Research Assistant

Job Description

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. 

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Project Context and Scope

Bangladesh is among the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, facing increasing climate-induced hazards such as river erosion, floods, cyclones, salinity intrusion, droughts, and tidal surges. These hazards contribute to human mobility in the form of migration and displacement while posing significant challenges to public health, livelihoods, climate adaptation, and sustainable development.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Bangladesh is implementing a portfolio of research and technical initiatives to strengthen the evidence base on climate mobility and support policy development, national planning processes, and stakeholder engagement. As part of this initiative, IOM will undertake the following research and technical assignments:

1. Assessment of the implications of Bangladesh's graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status on its climate change response and capacities with a focus on managing displacement and climate mobility. 

2. Research on the impact of climate migration and displacement on health, with particular emphasis on gender-differentiated impacts. 

3. Mapping of diaspora associations in European Union (EU) Member States with roots in selected project-supported countries to identify opportunities for diaspora engagement in climate resilience and sustainable development. 

4. Piloting the Technical Guide "Addressing Human Mobility Related Challenges and Opportunities in the Context of Climate Change: A Supplement to the UNFCCC National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Technical Guidelines" developed by the WIM ExCom through analysis of Bangladesh's National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and formulation of an implementation framework for integrating climate mobility into national climate planning processes.and Technical guide on accessing financial resources aiming to avert, minimize and address the impacts of displacement with the adverse effects of change

To support the successful implementation of these assignments, IOM seeks to recruit a qualified Research Assistant who will provide technical, research, coordination, and administrative support throughout the research lifecycle.

Under the overall supervision of the National Programme Officer (and in cooperation with the Unit as necessary), the Research Assistant will provide technical, research, coordination, and administrative support for the implementation of the above-mentioned studies. The incumbent will contribute to research quality assurance, stakeholder engagement, knowledge management, project coordination, and day-to-day programme implementation.

The consultant will be hired under the Disaster, Displacement, Response and Recovery (DDRRU) Unit of IOM Bangladesh. The project “Promoting a Comprehensive Approach to Climate Mobility in South Asian Countries,” funded by the European Union (EU), will contribute to hiring the consultant. 

Responsibilities

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Climate Change, Environmental Science, Geography, Migration Studies, Development Studies, Social Sciences, International Relations, Public Policy, Economics, Statistics, or another relevant discipline from an accredited academic institution with at least five (5) years of relevant professional experience; or 

• Master's degree in one of the above-mentioned disciplines from an accredited academic institution. 

Experience

• Experience working with government, international organizations, or development partners
• Familiarity with Bangladesh’s climate, health, and migration context will be considered an asset 

• Previous experience with IOM/UN system agencies would be considered as an asset. 

Skills

• Proven ability to design and implement mixed-methods research
• Proven track record of managing and supervising large scale complex researches undertaken by external consultants and/or research firms. 

• Strong analytical and report writing skills

Languages

• Fluency in English and Bangla (written and spoken) is required. 

• Excellent drafting, editing, and communication skills in English. 

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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