International Consultant (Migration, Environment & Climate Change)

INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANT (MECC) ~ MALDIVES

OPEN TO INTERNAL & EXTERNAL CANDIDATES

Organizational Unit**: MIGRANTION, ENVIRONMENT & CLIMATE CHANGE (MECC)**

Expertise**: IMPACT OF MECC ON MIGRATION**

Duty Station**: MALDIVES (physical presence is required)**

Type of Appointment**: CONSULTANCY**

Estimated Start Date**: ASAP**

Closing Date : 02 OCTOBER 2022

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 government and migrants.

IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment. Internal and external candidates are eligible to apply to this vacancy. For the purpose of the vacancy, internal candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Context:

The project aims to contribute to effective responses to the human mobility dimensions of climate change in the Republic of Maldives. Maldives stands at the front line of the climate change crisis. The low elevation and geographical dispersion of the islands makes the country especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and presents challenges to an effective response. Sea level rise presents a particular risk. A rise of two metres would virtually submerge the entire country of 1,190 small islands. Communities across the country are already grappling with the issues of increased coastal erosion, flooding, coral bleaching, tidal surges, thunderstorms, and heavy rain. These adverse effects of climate change have been influencing factors on internal migration within the Maldives.

Maldives has become a leading global advocate for ambitious climate action, yet the country still lacks sufficient evidence-based research and disaggregated data about the impacts of climate change on human mobility. There is a need to develop and implement evidence-based government policy to address the human mobility dimensions of climate change.

Furthermore, local communities lack knowledge on the adverse impacts of climate change on human mobility, and how this relates to their daily lives. Building government and community capacity to plan for short, medium, and long-term adaptation, and enhancing resilience among the communities is therefore of utmost importance.

The project seeks to address these issues through a two-pronged approach.

The objective of the project is to strengthen the capacities of the Government of Maldives and communities to better respond to the impacts of climate change on human mobility. The project will contribute to the following two outcomes:

Outcome 1: Relevant local government agencies collect baseline information on climate-induced migration in the Maldives to facilitate evidence-based policy making.

Outcome 2: Target communities engage in practices which enhance climate-resilience, demonstrating an overall improvement in awareness of the potential impacts of climate change on human mobility.

With the leading role held by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology (MoECCT), stakeholders, together with the consultant, will design and implement baseline research in selected island communities to collect the necessary disaggregated data. These measures will enhance GoM capacity to

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission IOM Sri Lanka & Maldives, the direct supervision of the Project Officer – IOM Male’ and in close coordination with all relevant stakeholders including the Regional Thematic Specialist on Migration, Environment and Climate Change, the consultant will:

Core Functions / Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment:

1. Develop a methodology and tools for conduct of a rapid needs assessment.
2. Submit a rapid needs assessment on the climate change impacts on human mobility in the Maldives, based on desk research.
3. Conduct a minimum of ten (10) bilateral consultations with relevant stakeholders (government, academics, civil society) on the findings of the rapid needs assessment.
4. Conduct a workshop to discuss data and knowledge gaps in studying climate-induced migration and developing disaster risk reduction strategies.
5. Develop a methodology to conduct a baseline study on climate change impacts on human mobility based on consultations with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change & Technology (MoECCT)-led technical committee and the rapid assessment findings, including questionnaires.
6. Select and undertake five (5) field outreach visits, in consultation with relevant stakeholders and the technical committee.
7. Draft a baseline study, drawing on key informant interviews, outreach visits, and questionnaire findings.
8. Conduct a minimum of ten (10) bilateral consultations with relevant stakeholders (government, academics, civil society) on findings from the baseline study.
9. Conduct a validation workshop for the baseline study.
10. Revise the baseline study based on inputs from the validation workshop, and reviews by the technical committee, thematic experts, and key stakeholders.
11. Produce a summary of the baseline study findings and recommendations.
12. Conduct five (5) training sessions for a total of 50 participants from each island to improve their knowledge on climate-resilient practices.

Key deliverables and details as to how the work must be delivered

• Submission of finalised rapid needs assessment.
• Conduct stakeholder meetings and workshop.
• Submission of the outcome of the stakeholder meetings and workshop.
• Submission of finalized methodology, tools, and questionnaire for the study.
• Submission of the draft baseline study.
• Conduct ten (10) bilateral consultations with relevant stakeholders.
• Submission of the final baseline study.
• Conduct validation workshop.
• Submission of the summery of the baseline study.
• Conduct five (5) training sessions.

Tangible & Measurable Output and Performance Indicators:

• Availability and quality of the finalised rapid needs assessment.
• Availability and quality of the finalised baseline study.
• Conduct of the validation workshop and feedback from participants.
• Conduct of the capacity building trainings and feedback from the participants.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s Degree in Social Science, Environment, Climate Change, Development Studies, Human Rights, Migration Studies, Sociology or a related field from an accredited academic institution with Five (05) years of professional experience; or
• University Degree in the above fields with Seven (07) years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Experience in providing technical assistance / expertise in developing policies, procedures and programs in relation to Impact of MECC on Migration is desirable;
• Experience in carrying our research studies in the sphere of drivers of migration , policy making, or any other related area is preferred;
• Previous Experience in carrying out Rapid Needs Assessment and Delivery of Trainings.
• Knowledge on structures and functions of policy makers in Maldives, National governing bodies will be an asset.

Languages

Fluency in English is required.

Required Competencies

Values

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
• 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.

Core Competencies – Behavioural indicators – level 1

• 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 action and delegated work.
• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Other

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment and successful reference checks.

Women with the above qualifications are encouraged to apply.