Request for Expression of Interest

MU10.REI 2025-08

Position Title:	Formulation of a National Diaspora Policy & Action Plan for the Republic of Mauritius (Category B)
Duty Station:	Port Louis, Mauritius
Type of Appointment:	Consultancy
Duration:	04 months
Estimated Start Date:	September 2025
Closing Date:	12 September 2025

 

 

Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting safe, orderly and humane migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

 

Context: 

 

The Republic of Mauritius has historically been associated with international migration. As a source and destination country for migrants, the Government of Mauritius is eager to leverage migration as a tool for socioeconomic development. The Government is eager to engage with its dispersed diaspora communities and leverage their capacity and resources to boost socio-economic development. In particular, the Government of Mauritius is keen in mobilizing and promoting diaspora engagement while recognising that diaspora communities have a lot to offer, through their entrepreneurial and innovative skills, capital, networks and other resources. A Mauritian Diaspora Scheme (MDS) was created in 2014 to attract members of the Mauritian diaspora to come back to the country and participate in its socio-economic development by way of incentives and easy access to permits. The scheme, which is implemented under the Investment Promotion Act of 2015 by the Economic Development Board, aims to encourage the return of skilled and high-net-worth Mauritians. Furthermore, the Mauritian diaspora is considered as a strategic partner for development in the National Migration and Development Policy & Action Plan (2018). The Mauritian diaspora living in other countries is estimated to 300,000 and represent a significant pool from which Mauritius can tap to further socio-economic development. 

 

In recent years, IOM has been supporting the Government of Mauritius in the mapping and profiling the Mauritian diaspora, and, in preparing the ground for engaging with the latter. Outreach and consultations with the Mauritian Diaspora have also been initiated to build bridges and initiate a two-way dialogue between the Government of Mauritius and the members of the diaspora. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade (MFA) is in the process of setting up of a Diaspora Cell to develop and nurture ties with the Mauritian diaspora and build mutual trust while developing, coordinating and facilitating diaspora initiatives and programmes. The cell will continually engage with and mobilize the diaspora to enhance their contribution to national development as well as meet their developmental, social and cultural needs. A draft National Diaspora Engagement Action Plan has been prepared and submitted to the MFA. At national level, IOM is also supporting the implementation of a Pilot Youth Diaspora Volunteering project in Mauritius. This project aims to leverage the skills and knowledge of young members of the Mauritian Diaspora to support local development needs and strengthen their cultural ties with their country of origin.

 

Since the beginning of 2022, United Nations agencies, in collaboration with the Government of Mauritius, have been implementing the Joint SDG Fund Project entitled “Contributing to establish an enabling environment to promote sustainable Green and Blue Economy in Mauritius and Seychelles”. As part of the project, IOM has supported the conduct of a study to assess the feasibility of developing innovative financing instruments to catalyse diaspora finance towards green and blue economy in Mauritius. The study has helped to develop an understanding of the current landscape of diaspora financing in Mauritius, to identify gaps and opportunities in diaspora financing. The feasibility study report contains key recommendations with respect to the development of innovative financing instruments to catalyse diaspora finance towards green and blue economy in Mauritius.

 

In parallel, IOM and UNDP are jointly supporting the Government of Mauritius, represented by the MFA, to implement a regional project, entitled: “Promoting Regional Integration Through Diaspora Capital”. Under this initiative, a study was conducted to assess the feasibility of establishing a Diaspora Skills Platform in Mauritius. In addition, a formative evaluation of the MDS was conducted, after which the evaluation report with key recommendations was submitted to the EDB.

 

A principal objective of the Dublin Declaration, which resulted from the 2022 Global Diaspora Summit (GDS), relates to “supporting diasporas to engage with their communities of origin and destination in a way that assists them to harness their social, economic, and cultural capital”. The creation of a Global Diaspora Policy Alliance (GDPA) to bring together interested governments was also a key recommendation from the Summit. In this context, IOM is implementing a global project to provide Member States and partners with multi-stakeholder and sectoral spaces of collaboration. The project endeavours to contribute to the empowerment and the recognition of diasporas as development partners through the implementation of the objectives stated in the Dublin Declaration and in alignment with the SDGs. This global project has facilitated the establishment of the GDPA, increase access of policymakers and relevant stakeholders to diaspora engagement best practices, toolkits and strategies and build capacity of diaspora leaders and organizations to allow them to fully participate in socio-economic development.  A key focus is also placed on empowering and including young members of the diaspora, ensuring they can fully participate in and contribute to sustainable development.

