International Consultant CC-2024-22

Position Title: Consultant to Support Provision of Upgrades for E-visa Platform in Armenia

Duty Station: Yerevan, Armenia

Type of Appointment: Consultant (6 months)

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: November 25, 2024

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and nongovernmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

Context:

Background of the activity

The IOM Mission in Armenia is implementing the project “Strengthening Regular Pathways through the Improvement of the Visa Issuance Framework in the Republic of Armenia”. This two-year project is funded by the IOM Development Fund (IOMDF) and aims to enhance pathways for regular migration to Armenia through an improved visa issuance system. Specifically, it will support the strengthening of the Armenian Migration and Citizenship Service’s (MCS) capacity to process e-visa applications and provide quality service to applicants. The MCS is aiming to implement a series of upgrades for the system and integrate functionalities to handle the cases more efficiently and consistently such as streamlined online application forms, document upload and verification, data analysis and reporting, and data backup and recovery.

The responsibilities of the consultant will be primarily focused on assistance to IOM and the Migration and Citizenship Service with identification of the specific needs related to the improvement of the e-visa issuance system and assessment of the technical specifications of the current platform. At the current stage, it is expected that the visa system should be able to process the new type of visa applications – working visas (A-Type), therefore, the overall goal of the consultancy will be to ensure that the system is ready to handle the specified type of visa. However, the final deliverable should be also aimed at further enhancement of the platform’s functionality in the future.

The task of the consultant will include carrying out a thorough analysis of the existing software and hardware components of the e-visa issuance system. This exercise will serve as a basis for the subsequent selection of an IT company that will implement the necessary improvements, therefore, the consultant will be required to assist MCS with drafting and reviewing the respective Terms of Reference.

General Objective of the Consultancy

Given the substantial IT dimension inherent in the project’s activities, its successful implementation requires specialised knowledge in the field of information and communication technology, cybersecurity, and database management particularly within an e-governance framework. Therefore, the consultancy mainly involves assistance to IOM and the Migration and Citizenship Service with the identification of the specific needs related to the improvement of the SPR and assessment of the technical specifics of the current database, including its preparedness for future upgrades.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Office, direct supervision of the Programme Officer, and in close coordination with the Migration and Citizenship Service, as well as with other relevant governmental stakeholders, the successful candidate will undertake the following tasks and provide the following deliverables:

I. Perform a comprehensive assessment of the E-visa system.

• Examine the e-visa issuance system in its current form: identify technical specifications of the system and connected databases, existing safety protocols, conduct assessment of infrastructure currently at place, including servers and data storage infrastructure, network bandwidth, communication infrastructure, and ICT equipment such as workstations.

• Perform an assessment of interoperability with relevant systems (e.g. Border Management Information System, Work Permit System) and identify shortcomings, to allow the establishment of a cohesive and efficient digital ecosystem for migration management and border management.

• Conduct interviews with the stakeholders interacting with the current e-visa system. The main operator and administrator of the system is MCS, however it is also accessed and used by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Security Service.

• Explore the capacity for scalability of the system from the technical point of view in the light of potential introduction of new types of visas in future.

II. Formulate the needs for the improvement of the e-visa platform.

• Produce a technical needs assessment that will lay the foundation for further improvement of the system based on the analysis of the e-visa platform and through consultations with the Migration and Citizenship Service.

• The needs assessment should include the technical specifications of the e-visa platform, features to be considered to ensure interoperability with other relevant systems, security protocols, and hardware specifications required to ensure the functioning of the system.

• Based on the performed review, identify ways for improvement of the e-visa platform and the appropriate method to carry out this improvement successfully. The assessment should include clear recommendations for improvements and alignment with international standards and standards of the European Union.

III. Assist IOM project staff and MCS in selection of and liaison with IT-service providers.

• Utilize specific IT and e-governance expertise to advise IOM project staff on IT issues related to the upgrading of the e-visa platform.

• Provide expert assistance in drafting terms of reference for the selection of service provider for e-visa system upgrades as well as serve as an advisor during the selection of the service provider and communication between IOM, MCS and hired IT company on ICT-specific issues.

Deliverables

Category B Consultant is hired to provide the bellow deliverables, according to the proposed timeline:

Deliverable 1 (by 31/01/2025):

– Visit to the Migration and Citizenship Service to conduct interviews with relevant key stakeholders, perform assessment of the e-visa system from software and hardware points of view.

– Preliminary findings to be used for the report, including an overview of the current state of e-visa platform, containing detailed technical specifications of the software and hardware parts of the system.

Deliverable 2 (by 31/03/2025):

• Comprehensive draft of the report, containing mapping of the current state-of-play and proposed solutions for the improvement of the e-visa platform.

Deliverable 3 (by 12/04/2025):

– Presentation of the final version of the report to stakeholders and IOM.

– Clear and concise terms of reference for the selection of an IT company that will carry out the improvement of the e-visa platform.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Advanced degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with four years of relevant professional experience; or,

• University degree in the above fields with five years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Experience in management of ICT functions in an international organization or an international agency in a field location.

• Proven experience in e-governance, particularly in compliance and standards, with a focus on database management.

• Experience in working with international organizations and UN agencies, is an advantage.

• Proven experience in engaging with stakeholders to understand business needs and translate to digital solutions.

• Hands on experience in planning, design, development, implementation, and maintenance of computer information systems.

Languages

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Armenian or Russian is an advantage.

Required Competencies

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the following values and competencies:

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

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

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. Vaccination against COVID-19 will be required for IOM personnel who are hired or otherwise engaged by IOM. As part of the mandatory medical entry on duty clearance, candidates may be requested to provide evidence of full vaccination. Consultants engaged to work on a home-based consultancy who do not need to travel do not need to provide vaccination records, regardless of the length of the consultancy contract.
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 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.
5. 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.