Individual Consultancy: Finalization of Refugees Socioeconomic Studies

Deadline for ApplicationsSeptember 16, 2025

Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)A (least hardship)

Family Type (not applicable for home-based)

Family

Staff Member / Affiliate TypeCONS Local

Target Start Date2025-09-15

Terms of ReferenceContract type: Individual Consultancy

Engagement type: Lump-sum

Contract duration: 15/09/2025 - 15/11/2025

Position Location: Home-based

Purpose of project (summary): This consultancy aims to support the completion of two strategic studies developed under the partnership between UNHCR and the World Bank, focused on promoting the socioeconomic inclusion of refugees and migrants in Brazil. The first study analyses the impact of diploma revalidation and professional qualification recognition on the employability and economic integration of refugees and other forcibly displaced persons. The second study investigates the determinants of labor market inclusion of Venezuelan refugees and migrants in Brazil. The completion of these studies seeks to provide evidence to inform and improve public policies and interinstitutional actions aimed at protecting and integrating this population.

General Background of Project or Assignment, Operational Context:
Brazil has adopted an open and welcoming policy in response to the Venezuelan humanitarian crisis, notably through the federal government led “Operação Acolhida”. This program provides humanitarian assistance and supports the voluntary relocation of Venezuelan refugees and migrants from the border state of Roraima to other regions of the country. However, Roraima’s labor market and public services are under increasing strain, making relocation essential to expanding economic opportunities. Despite the relocation of over 150,000 Venezuelans, refugees and migrants still face significant challenges in accessing the labor market. Generating evidence to inform public policies that support this population integration is therefore critical. In this context, UNHCR and the World Bank have partnered to implement an analytical study aimed at supporting the labor market integration of Venezuelan refugees and migrants in Brazil. The goal is to produce a co-authored paper analyzing the determinants of their labor inclusion.
Another major barrier faced by refugees and migrants is the difficulty of accessing jobs that match their educational background, due to the need for diploma revalidation in the host country. For refugees, the revalidation of foreign diplomas is critical to access skilled jobs but there is a need of evidence on the impacts on the quality of the refugee’s socioeconomic inclusion. While studies show that superior education obtained in host countries tends to yield better labour market outcomes, little is known about the effects of validating foreign-acquired credentials. In this context, a second study is being conducted to assess the impact of diploma revalidation on the employability of refugees, which also requires finalization through this consultancy.
In summary, the World Bank and UNHCR are conducting two analytical studies focused on the socioeconomic inclusion of refugees and migrants in Brazil. The first analyses the determinants of labor market inclusion of Venezuelan refugees and migrants, with a focus on barriers, opportunities, and public policies. The second examines the impact of diploma revalidation on the employability of refugees. Together, these studies aim to generate evidence to inform public policy and interinstitutional strategies that promote the economic integration and autonomy of these populations. The objective of this consultancy is to review the draft studies, incorporate missing analytical elements, and finalize the documents for broad dissemination.

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
To view occupational safety and health considerations for specific duty stations, please visit this link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Purpose and Scope of Assignment:
The purpose of this assignment is to support the finalization of two analytical studies developed under the partnership between UNHCR and the World Bank, focused on the socioeconomic inclusion of refugees and migrants in Brazil. The consultant will be responsible for reviewing the draft versions of both studies, identifying analytical gaps, and incorporating additional elements required to complete the research and the final reports.
The studies respectively address (i) the impact of diploma revalidation on the employability of refugees, and (ii) the determinants of labour market inclusion of Venezuelan refugees and migrants in Brazil. UNHCR and the World Bank will provide technical guidance throughout the assignment, including direction on necessary adjustments, analytical refinements, and priority areas to be addressed. The consultant is expected to contribute to the preparation of final versions ready for publication and dissemination.

Estimated Timeline and Expected Tasks:

Below is an estimated timeline for the consultancy and the expected tasks:
1. Study: Determinants of Labor Market Inclusion of Refugees and Migrants
• Estimated time: 9 working days (analytical work)
• Review the current draft and incorporate adjustments suggested by the World Bank and UNHCR
• Replicate the analysis for the Brazilian population and conduct a comparative analysis
• Produce the executive summary of the study (2 pages)
• Produce power point presentation and present the results to teams from the World Bank, UNHCR, and invited stakeholders
• Finalize the study based on guidance from both institutions and present the report during a workshop.