 

Besides, other public agencies and the private sector are also implementing a few projects and activities in Mauritius. Following the national general elections in November 2024, a new government was constituted. The new Government is determined to increase the contribution of the Mauritian diaspora and has felt the need for a national diaspora policy that will provide a structured approach for coordinating and harmonizing efforts for diaspora engagement. Indeed, the Government Programme 2025-2029 provides for the formulation of a Diaspora Policy to engage members of the Mauritian diaspora in the development of the country[1]. In addition, as per the 2025-2026 National Budget, the Government of Mauritius intends to:

1. replace the current Mauritius Diaspora Scheme by a new scheme to make it less restrictive for members of the Mauritian diaspora to come back to Mauritius while creating opportunities for them to participate directly in development.
2. set up a Diaspora and Global Advisory Council under the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). The Council will serve as a platform to encourage greater participation from the Mauritian diaspora and friends of Mauritius from overseas in the development of the country

 

The objective of the Diaspora Policy & Action Plan is to provide strategic action and policy framework to fulfilling the aspirations of the Government of Mauritius towards diaspora engagement in the Republic of Mauritius. The National Diaspora Policy & Action Plan will provide key considerations to the legal, regulatory, policy and institutional barriers and opportunities to diaspora engagement in Mauritius.

 

It is against this background that IOM is supporting the Government of Mauritius to hire a consultant to formulate the Mauritius National Diaspora Policy & Action Plan. The policy will serve as a guide for the Government of Mauritius to further leverage the Mauritian Diaspora to accelerate sustainable development.

 

Core Functions / Responsibilities: 

 

Purpose and scope of the Assignment

 

In view of the above, the Office of IOM for Mauritius & Seychelles is seeking the services of a consultant to support the Government of Mauritius to formulate a National Diaspora Policy & Action Plan as well as make recommendations with respect to the legal, regulatory and institutional frameworks to ease the implementation of the policy. This consultancy will be supported by the “Promoting Regional Integration Through Diaspora Capital” regional project.

 

The assignment will be undertaken under the overall supervision of the IOM Chief of Mission for Mauritius and Seychelles, and direct supervision of the National Partnership and Programme Officer, in close coordination with IOM Mauritius Programme Team and IOM specialists/experts. The assignment will be conducted in close coordination with the PMO, MFA and the National Diaspora Technical Working Group.

 

Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment

 

The consultant is expected to perform the following tasks / activities:

•        Conduct a quick review the literature on diaspora engagement at international and national levels, including a review of articles, documents, plans and reports produced over the past ten years or so

•        Undertake a mapping of key stakeholders in the diaspora engagement domain

•        Lead an inception meeting to present and discuss the methodology, timeframe and other elements for the conduct of the assignment

•        Prepare an inception report, outlining the methodology to be used, breakdown of work, workplan as well as an overview of stakeholders to be engaged with during the assignment. The inception report will be reviewed and validated by the PMO, MFA and IOM.

•   Conduct a comprehensive literature review and a desk review of international best practices as well as existing legislation, policies, reports, institutional structures, and coordination mechanisms pertaining to diaspora engagement in Mauritius, as well as at the regional and continental levels, from the broader perspective of the potential contribution of the diaspora to the country, such as, but not limited to, (a) remittances, (b) direct investment, (c) human and social capital transfer, (d) philanthropy, (e) investment, (f) tourism, (g) research and other relevant areas.

•  Using key informant interviews and other appropriate methods and tools, collect data from relevant national stakeholders, including representatives of Government institutions, academia, private sector, civil society organizations, and any other relevant stakeholders.

•     Use proper methods to gather data from the members of the Mauritian diaspora and Mauritian networks in selected countries

•      Consult High Commissions, Embassies and Consulate representatives to understand their views and expectations of the diaspora policy

•    Conduct an in-depth analysis of (a) international best practices on diaspora engagement; (b) existing data on the Mauritian diaspora; (c) relevant legal, regulatory, institutional and policy frameworks; (d) schemes to incentivise and attract the Mauritian diaspora; and (e) diaspora registration observing the principle of data protection.

