Returned Qualified Nationals (RQN)

TO SERVE AT HAWASSA UNIVERSITY

Terms of Reference

Apply now for a short-term placement program as an Ethiopian Diaspora Expert!

Are you currently living and working abroad? Would you like to engage in a skill transfer program in your country of origin for a limited period?

Then apply as a diaspora expert!

1. Introduction

IOM is working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora services/departments under the Better Regional Migration Management Program to implement a Return of Qualified Nationals (RQN), Diaspora Engagement activity in Ethiopia. The activity's aim is to identify and engage skilled and qualified diaspora who have left and who are ready to give back to their country of origin by volunteering to improve institutions capacity in key socio-economic sectors agreed with the governments, such as education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, civil engineering, financial systems, and information technology.

The programme offers support for three-month assignments with state institutions or public-benefit organisations such as government agencies, academic institutions, and health facilities. The programme welcomes individuals from different careers and sectors, such as educators, organisational developers, mechanical engineers, doctors, and other health care professionals.

If you are an Ethiopian diaspora expert or professional residing abroad, we cordially invite you to join our Short-Term Placement Program and embark on a transformative journey that leverages your expertise for national progress.

2. Objective of the Assignment

·       Facilitating the engagement of the professional diaspora in short-term placements in the selected fields at the university.

·       Enhancing the skills, expertise, and knowledge of local professionals through interaction with diaspora experts.

·       Promoting the transfer of innovative practices, technologies, and methodologies.

·       Strengthening partnerships and collaborations between the diaspora and local agricultural institutions.

3. Areas of  Possible Intervention:

1.      Computer Science: The professional diaspora in computer science will contribute their expertise to enhance technological advancements, digital innovation, and information systems in various fields.

2.      Medicine and Health Science: The professional diaspora in medicine and health science will collaborate with local healthcare professionals to improve healthcare delivery, advance medical research, and enhance public health practices.

3.      Agriculture: The professional diaspora in agriculture will work with local farmers, researchers, and agricultural institutions to promote sustainable farming practices, introduce innovative techniques, and improve crop productivity and food security.

4.      Business and Economics: The professional diaspora in business and economics will support local entrepreneurs, businesses, and policymakers in areas such as strategic planning, market analysis, financial management, and fostering economic growth.

5.      Capacity Building: The professional diaspora will engage in capacity-building initiatives to enhance the skills, knowledge, and expertise of local staff across various sectors. This includes providing training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to empower local professionals and strengthen institutional capacity.

4. What We Offer

·       Local support during your assignment from our team of coordinators in the university

·       Financial assistance towards expenses during the assignment in country

·       Paid round-trip travel expenses

·       A basic insurance package

·       Local support during your assignment from our team of coordinators

 

5. Required Qualifications, Experience and Competences

a.      Computer Science:

·       Qualifications: Advanced degree (advanced degree, Ph.D., M.Sc., or equivalent) in computer science or a related field.

·       Experience: Demonstrated expertise in areas such as software development, artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, or computer networks.

·       Competences: Proficiency in programming languages, strong problem-solving skills, ability to analyze complex systems, and stay updated with emerging technologies.

b.      Medicine and Health Science:

·       Qualifications: Medical or health science degree (MD, MBBS, public health, nursing or equivalent) with specialization in a relevant field.

·       Experience: Extensive clinical experience, research background, and understanding of healthcare systems and practices.

·       Competences: Strong diagnostic and clinical skills, knowledge of evidence-based medicine, ability to collaborate in interdisciplinary teams, and familiarity with healthcare technology and electronic medical records.

c.      Agriculture:

·       Qualifications: Degree in agriculture, agronomy, horticulture, or related fields.

·       Experience: Practical experience in agricultural practices, crop management, soil science, pest and disease control, and knowledge of sustainable agricultural techniques.

·       Competences: Understanding of local farming conditions, ability to implement modern farming methods, familiarity with agricultural technologies and equipment, and expertise in crop diversification and yield optimization.

d.      Business and Economics:

·       Qualifications: Degree in business administration, economics, finance, or a related field.

·       Experience: Proven experience in business management, finance, entrepreneurship, or economic development.

·       Competencies: Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, knowledge of market trends and economic principles, ability to develop business plans and financial models, and effective communication and negotiation skills.

e.      Capacity Building to Improve Local Staff:

·       Qualifications: Advanced degree in a relevant field, such as education, organizational development, or human resources.

·       Experience: Experience in designing and delivering training programs, conducting needs assessments, and facilitating capacity-building initiatives.

Competences: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, ability to assess learning needs and develop customized training plans, knowledge of adult learning principles, and experience in evaluating training effectiveness.

 

Experience

·       Currently living abroad and have a migration history from Ethiopia

·       Completed a university degree in one of the above-mentioned fields

·       At least eight years of practical and relevant professional experience abroad in the field in which you would like to work during your assignment.

·       Willing to undertake a short-term assignment of three months in a development-related area

·       Excellent knowledge of English, including the ability to write reports clearly and concisely and to set out a coherent argument in presentation and group interactions

·       Full computer literacy, including familiarity with research tools

6. Supervision

The expert will be attached to Hawassa University and his/her daily work will be supervised by the contact person/supervisor allocated to him/her within the respective college. The work of the expert will also be closely monitored by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) during the duration of his/her assignment. 

7. Duration and Location

The Contract will have a duration of three (3) months and the professional diaspora can choose to work either on-site or remotely and the deployment can be any time between 1 June – 31 January 2025.

8. Reporting Obligation and Deliverables

Skill development: The main duty of the eligible Diaspora expert that will be used to evaluate his/her performance will be to ensure regular and consistent sharing of knowledge and skills as related to the assignment.

·       Work plan: The immediate supervisor will create a work plan with the assignee in the first week of the assignment to outline clear and time-bound activities to achieve the outputs of the assignment. The supervisor of the hosting institution and IOM will receive this work plan. This work plan can be updated during the assignment to accommodate new developments or changes.

·       Monthly Updates: The Diaspora expert will send monthly reports on their progress to the supervisor at the host institution and IOM.

·       Departure interview: A departure interview will be done to collect feedback and suggestions for future projects by other specialists.

9. How to Apply

To apply for this Short-Term placement opportunity, interested and eligible applicants can send a motivation letter, CV and contact information (email and phone number) of two professional references to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) at ehoarorqn_eth@iom.int   

The closing date of this application is 31 January 2025.