The call provides opportunities for experts to contribute to short-term and medium-term technical assistance assignments supporting migration and forced displacement governance in partner countries.
About ICMPD
The International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) is an international organisation with 21 Member States that supports governments in establishing robust, rights-based migration management systems in more than 100 countries.
About the EU-MIDCAP Project
The European Union Migration and Displacement Capacity Assistance Project (EU-MIDCAP) is a peer-to-peer Facility supporting partner-country authorities, civil society organisations and regional bodies in developing migration and forced displacement management systems in line with international standards.
Funded by the European Union (DG INTPA), the project is co-implemented by a consortium led by ICMPD together with UNHCR, UNICEF and authorities from Belgium, Czechia, Poland, Spain and Sweden.
The Facility operates through a peer-to-peer approach, bringing together practitioners from EU Member States and partner countries to address shared migration and displacement challenges.
Job Summary
- Employer: International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD)
- Job Type: Contract
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Project Management
- Closing Date: 2027-12-31
Key Responsibilities
- Short-term technical assistance missions in Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, the Pacific Region, Latin America and the Caribbean.
- Assessments, reviews, trainings and study visits.
- Legislative drafting and policy support.
- Research and data-related assignments.
- Capacity development activities.
- Development of standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Participation in a global community of experts supporting migration and forced displacement governance.
Requirements
- Candidates should have an advanced degree in: Migration studies, International human rights law, Public policy, Social sciences, International development, A related field
- A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience is required in areas such as: Legal migration, Migration and development, Irregular migration, Forced displacement, Other migration-related areas
- Experience should relate to one or more of the following regions: Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Pacific Region, Latin America and the Caribbean
- Candidates should demonstrate: Experience working with government institutions, preferably with international exposure, Strong analytical, drafting, facilitation and communication skills, A proven record of delivering practical technical assistance, Experience with trainings and workshops, Experience developing SOPs and policy documents, Experience supporting policy implementation
- For Data Management Experts , migration-related experience is preferred.
- Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Russian and/or other local languages is an asset.
- This call is open to personnel from EU Member State public administrations , including: National and local authorities, Diplomatic representations, Specialised public agencies, Public academic institutions
How to Apply
REF Code: CfE 0926/F523/Call for Experts
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications do I need to be competitive for an EU-MIDCAP Experts and Action Roster role in Zimbabwe?
A master's degree in migration studies, international relations, law, or public administration is typically expected. Certifications in project management (PRINCE2, PMP) and EU-funded programme experience significantly strengthen your application. Fluency in English and working knowledge of French or Portuguese are often advantageous given ICMPD's regional scope.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities for this project management role?
You will coordinate technical assistance missions, draft project documentation and reports for EU donors, and liaise with government stakeholders including the Department of Immigration. Regular tasks include monitoring project indicators, organising workshops in Harare or provincial centres, and ensuring compliance with EU procurement and financial rules. Travel within Zimbabwe and occasionally to Brussels or regional hubs is common.
How does the local work culture in Zimbabwe affect contract-based project management positions?
Zimbabwean professional environments value relationship-building and respect for hierarchy, so invest time in cultivating trust with ministry counterparts before pushing deliverables. Punctuality is appreciated but flexibility is often needed due to infrastructure challenges like power outages or fuel shortages. Demonstrating patience and cultural sensitivity with diverse stakeholders—from civil servants to international consultants—is essential for success.
What realistic career progression paths exist after working on EU-funded migration projects in Zimbabwe?
Strong performers often advance to senior advisory roles within ICMPD or move to other international organisations like IOM or UNHCR regional offices. Others transition into government as technical advisors or policy directors within the Ministry of Home Affairs. Building expertise in EU funding modalities also opens doors to consultancy work with European development agencies operating across Southern Africa.
What benefits should I expect or negotiate for a contract position with an international organisation in Zimbabwe?
Contracts typically include medical aid coverage, though you should verify whether this extends to private facilities in Harare or requires co-payments. Annual leave usually ranges between 20-25 working days, and some contracts include hardship allowances or security provisions given Zimbabwe's economic volatility. Pension contributions vary by contract type, so clarify whether the organisation provides any retirement benefits or if you must arrange personal schemes.
How should I apply and what do employers like ICMPD look for in Zimbabwe-based candidates?
Submit applications through official ICMPD portals with tailored CVs highlighting EU project experience and knowledge of Zimbabwe's migration governance landscape. Employers prioritise candidates with proven track records managing donor-funded programmes, strong report-writing skills, and existing networks within Zimbabwe's public sector. Include specific examples of successful stakeholder coordination and familiarity with EU financial and administrative procedures.
