Project development support for CARICOM Regional Migration Policy implementation

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.

CARICOM Heads of Government mandated that the CARICOM Secretariat, in collaboration with relevant UN agencies, develop a regional migration policy. Since 2022, IOM has been supporting the Secretariat in the development of the CARICOM Regional Migration Policy Framework and Plan of Action. With the Framework nearing completion and consideration by Member States for its finalization and adoption, CARICOM is looking to begin implementation as soon as possible. This project proposal will help the Secretariat institutionalize the policy framework and begin its work as a key implementer at the regional level, while supporting Member States in their implementation.

The UN Online Volunteer will serve as the lead developer of the project proposal, working in direct coordination with the Crime and Security Programme Lead of the CARICOM and under the supervision of the Programme Officer of the IOM, with the objective of producing a comprehensive and technically sound project proposal that will enable the CARICOM Secretariat to operationalize and initiate the implementation of the CARICOM Regional Migration Policy Framework (CRMPF). The assignment will include integrating inputs provided by the Secretariat and IOM, developing the project logic (overall objective, specific objectives, theory of change, and expected results), defining initial components and activities for implementation, preparing a preliminary work plan, and formulating a basic budget estimate, resulting in a well-structured proposal aligned with UN results-based management standards.