Job Description

Project Context and Scope

  1. The Gambia is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and the increasing frequency and severity of floods and droughts—combined with underlying socio‑economic vulnerabilities—are undermining food security, livelihoods, and social stability, particularly in rural areas. These dynamics are accelerating rural‑urban migration and exacerbating tensions over natural resources. National assessments, including the 2023 UN Common Country Analysis and Afrobarometer survey, confirm that climate and environmental shocks pose a significant obstacle to sustainable development and the achievement of the SDGs.

In response, the Government of The Gambia has established a strong policy framework, including the Green‑Recovery Focused National Development Plan (2023–2027), the National Migration Policy (2020–2030), the National Employment Policy (2022–2026), and national climate adaptation and disaster risk management strategies. These frameworks emphasize climate resilience, human mobility management, and the promotion of green jobs and nature‑based livelihoods. However, gaps remain in translating policy commitments into community‑level capacities, particularly in climate‑vulnerable and conflict‑prone localities.

This consultancy supports IOM The Gambia’s implementation of two complementary initiatives:

  • The IOM Development Fund (IDF) project “Addressing the Adverse Climate‑related Drivers of Migration for Rural Communities in The Gambia”, which focuses on strengthening the capacity of local authorities and communities to reduce climate‑induced socio‑economic vulnerabilities and mitigate distress migration; and

  • The Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) project “Empowering Communities in The Gambia to Prevent, Mitigate and Resolve Land‑Related Conflicts Exacerbated by Climate Change”, which addresses climate‑related land degradation, livelihood insecurity, and tensions between host and mobile communities through peacebuilding‑oriented, nature‑based solutions.

The assignment aims to bridge climate action, livelihoods, migration, and peacebuilding at the community level. It will support IOM by strengthening participatory community engagement processes; contributing to the development and validation of Community Adaptation Frameworks; supporting Training of Trainers (ToT) for local actors; and providing technical inputs for the design of gender‑sensitive, climate‑resilient and green livelihood initiatives. The consultancy will also contribute analytical and advisory support to identify and promote green livelihoods and nature‑based solutions that reduce land‑related conflict risks and enhance social cohesion.

Overall, the assignment supports integrated, community‑driven solutions that enhance resilience, reduce climate‑related migration pressures, and contribute to sustainable livelihoods and peace in climate‑vulnerable regions of The Gambia.

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing

Migration Management Unit

Responsibilities

Tasks to be performed under this contract

1. Community Engagement and Participatory Advisory Support (Cross‑Cutting Task)

  • Provide technical advice on the design and implementation of inclusive community engagement approaches across all livelihood and peacebuilding activities.

  • Support IOM in applying community‑based participatory planning (CBPP) principles, ensuring meaningful participation of: 

    • Women

    • Youth

    • Persons with disabilities

    • Host and mobile (pastoralist) communities

  • Advise on conflict‑sensitive facilitation techniques, particularly in contexts of land pressure, resource competition and climate stress.

  • Support the integration of feedback, validation and community ownership mechanisms throughout project activities.

2. Advisory Support on Climate‑Resilient Livelihoods (IDF – Activity 2.1.1)

  • Provide technical guidance on short‑term skills development and livelihood training aligned with climate‑resilient and green economy opportunities.

  • Advise on the integration of gender equality, youth inclusion and protection considerations into livelihood capacity‑building.

  • Support contextualization of training approaches using Climate Vulnerability Assessment (CVA) findings and community‑identified priorities.

3. Facilitation of Community‑Based Livelihood Design (IDF – Activity 2.1.2)

  • Facilitate structured consultations with community associations (Kafos) using participatory methods.

  • Provide advisory support to communities to identify locally feasible, socially acceptable and environmentally sustainable livelihood options.

  • Support articulation of livelihood concepts that strengthen resilience while avoiding exacerbation of local tensions or exclusion.

4. Technical Support on Green Livelihoods and Nature‑Based Solutions (PBF – Activity 3.3.6)

  • Conduct a technical assessment of green livelihood opportunities and nature‑based solutions in LRR, NBR and CRR.

  • Analyse linkages between climate change, land degradation, livelihood insecurity, migration patterns and conflict dynamics.

  • Provide advisory recommendations to inform peacebuilding‑oriented livelihood programming under the PBF project.

5. Advisory Inputs to Green Livelihood Grant Design (PBF – Activity 3.3.4)

  • Provide technical advice to support the design and prioritization of green livelihood grant interventions.

  • Advise on conflict‑sensitive, gender‑responsive and climate‑resilient criteria for livelihood support.

  • Support community engagement processes that promote dialogue, trust‑building and cooperation between host and mobile communities.

6. Coordination and Knowledge Support

  • Coordinate closely with IOM technical teams, and where relevant, FAO and WFP counterparts under the PBF project.

  • Provide ongoing advisory inputs to ensure coherence between community engagement, livelihood development and peacebuilding objectives.

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

At the end of the assignment, the consultant is expected to have:

  • Quality and relevance of community engagement and technical advice provided.

  • Effectiveness of facilitation in inclusive and conflict‑sensitive settings.

  • Integration of gender, climate and peacebuilding considerations.

  • Timely and professional execution of assigned tasks.

Qualifications

Education

  • University degree in Development Studies, Climate Change, Livelihoods, Environmental Management, Peacebuilding or related fields.

Experience and Skills

  • Minimum five (5) years of professional experience in: Community engagement and participatory approaches; Livelihoods or climate‑resilient development; Conflict‑sensitive or peacebuilding programming

  • Demonstrated experience working with diverse community groups, including women and mobile populations.

  • Strong facilitation, analytical and communication skills.

  • Prior experience in The Gambia or West Africa is an asset.

Languages

  • Full working proficiency in English is required
IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish.
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Travel required
  • Field travels to Lower River Region (LRR), North Bank Region (NBR) and Central River Region (CRR) as required.
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 three 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
  1. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
  2. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

All applications should include a functional email address, mobile numbers and detailed curriculum vitae (CV).

Required Skills

Job info

Contract Type: Consultancy (Up to 11 months)
Initial Contract Duration: 4 Months
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
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