Migration Data Reporting for the Caribbean

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It supports governments and migrants by offering services and policy guidance to ensure migration is managed safely, responsibly, and with dignity; contributing to development, humanitarian response, and the protection of human rights. In the Caribbean, migration has been central to shaping the region’s identity. From the tragedy of slavery to today’s vibrant diasporas and multi-generational migrant communities, mobility remains both a cornerstone of society and an enduring aspiration. Today, the region faces growing challenges such as climate change, demographic shifts, and labor shortages among them. Migration can serve as a vital tool to enhance resilience, foster inclusive development, and support effective governance. Composed largely of small island developing states (SIDS), the Caribbean has unique vulnerabilities. Economies are dependent on imports, tourism, and remittances, with populations clustered in coastal areas. This makes countries especially vulnerable to climate-related disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and sea level rise. Without stronger investment in preparedness and adaptation, the risk of displacement is likely to grow. At the same time, ageing populations and ongoing outward migration, especially to the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., are creating labor gaps in key sectors. While CARICOM’s intra-regional labor mobility offers solutions, attracting external labor may become necessary, marking a shift for a region traditionally seen as one of origin.

The report addressed under this assignment requires a 2025 update to reflect the most recent available data from open sources and IOM datasets. Outdated information limits the relevance of analytical findings and can affect how trends, risks, and priorities are interpreted. There is therefore a need to systematically download, clean, validate, and analyse up to date datasets, and to integrate the results into the report through clear and evidence-based narrative explanations. Through this assignment, the Online Volunteer will strengthen the quality and relevance of the report by ensuring that analysis is based on current data and that findings are clearly articulated, highlighting key implications for migration and displacement in the Caribbean.

We are looking for 1 experienced Online Volunteers who, under the supervision of the programme officer will support the updating of the 2024 data report on migration and displacement in the English and Dutch Speaking Caribbean. More specifically, the Online Volunteers is asked to support translating analytical findings into clear, policy-relevant narratives. Key responsibilities include: The Online Volunteers will receive a list of data and technical guidance and are expected to provide regular progress updates during weekly coordination calls. The assignment offers practical experience in applying data analysis to inform evidence-based decision-making on migration, displacement, and disaster impacts in the Caribbean. Candidates should have previous experience in reporting on migration related issues, preferably in the Caribbean and be skilled in the use of standard methodologies for data analysis. A degree related data analysis or other related fields is considered an asset. The Online Volunteers will have the opportunity to build connections with the team at IOM Barbados and learn about the ways in which data can support consolidating displacement and migration information, programming and policy in the region. Work would include virtual meetings, exchanges over email to receive data, weekly meeting for 1 hour to check in with team. Working with excel and PPT templates for analysis, data compilation and reporting