local authorities, community actors, and especially private companies and/or recruiters.
- Knowledge of the migration context in Guatemala is desirable.
- Spanish Language is required
- The consultant is expected to reside in the assigned department and be willing to travel frequently within it and occasionally outside of it, including attending work meetings in Guatemala City as required.
Payment Schedule
Monthly payments against an activity report will be approved by the IOM technical supervisor. Monthly fee: Q12,600.00 (the issuance of an invoice is required, and any applicable income tax (ISR) is the responsibility of the consultant).
- 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.
- 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.
University degree in Economics, Business Administration, Human Resources, Community Development, Social Sciences or related areas.
- At least 2 years of verifiable experience in labor intermediation, placement and/or selection of personnel and linkage with the private sector (e.g., commerce, industry, services).
- Desirable experience in programs serving migrant populations and social/economic reintegration projects.
- Ability to communicate and interact with local authorities, community actors and especially with private companies and/or recruiters.
- Desirable knowledge of the migratory context in Guatemala.
- Spanish language is required
- The consultant must reside in the assigned department and be willing to move frequently within it and eventually outside of it; this includes attending work meetings to which they are summoned in Guatemala City.
Payment Schedule
Monthly payments will be made upon submission of an activity report and will be approved by the IOM technical supervisor. Monthly fee: Q12,600.00 (invoice is required, and any applicable income tax is the consultant’s responsibility).
Required Skills
Generals
- Proficient in Microsoft Office tools and information systems.
- Excellent communication, organizational and empathy skills to work with individuals, local groups, community groups and especially with private and/or public entities.
Values
- Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respect and promote individual and cultural differences. Foster diversity and inclusion to the greatest extent possible.
- Integrity and transparency: Respect strict ethical standards and act consistently with institutional principles, rules, and standards of conduct.
- Professionalism: Demonstrate the ability to work calmly, competently and with commitment, and to face daily challenges with sound judgment.
- Courage: Demonstrates a willingness to defend one’s position on important issues.
- Empathy: Showing compassion for others, making people feel safe, respected, and treated fairly.
Core competencies – performance indicators
- Achieving results: Producing and achieving quality results in a timely manner and with a service-oriented approach. Directing efforts toward action and being committed to achieving results.
- Teamwork: Develop and promote effective collaboration at all levels to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
- Knowledge management and exchange: Continuously seek opportunities to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
- Accountability: Taking ownership of achieving the Organization’s priorities and assuming responsibility for one’s own actions and delegated work.
- Communication: Encourage and facilitate clear and open communication. Explain complex issues, ensuring that you inform, inspire, and motivate.
Notes
Any offer made to the candidate in connection with this vacancy notice is subject to confirmation of funds.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for the position, as well as verification of residency, visa, and any relevant government authorizations, where applicable.
IOM covers consultants against work-related accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP) , at no cost, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation insurance or medical insurance for non-work-related accidents or illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-work-related accidents or illnesses and must provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work.
IOM has a zero-tolerance policy toward conduct inconsistent with the objectives and principles of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of power, and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religion, ethnic origin, or disability.
IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training, or other charges). IOM does not request bank information at any point in the process.
IOM only accepts applications that are properly completed and submitted through the IOM online recruitment system . This tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.