CCMD Consultant

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.

 

Project Context and Scope

Increasingly, governments have to address the human mobility consequences of disasters, climate change and environmental degradation and the associated policy needs. Yet, the capacity of many governments to manage complex challenges and to implement possible solutions for addressing this multi-faceted phenomenon can be strengthened. What is more, several governments continue to work in silos, addressing human mobility separately from disaster and climate action, while an integrated approach would be the most beneficial. Finally, it is challenging for some governments to assess gaps and identify priorities given the complexity of environmental migration and disaster displacement in and across their countries. 

In this context, IOM is implementing the Climate Change and Migration Data Programme with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Denmark, in North, East, West and Central Africa. 

Numerous researchers and data actors exist in these regions, producing vast and needed knowledge on migration, displacement and planned relocation in the context of disasters, climate change and environmental degradation. However, there are limited processes and mechanisms to bring them together to discuss priorities for the region, how to address gaps, and how to better inform policymaking. 

The present consultancy supports African researchers and data actors to engage with each other, with policymakers, and with researchers in other regions, to contribute to filling the research gap identified in the Research Agenda for Advancing Law and Policy Responses to Displacement and Migration in the Context of Disasters and Climate Change. 

Since 2021, IOM has supported a continental initiative in collaboration with the Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law at the University of New South Wales, in addition to PDD and UNHCR. The Kaldor Centre Academic Workshop Series on 'Developing a Research and Policy Agenda for Addressing Disaster and Climate Change Displacement in Africa' provided an opportunity for researchers and academics working across Africa to engage in discussion, form networks and plan future research on topics related to migration and displacement in the context of disasters, climate change and environmental degradation. 

The objectives of the workshop series were to identify the research needs and gaps on environmental migration, disaster displacement and planned relocation in Africa, to design a research agenda for Africa, to contribute to the formulation of policy recommendations for Africa, and to develop networks for ongoing collaboration on this issue. Workshop participants included scholars working in law and other disciplines as well as representatives of key regional, sub-regional and civil society organisations. 

Following the Virtual Workshop Series on Developing a Research and Policy Agenda for Addressing Displacement and Migration in the Context of Disasters and Climate Change in Africa, the Climate Mobility Africa Research Network (CMARN) was established in 2021 as a platform for future collaboration between participants in the Virtual Workshop Series and others working on this issue. 

CMARN brings together researchers and policy makers working on displacement and migration in the context of disasters and climate change in Africa to advance policy-relevant research and create opportunities for collaboration and exchange. Dr Thabo Ndlovu from the National University of Science & Technology, Zimbabwe and Dr Aondowase Targba from the Federal University Gusau, Nigeria, are co-chairs of CMARN for 2026. CMARN is led by a Steering Group comprising researchers and experts in climate mobility in Africa. The Steering Group includes experts from: University of Lagos, Nigeria; National University of Science & Technology, Zimbabwe; Masinde Muliro University of Science & Technology, Kenya; Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law UNSW, Australia; University of Venda, South Africa; Assane Seck University, Senegal; Federal University Gusau, Nigeria; Hugo Observatory, University of Liège; German institute for Development and Sustainability, Germany; and IOM. 

CMARN has the following specific objectives: 

• To promote and facilitate critical and independent research on law and policy responses to disaster and climate change-related human mobility in Africa, including as recommended by the Research Agenda for Advancing Law and Policy Responses to Displacement and Migration in the Context of Disasters and Climate Change; 

• To foster collaboration between researchers and policy experts with the goal of supporting evidence-based law and policy development on displacement and migration in the context of disasters and climate change and their implementation; and 

• To develop the knowledge and capacity of researchers in and from Africa on these issues, including early career researchers. 

  To implement the Climate Change and Migration Data Programme, and more particularly Output 3.2, IOM is planning to support activities at the intersection of climate change and migration research in Africa, including CMARN’s development by funding the present part time position. 

In collaboration with IOM CAD and experts at global, regional and country levels, the consultant will work to contribute to the “Climate Change and Migration Data” Programme (NC.0161). 

Responsibilities

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education and Experience

• Completed a Master’s degree in political or social sciences, international relations, migration, environment, law or related field. 
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in research, policy advocacy and/or in supporting the implementation and management of programme activities in Africa, including key concepts, issues, actors and processes around migration, environment, climate change and disaster risk reduction 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and French
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and succinctly, in a manner that appeals to a wide audience. 
• Excellent organisation skills, including the ability to work independently, sustain regular communication, prioritise tasks, manage deadlines and coordinate multiple activities. 
• IT proficiency with Google and Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams. 

Desirable 

• Experience in organizing events in government, non-governmental or intergovernmental environment. 
• Experience with virtual coworking tools and website management. 

Early career researchers and youth representatives are encouraged to apply. 

Languages

For this consultancy, fluency in French and English are required.

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

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