•    Submit the draft National Diaspora Policy & Action Plan together with key recommendations to IOM and national stakeholders, to obtain additional inputs and comments.

•      Develop and finalize the Mauritius National Diaspora Policy & Action Plan to operationalize the implementation of the diaspora policy from broader perspective. The draft policy and action plan will be presented to key stakeholders for technical review and validation during a Validation Workshop. Comments and inputs will be incorporated in the final version, to be approved by IOM, the PMO and the MFA.

 

Deliverables

1.     An inception report with key details including the methodology, stakeholder mapping, literature/ document review and workplan

2.     Presentation of the key elements of the inception report at an inception meeting

3.     A situational analysis report

4.     A first draft National Diaspora Policy & Action Plan together with key recommendations to ensure its implementation

5.     A second draft National Diaspora Policy & Action Plan

6.     Presentation of the National Diaspora Policy & Action Plan at a validation meeting

7.     Final National Diaspora Policy & Action Plan with key comments incorporated

All documents are to be produced and delivered in English language.

 

Timeline

This assignment will be implemented during the period September to December 2025, but the actual timeline is subject to change based on the date the agreement is signed between IOM and the Consultant. The assignment shall last no longer than 4 months.

 

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

 

·       Regular engagement and progress meetings with IOM.

·       Satisfactory level of quality of the abovementioned deliverables.

·       Accuracy, depth and relevance of study and materials produced.

·       Timeliness of responses, attendance to meetings and keeping appointments as scheduled,

·       Ability to meet deadlines.

 

Required Qualifications and Experience

 

IOM is seeking applications from individual consultants and/or consortiums of individual consultants. The successful (lead) consultant should have a minimum of the following qualifications and experience:

 

Education

 

•     Advanced university degree in international relations, political science, international economics, demography, statistics, development studies, social or behavioural science, migration studies, gender and women studies or other relevant social sciences.

 

Experience & Skills

 

•       Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in academia, research institutes, think tanks, governmental, inter-governmental, or non-governmental organizations working on migration or related fields

•       Experience in facilitating working groups and discussion and actively engaging members

•       Working experience with senior officials within government, inter-governmental, and non-governmental organizations

•       Proven experience in conducting situational analysis, formulating policies and developing action plans, particularly those related to socio-economic development and diaspora engagement

•       Working experience in undertaking consultations and interacting with senior officials within government, inter-governmental and nongovernmental organizations

•       Proficiency in Microsoft Office, social media and online survey tools

•       Excellent communication and report writing skills

•       Ability to produce quality work accurately and concisely according to deadlines

•       Ability to work effectively and harmoniously in varied cultural and professional settings

 

 

Languages

 

Fluency in English and French languages is required; working knowledge of Mauritian Creole is an advantage.

 

Required Competencies

 

Values 

•       Inclusion and respect for diversity: encourages the inclusion of all team members and stakeholders while demonstrating the ability to work constructively with people with different backgrounds and orientations. 

•       Integrity and transparency: maintains impartiality and takes prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour. 

•       Professionalism: demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter and willingness to improve knowledge and skills.

      •       

Core Competencies

•       Teamwork: establishes strong relationships with colleagues and partners; relates well to people at all levels. 

•       Delivering results: produces quality results and provides quality services to clients.

•       Managing and sharing knowledge: shares knowledge and learning willingly, and proactively seeks to learn from the experiences of others. 

•       Accountability: operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. 

•       Communication: encourages others to share their views, using active listening to demonstrate openness and to build understanding of different perspectives. 

 Other

 

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

 

How to apply:

 

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications by email to iommauritius@iom.int with clear reference to the advert (MU10.REI 2025-08) in the subject line. The application package should include:

•       A detailed CV and duly filled P11 Form of the Consultant who will lead the assignment, including contact details of three (3) references. The Personal History (P11) form can be downloaded at the following link: https://ropretoria.iom.int/vacancies[2].

•       A Technical Proposal on your capacity and approach to the assignment, including conceptual framework, detailed methodology, workplan and timeframe.

•       A Financial Proposal indicating the consultant’s daily professional fees in USD, a breakdown of all costs and the total consultancy fees.

 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

 

Posting period:

From 21.08.2025 to 12.09.2025