Background
The KAS Regional Programme Gulf States, in cooperation with the Gulf Labour Markets, Migration, and Population (GLMM) Programme at the Gulf Research Center (GRC) are implementing the second phase of their joint research project titled, “Stepwise and Return Migration between the Gulf, Europe, and North America.” This measure follows the first phase focused on “Highly Skilled Migration to the Gulf States: How Do GCC Countries Fare in the Global Competition for Talent?”
This measure aims to investigate the evolving transnational migration patterns of non-Gulf highly skilled professionals who relocate from countries within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to Europe (Germany, France, and the United Kingdom) and North America (the United States and Canada). In a number of cases, these professionals subsequently return to the Gulf, either permanently or as part of cyclical or onward migration processes.
The project will comprehensively explore the diversity of migration experiences by analysing various forms of mobility, including repeated migration, secondary migration, serial migration, onward movement, and stepwise migration. In addition, it will examine the structure and direction of these move-ments through an assessment of different migration trajectories: linear, circular, lateral, and hierarchical. By mapping these patterns and trajectories, the project seeks to generate deeper insights into the motivations, strategies, and outcomes associated with highly skilled migration between the Gulf, Europe, and North America, while also contributing to evidence-based policy discussions on talent mo-bility, return migration, and labour market dynamics across these regions.
1. Tasks
- In close coordination with GLMM and KAS, the selected contractor will:
- Conduct in-depth editorial reviews of 11 policy briefs (around 2,000 words each), ensuring clarity, coherence, policy relevance, and alignment with the established Terms of Reference (ToRs).
- Review and provide critical feedback on two background papers, one statistical report, and 1 legal report (2,000~5,500 words each), focusing on analytical depth, methodological soundness, and actionable recommendations.
- Evaluate and edit three additional research outputs: bibliography, a pilot survey report, and a strategic plan for a larger survey, ensuring consistency alignment with project goals.
- Ensure all policy briefs meet high editorial standards, KAS rules for publications, and effectively communicate evidence-based recommendations tailored to policymakers.
2. Deliverables
- Review and edit 11 policy briefs approximately 2,000 words each, incorporating structural edits, clarity improvements, and actionable policy framing.
- Review and edit two background papers, one statistical report and, one legal report (approxi-mately 5,500 words each).
- Review and edit the finalised versions of the bibliography, pilot survey report, and plan for a larger survey.
- Ensure that authors adhere to KAS’ Citation Style Guide.
3. Timeline
- 28 July 2025 – Deadline to complete editorial review of Batch 1 (8 policy briefs)
- 04 August 2025 – Deadline to complete editorial review of Batch 2 (3 policy briefs)
- 08 September 2025 – Deadline to complete editorial review of all 2 background papers
- 15 September 2025 – Deadline to review and approve final versions of all 11 policy briefs
- 29 September 2025 – Deadline to review and approve final versions of the background papers
- 15 October 2025 – Deadline to complete editorial review of the statistical report, legal report, bibliography and survey plan.
4. Contract and Renumeration
- The selected contractor will sign a contract with KAS Regional Programme Gulf States. This con-tract does not constitute employment with the programme but is for the purpose outlined in these ToRs only.
- Contractors should submit a quote for delivery of service.
5. Qualifications
- Ph.D. or equivalent in a relevant discipline (e.g., migration studies, labour economics, public pol-icy, sociology).
- Proven track record of writing and editing high-quality policy papers for think tanks, international organisations, or government agencies, with a focus on clarity, structure, and actionable recom-mendations.
- Demonstrated experience in transforming research into strategic policy outputs, including briefs, papers, and reports.
- In-depth knowledge of labour markets and migration in the Gulf region, with the ability to con-textualise policy within regional dynamics.
- Preferably, good understanding of onward migration from the Gulf, and highly skilled migration patterns to destinations such as France, Germany, the UK, Canada, and the US.
- Preferably, working knowledge of statistics, legal analysis, and survey methodologies relevant to migration research.
- Preferably, based in the Gulf region or with demonstrated regional experience.
6. Applications
- Applications should include a CV and at least one relevant writing sample (e.g., a previously pub-lished policy brief and/or research paper), and a quote for delivery of service.
- Applications should be submitted to: gulf@kas.de
- Deadline for receiving applications: 14 May 2025