Enumerators

Job Description

1. Background and Context
1.1 Overview of DTM Baseline Assessment
Malawi continues to face increasing risks of climate-induced displacement due to recurrent floods, droughts, and extreme weather events that disrupt livelihoods, damage community assets, and force population movements or relocation. These risks are further intensified by climate change, heavy rainfall patterns, and El Niño-influenced conditions. Seasonal forecasts indicate that extreme weather events are likely to increase in frequency and intensity, heightening the possibility of repeated population displacement. A comprehensive, evidence-based response is therefore required to strengthen preparedness, support anticipatory action, inform durable solutions, and build the resilience of communities exposed to climate-related displacement risks, including those already experiencing multiple vulnerabilities.
 

Under the Regional Responses to Climate Displacement in Sub-Saharan Africa (RE2CLID) Programme, the DTM plans to conduct a Baseline Sub-Area Assessment on climate-induced displacement and mobility in the target districts of Blantyre, Chikwawa, Dowa, Mangochi, Mulanje, Nsanje, Phalombe, and Blantyre City. As these locations have had history of experiencing large-scale climate hazard-triggered displacement, the assessment is essential as it provides a strategic opportunity to establish a pre-crisis baseline on population distribution, at-risk areas, livelihoods, access to essential services, and existing preparedness capacities. The resulting data will not only provide a reference point for measuring programme results and impact, while supporting preparedness planning, anticipatory action, and evidence-based decision-making before future climate shocks occur.
2. Rationale
The main objective of the DTM Baseline Sub-Area Assessment is to establish a strategic evidence base on climate-induced displacement and mobility in selected RE2CLID locations. The assessment will generate baseline information on population and displacement dynamics, climate hazard exposure, livelihoods, water access, coping strategies, early warning and preparedness capacities, and mobility patterns. This evidence will serve as a reference point for monitoring changes over time, identifying emerging displacement risks, tracking shifts in vulnerability and mobility, and informing preparedness, anticipatory action, programme planning, and targeted support to at-risk communities.
•    Establish a pre-shock reference point for monitoring displacement and mobility trends.
•    Identify key stress indicators that can be tracked over time to inform preparedness and anticipatory action.
•    Document community coping mechanisms, preparedness capacities, and existing response structures.
•    Capture early/emerging displacement signals.
•    Provide timely data and information to government and humanitarian partners on displacement and mobility trends.
 

To collect the required data, IOM will engage a team of enumerators responsible for administering assessment tools across the targeted locations and engaging relevant community structures. Enumerators will play a critical role in documenting displacement, mobility, exposure, vulnerability, and preparedness conditions at community level. This Terms of Reference outlines their responsibilities, qualifications, scope of work, reporting requirements, and other essential conditions related to their role in the assessment.
3. Objectives
The primary objectives of the enumerators’ role in the DTM Baseline Sub-Area Assessment are to:
•    Collect accurate, complete, and timely data on disaster impact, population mobility, displacement dynamics, and community-level vulnerability using approved DTM data collection tools.
•    Identify, verify, and maintain an updated list of appropriate key informants based on the assessment methodology, location coverage, and information needs.
•    Provide detailed descriptive information on observed stress indicators in targeted communities through the prescribed reporting channels and in accordance with approved standard operating procedures.
4. Reporting Line
Enumerators will work under the direct supervision and technical guidance of the Senior DTM Associate. They will coordinate with the District Government Focal Point and other designated local structures as required to support field implementation, resolve operational issues, and maintain alignment with approved assessment procedures.
 

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Senior DTM Associate, the enumerator will be responsible for the following activities, in accordance with the procedures, tools, and training provided by IOM:
1.    Attend and actively participate in training on the DTM Baseline Assessment to fully understand the assessment methodology, data collection tools, and the operational implementation plan.
2.    Identify reliable sources of information and key informants to collect relevant impact data at the household levels.
3.    Conduct the Baseline Sub-Area Assessment at Group Village Headperson level across the identified Traditional Authorities, strictly following the operational implementation plan provided during training. This includes administering assessment tools and conducting interviews with identified key informants to gather accurate, complete, and reliable data.
4.    Maintain close liaison with the DTM team and the District Government Focal Point (DGFP) to promptly address any critical issues or operational challenges that may arise during data collection.
5.    Record and document all additional findings including observed vulnerabilities, community needs, and access constraints in a systematic, organized, and clearly legible manner.
6.    Use only the data collection tools and methodologies prescribed in the official Baseline Sub-Area Assessment, ensuring consistency and data integrity.
7.    Respect IOM’s Data Protection Principles at all times, ensuring confidentiality, security, informed handling, and ethical management of all data collected during the assessment.
8.    Submit formal daily reports to the DTM team, providing clear updates on progress, accurately documenting any challenges, issues, or field realities encountered, and offering relevant, actionable recommendations for resolution or process improvement.
9.    Protect all office materials and equipment by using them exclusively for authorized work purposes and avoiding any practices or exposure to materials, such as moisture, dust, or rough handling, that could cause damage.
10.    Perform any other duties as may be reasonably assigned from time to time and deemed necessary by the supervisor to support the successful completion of the BSA and other IOM operations.
 

Qualifications

Interested candidates should possess the following qualifications and experience: 
•    A minimum of a diploma in information management systems, statistics, social sciences, community development, disaster risk management, meteorology and climate science, earth sciences, or any other related field is required.
•    Candidates must be Malawian nationals with local knowledge of the targeted programme districts. Prior experience conducting data collection across the Traditional Authorities covered by the Baseline Sub-Area Assessment will be considered an added advantage.
•    At least two years of experience in data collection, particularly in humanitarian, emergency, or community-based assessment contexts, is highly desirable.
•    Previous experience working with IOM on similar exercises, particularly DTM-related assessments or data collection activities, will be considered an added advantage.
•    Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
•    Proficiency in local languages and dialects pertinent to the assessment area.
•    Strong knowledge of mobile data collection platforms, particularly Kobo Toolbox, computer literacy, and familiarity with Android operating systems is required.
 

Required Skills

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