Development of a research paper on "Enhancing Circular Pathways in the GCC for Green Transition"

Project Context and Scope:

The consultant will develop a research paper on the design of a regional model that capitalizes on migrant human resources by facilitating circular pathways and skills development in CoO and CoD, while promoting a rights-based approach to labour migration. This research will be conducted within the context of the growing GCC demand for green skills driven by economic diversification and the need to address climate-influenced mobility from the Asia-GCC corridor – both for foreign workers as well as GCC nationals.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries host a significant global migrant population, with over 70 per cent originating from Asian countries, including India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines. Driven by a quest to diversify their economies beyond oil, GCC nations are seeking a dynamic workforce to power new industries, including areas like renewable energies , e-government, and digitalization. This economic shift requires specific skill sets and "fresh and often foreign skills". The need for skilled workers in renewable energies directly links the GCC's labour demand to global climate mitigation strategies.

The research focuses on two interlinked streams to facilitate the mobility, skilling, and protection of migrants while addressing labour market needs.

Stream 1: Policy and Governance Analysis

This scoping study will examine existing legislative, regulatory, and policy frameworks and the structural reforms needed for effective circular mobility. The analysis will be expanded to include financial and protection mechanisms related to climate mobility:

• Harmonization of regional skills and qualification recognition frameworks will specifically assess the requirements and validation of green skills and qualifications for diversification sectors.
• Minimum common labour standards and conditions will be analyzed to ensure legislative frameworks provide adequate protection and flexibility for workers whose mobility may be influenced by climate-related environmental pressures.

Stream 2: Global Mapping and Regional Platform Model

This stream maps existing initiatives (like Singapore's Skills Future Initiative or the EU Talent Pool) to develop a model for an online regional circular pathways platform for job matching, skilling, and protection within the GCC.

• Mapping: The global mapping will include identifying successful models that link labour mobility and skills development with financial instruments and sustainable investment, seeking out initiatives that incorporate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards .
• Platform Design: The platform model, functioning as a "Green Talent Pool," will incorporate functionalities for tracking green skills and recommending relevant training modules for blue and white collar jobs for foreign workers and GCC nationals.

Strategic Alignment: Beyond the national contexts, the Gulf region has been taking more prominence on the global development and geopolitical stage. This aligns with the Executive Bureau's strategic goal of increasing research and studies in labor and social policies. It also supports Pillars 2 and 3 of the GCC labor committees' strategy for

The Gulf countries' participation in regional and global policy dialogues and processes that focus on migration and broader megatrends offers fertile grounds for IOM to strengthen its rapport with the GCC and facilitate the region's growing engagement with migration.

Global Compact for Migration (GCM): The engagement directly advances GCM Objective 5 (to enhance availability and flexibility of pathways for regular migration) as it fosters dialogue on best practices to implement the Global Compact for Migration (GCM)

Abu Dhabi Dialogue (ADD): The research is strategically linked to the ADD Research Programme.

Alignment on Green Transition and Financial Mechanism :

• Green Skills Focus: The research paper will look into the regional skills harmonization process to specifically assess the requirements and validation of green skills and qualifications .
• Climate Mobility: The research explicitly links the Asia-GCC corridor to Theme 1: "Climate Change and Labor Mobility," highlighting the need to analyze legislative frameworks to protect workers whose mobility is influenced by climate-related environmental pressures .

RESPONSIBILITIES

Deliverable 1: Submission of a draft report integrating all draft findings from concise desk review report summarizing findings from legal and policy sources identifying gaps, comparative data and preliminary policy recommendations for IOM's review on. The first deliverable must be submitted by email on 30 November 2025, payment of USD 9,375 is to be made within 15 days of receipt and approval of the required deliverable.

Deliverable 2: Submission of the final report incorporating IOM feedback. The second deliverable must be submitted by email on 31st December 2025, payment of USD 3,125 is to be made within 15 days of receipt and approval of the required deliverable.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Experience and/or skills required

Education

• University degree in Labour Economics, Migration Studies, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Statistics, or a related field from an accredited academic institution.
• Advanced degree in a related field is an advantage.

Experience

• At least 5 years of professional experience in labour migration research, wage policy analysis or related areas.
• Demonstrated expertise in quantitative and qualitative research, including data collection, validation and comparative analysis across multiple Asian countries.
• Proven track record in producing analytical reports and policy recommendations for government or intergovernmental bodies.
• Familiarity with international labour standards, wage protection mechanisms and fair recruitment principles.
• Prior experience working with Regional Consultative Processes, UN agencies or international organisations is an advantage.

Skills

• Strong analytical and statistical skills, with the ability to interpret and present complex data clearly.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; ability to produce high-quality reports under tight timelines.
• Knowledge of labour migration contexts in Asia and/or the Gulf Cooperation Council region is desirable.

Language

• Fluency in English is required

In your submission please include a development of a detailed workplan outlining the research approach, data collection methods, and the stakeholder consultation plan to RO MENA for review and approval as art of the application package.

NOTE - Final Hiring is subject to funding confirmation.