Consultant for the Preparation of a Study on the Relevance of Climate-Related Migration to the National Context

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

The Republic of Serbia is a signatory to key international instruments on refugee protection and human rights, including the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol.  At the national level, the legal framework for migration and asylum is established through the Constitution of the Republic of Serbia, the Law on Asylum and Temporary Protection (2018), the Law on Foreigners, the Law on Border Control, and the Law on Migration Management. Furthermore, Serbia is a signatory to key international and European instruments, which collectively regulate its obligations in the areas of climate change mitigation and adaptation, environmental sustainability, disaster risk reduction, and migration governance. These include the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Paris Agreement, the Kyoto Protocol, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, the relevant Sustainable Development Goals, and the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. In addition to these global frameworks, Serbia’s commitments are shaped by its Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with the European Union and the Sofia Declaration on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, which further guide the country’s alignment with EU climate and environmental policies.

Within this framework, the project “Strengthening Migration Governance and Asylum Systems in Serbia: Enhancing Policies, Protecting Rights”, funded by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) of the Government of Switzerland, aims to strengthen the capacities of national and local authorities to manage migration effectively while safeguarding the rights of refugees, asylum seekers, and other vulnerable migrants, including victims of trafficking in human beings. The project supports a rights-based and route-based approach to migration governance and involves key national institutions, primarily the Ministry of Interior (MoI) and the Serbian Commissariat for Refugees and Migration (SCRM), as well as local self-governments, civil society organizations, and other relevant stakeholders, including the Center for the Protection of Victims of Human Trafficking.

In line with Serbia’s commitments under the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, the Global Compact on Refugees, and the European Union accession process under Chapter 24 (Justice, Freedom and Security), the project also recognizes the growing interlinkages between climate change, environmental degradation, and human mobility. Climate change is increasingly acknowledged at the global level as a driver that can exacerbate displacement, affect migration patterns, and increase vulnerability.

The Republic of Serbia is exposed to a range of climate-related risks, including droughts, floods, extreme temperatures, and other environmental hazards, which may influence both internal and cross-border migration dynamics. At the same time, broader regional and global climate trends may affect migration flows toward Serbia, particularly along established migration routes.

To address these emerging challenges in a forward-looking and evidence-based manner, the project foresees the development of a dedicated study on the relevance of climate-related migration to the national context. The study will provide a comprehensive and holistic analysis of the nexus between climate change both within country and abroad and migration relevant to Serbia. It will assess potential risks and needs, examine institutional preparedness, and identify possible systemic and policy responses to anticipated mobility trends linked to environmental factors.

The analysis will situate Serbia within the broader international and regional context, include comparative perspectives, and outline major projected trends relevant to the national setting. The findings will serve to inform policymaking, strategic planning, and future programming in the areas of migration governance, asylum, disaster risk reduction, and climate adaptation.
 

“Strengthening Migration Governance and Asylum Systems in Serbia: Enhancing policies, Protecting Rights” – MS0102 

Responsibilities

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• University degree in Social Sciences, Environmental Studies, Climate Change, Migration Studies, Human Geography, Public Policy, or a related field. An advanced degree (Master’s or equivalent) in these or related fields is considered an asset.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in migration, climate change, environmental studies, disaster risk management, or related research.
• Proven experience in conducting research, policy analysis, or impact assessments related to climate change and human mobility.
• Experience working with international organizations, government institutions, or civil society actors on migration or climate-related projects is highly desirable.

Skills

• Familiarity with national, regional, and international frameworks on migration, climate adaptation, and disaster risk management.
• Strong analytical, research, and report-writing skills, including synthesis of qualitative and quantitative data.
• Ability to engage and consult with multiple stakeholders, including government, civil society, and international organizations.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to meet deadlines, and work independently while coordinating with IOM and SCRM.

Languages

1. Excellent written and spoken English and Serbian.

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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