2. Study: Recognition of Diplomas and Qualifications of Refugees and Migrants
• Estimated time: 5 working days (analytical work)
• Review the current draft and incorporate adjustments suggested by the World Bank and UNHCR
• Revise the model specification and identify a suitable instrumental variable for the analysis
• Produce the executive summary of the study (2 pages)
• Produce power point presentation and present the results to teams from the World Bank, UNHCR, and invited stakeholders
• Finalize the study based on guidance from both institutions and present the report during a workshop.

Required qualifications, language(s) and work experience:
• Master's degree in Economics (preferred), Social Service, International Relations or related field;
• At least five (05) years of relevant professional and/or academic experience in social protection, social services and social policies in Brazil, experience with migration topics is a plus.
• Language requirements:
Required - English (C1)
Desirable - Spanish (B2) or Portuguese (B2)

Skills:
- Ability to write clearly and concisely and synthesize and organize complex information from various written and oral sources into a comprehensive, policy-oriented document.
- Excellent analytical ability demonstrated through publications related to labour market, social assistance and development policy.
- Experience in working with technical teams/consultants to prepare analytical work for policy development and debate.
- Solid and up-to-date understanding of refugee and migration issues and the provision of the Brazilian social assistance services and access to labour market in general.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

Monitoring and Progress Controls:
The consultant’s work will be monitored through regular check-ins with the World Bank and UNHCR teams, including feedback sessions. Deliverables will be submitted after review and necessary adjustments and will be considered final upon approval by both institutions, triggering full payment.
Performance will be assessed based on the quality, clarity, and rigor of the analysis, adherence to deadlines, and responsiveness to comments. For both analytical tasks - labour market inclusion and diploma recognition - the consultant will produce technical notes and may prepare a PowerPoint presentation for UNHCR and World Bank partners and government stakeholders. Final reports are expected by 30 November 2025, in English, using the World Bank Publications and Research (formal publications and working papers) format. See World Bank Documents & Reports (D&R) site1 , with intermediate outputs reviewed periodically to ensure alignment with project objectives.

Below is an estimated timeline for the consultancy and the expected tasks:
1. Study: Determinants of Labor Market Inclusion of Refugees and Migrants
• Estimated time: 9 working days (analytical work)
• Review the current draft and incorporate adjustments suggested by the World Bank and UNHCR
• Replicate the analysis for the Brazilian population and conduct a comparative analysis
• Produce the executive summary of the study (2 pages)
• Produce power point presentation and present the results to teams from the World Bank, UNHCR, and invited stakeholders
• Finalize the study based on guidance from both institutions and present the report during a workshop.

2. Study: Recognition of Diplomas and Qualifications of Refugees and Migrants
• Estimated time: 5 working days (analytical work)
• Review the current draft and incorporate adjustments suggested by the World Bank and UNHCR
• Revise the model specification and identify a suitable instrumental variable for the analysis
• Produce the executive summary of the study (2 pages)
• Produce power point presentation and present the results to teams from the World Bank, UNHCR, and invited stakeholders
• Finalize the study based on guidance from both institutions and present the report during a workshop.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Eligibility:

This position is advertised to internal and external applicants. Candidates must be legally present in Brazil at the time of application, recruitment and hire. Only Brazil citizens or candidates legally present in Brazil will be considered eligible.

Only short-listed candidates will be notified. The recruitment process might include written test and/or oral interview for this job opening. No late applications will be accepted.

Remuneration:

UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees).

A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered depending on relevant experience as per the requirements of the job advertisement.

Applications:

All applications must be submitted online in Workday. Email applications will not be accepted. Incomplete and late applications will not be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates might be required to sit for a written test and/or oral interview.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted based on the information submitted during the application. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

UNHCR is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, sexual orientation, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. UNHCR seeks to ensure that male and female employees are given equal career opportunities. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

UNHCR has a zero-tolerance policy against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA). SEA is unacceptable behavior and prohibited conduct for UNHCR personnel. It constitutes acts of serious misconduct and is therefore grounds for disciplinary measures, including dismissal. Any concerns or suspicions about a possible case of SEA should be reported immediately to the Inspector General’s Office (IGO) at inspector@unhcr.org or through the online complain form at https://www.unhcr.org/php/complaints.php or by confidential fax: +41 22 739 73 80.

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Required Languages English

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Other informationThis position doesn't require a functional clearance

RemoteNo