Job Description
Introduction
Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration
Project Context and Scope
The Gambia is highly vulnerable to the impact of climate change and environmental degradation. Changes in temperatures, annual precipitation patterns, and the frequency and severity of certain weather events, combined with existing environmental, social, and economic vulnerabilities, are undermining Gambia's food, water, and economic security. This is causing loss of livelihoods, destabilizing rural communities, and fueling rural-urban migration. The 2023 UN Gambia Common Country Analysis (CCA) reports that climate change and environmental degradation pose a threat and serves as an obstacle to The Gambia’s efforts to achieve the SDGs. Additionally, the 2023 Afrobarometer survey revealed that more than six in 10 Gambians (62%) perceive floods have become more severe in their region over the past decade. Half as many (31%) say the same about droughts.
The Government of The Gambia has demonstrated its commitment to addressing these challenges through various policies and strategies, including the Green-Recovery Focused National Development Plan (2023-2027), the National Migration Policy (2020-2030) – Objective 5.3.1, Regional and National Multi-Hazard Contingency Plans (2022-2025), and The Gambia's Long-Term Climate Neutral Development Strategy (2050). The National Employment Policy (2022-2026) specifically seeks to promote decent and productive employment opportunities in labor-absorbing economic sectors, with a strong emphasis on green jobs and nature-based livelihoods. While these initiatives aim to mitigate climate change-related mobility and ensure effective adaptation strategies, there remains a pressing need to enhance the capacities of local authorities and vulnerable communities to manage displacement, strengthen resilience against natural hazards, and improve sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The project titled, “Addressing the Adverse Climate-related Drivers of Migration for Rural Communities in The Gambia” aims to strengthen the capacity of local authorities and communities most affected by climate change-induced socio-economic challenges. It aims to equip them with the necessary tools to mitigate the adverse drivers of migration. The objective of this assignment to support IOM The Gambia in delivering key components of the project- strengthen capacities of communities and institutions by developing Community Adaptation Frameworks, conducting a Training of Trainers (ToT), and supporting the design of gender‑sensitive livelihood interventions.
Migration Management Unit- Addressing the Adverse Climate-related Drivers of Migration for Rural Communities in The Gambia NC0154.
Responsibilities
First deliverable – Inception Meeting with IOM The Gambia. Submission of Inception Report (including methodology, detailed workplan, and stakeholder engagement plan) Deliverable within 15 days of signing the contract.
Second deliverable – Deliver three (3) Training of Trainers (ToT) on community adaptation planning. Facilitate community workshops to develop draft Community Adaptation Frameworks. Conduct Validation Workshops for the Adaptation Frameworks (three communities) - Deliverable within 75 days
Third deliverable – Submission of three final Community Adaptation Frameworks incorporating feedback - Deliverable within 85 days.
Final deliverable – Final consultancy report, ready for publication, summarizing all activities, outcomes, and recommendations.
Quality and timeliness of deliverables
Effective facilitation and participation of communities
Inclusion of gender and protection considerations
Quality of training materials and methodologies
Alignment with IOM standards and project objectives
Qualifications
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education, Experience and Skill
Advanced degree in Climate Change, Environmental Studies, Development Studies, Human Mobility or related field.
Minimum 5 years’ experience with climate adaptation, community‑based planning, or resilience programming.
Demonstrated experience facilitating workshops and producing adaptation or livelihood frameworks
Strong background in gender‑responsive and inclusive programming
Experience working with rural communities in West Africa (The Gambia preferred)
Excellent analytical and report‑writing skills
Languages
For this consultancy, proficiency in the English language is required, knowledge of any 2 local language is desirable
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Required Competencies
IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:
- Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
- Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
- Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
- Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
- Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.
Core Competencies – behavioural indicators
- Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
- Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
- Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
- Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
- Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.
Notes
IOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work.
Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.
IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.
IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.
IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies
Required Skills
Job info
Contract Type: Consultancy (Up to 11 months)Initial Contract Duration: 90 days
Org Type: Country Office
Vacancy Type: Consultancy
Recruiting Type: Consultant
Grade: UG
Is this S/VN based in an L3 office or in support to an L3 emergency response?: No