Project Context and Scope
The Climate Mobility Innovation Lab (CMIL), hosted by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), was established to address the nexus between human mobility and climate change, and the challenges this intersection presents. The Labย has been at the forefront of fostering innovation and partnerships to address the complex challenges posed by climate change and human mobility in the Mediterranean, Africa and beyond.ย
This work is driven, among others by one of CMILโs flagship initiatives, the Risk Index for Climate Displacement (RICD): A groundbreaking operational foresight tool that enhances understanding of the complex dynamics of climate-induced displacement, including its drivers, triggers, and tipping points. The RICD supports the identification of current and future displacement hotspots, trends, and patterns, providing critical insights to inform policymaking and investment decisions.
To support the rollout of RICD in Africa in particular in the East, Horn and Southern Africa region, IOM is seeking a Climate Mobility Data and Innovation Consultant. He/she will directly contribute to program oversight needs, including coordination and implementation of operational activities contributing towards the achievement of CMIL Africa results and under the guidance of the head of CMIL Africa, in close coordination with CMIL focal points globally, in particular those working on similar initiatives in other regions as well as technical counterparts in IOM HQ.ย
At the technical level the consultant will lead the RICD co-creation process, involving data analysis, regional research, and technical coordination across Africa, with particular emphasis on South Sudan, Uganda, and Somalia as priority countries for data sourcing and analysis. Methodological development is also important, taking place in close coordination with technical experts (internal/external) and the methodology WG. He/She will support the CMIL Regional Climate Mobility Symposium in Q1 2026 and will work under the direct supervision of the Head of CMIL Africa and under the overall supervision of the Chief of CMIL globally, in close coordination with CMIL, IOM HQ and other experts.ย
He/She will extend special support to South Sudan programme needs by dedicating a portion of his/her time inย
The Climate Mobility Innovation Lab (CMIL), hosted by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), was established to address the nexus between human mobility and climate change, and the challenges this intersection presents. The Labย has been at the forefront of fostering innovation and partnerships to address the complex challenges posed by climate change and human mobility in the Mediterranean, Africa and beyond.ย
This work is driven, among others by one of CMILโs flagship initiatives, the Risk Index for Climate Displacement (RICD): A groundbreaking operational foresight tool that enhances understanding of the complex dynamics of climate-induced displacement, including its drivers, triggers, and tipping points. The RICD supports the identification of current and future displacement hotspots, trends, and patterns, providing critical insights to inform policymaking and investment decisions.
To support the rollout of RICD in Africa in particular in the East, Horn and Southern Africa region, IOM is seeking a Climate Mobility Data and Innovation Consultant. He/she will directly contribute to program oversight needs, including coordination and implementation of operational activities contributing towards the achievement of CMIL Africa results and under the guidance of the head of CMIL Africa, in close coordination with CMIL focal points globally, in particular those working on similar initiatives in other regions as well as technical counterparts in IOM HQ.ย
At the technical level the consultant will lead the RICD co-creation process, involving data analysis, regional research, and technical coordination across Africa, with particular emphasis on South Sudan, Uganda, and Somalia as priority countries for data sourcing and analysis. Methodological development is also important, taking place in close coordination with technical experts (internal/external) and the methodology WG. He/She will support the CMIL Regional Climate Mobility Symposium in Q1 2026 and will work under the direct supervision of the Head of CMIL Africa and under the overall supervision of the Chief of CMIL globally, in close coordination with CMIL, IOM HQ and other experts.ย
He/She will extend special support to South Sudan programme needs by dedicating a portion of his/her time in direct support of the European Union (EU) DG INTPA funded โCatalyzing Durable Solutions in South Sudanโ project. Theย consultant will also coordinate closely with the Climate Action Division in HQ, CMIL Africa, counterparts in IOM missions and regional offices, and other colleagues.
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Tasks to be performed under this contractย Technical Development, Analytical Work, and RICD Implementationย
Support technical coordination and analytical work across CMIL priority countries in Africa, with emphasis on South Sudan, Uganda, Somalia, and other countries in the future.Work with CMIL key partners to identify available data and research on climate change and human mobility in Africa, including focused work related to South Sudan, Uganda, Somalia, and other countries where applicable, before and after the Regional CMIL Climate Mobility Symposium.Define roles and responsibilities of relevant actors in the RICD co-creation process, convening coordination meetings, and ensuring that technical partners respect deadlines and standards.ย Support the preparation and rollout of RICD Africa, including in South Sudan, Uganda, Somalia, and other countries in the future, working closely with universities, local partners, and relevant IOM missions.Support the preparation of RICD pilots based on Symposium outcomes and additional surveys in select countries, including adapting methodologies to the national context.ย Identify, analyse and interpret RICD data sources in South Sudan, Uganda and Somalia.Develop/adapt RICD micro-level analysis methodologies combining qualitative and quantitative elements.
Validate findings from the analysis with national and regional counterparts involved in the RICD and follow up implementation work.ย
Coordinate the production of RICD reports and other dissemination materials showcasing the findings from the preliminary and final analyses and making them actionable for follow up implementation.ย Refine post-pilot methodologies, data collection processes, and analysis strategies jointly with partners.
Support the development of methodological approaches to assessing displacement risks due to specific hazards (e.g. flood, drought, heatwaves) and related with specific conditions of vulnerability (e.g. conflict).ย
Work closely with CMIL colleagues in Asia and the Pacific, IOM HQ and elsewhere to ensure alignment of RICD approaches.ย
Participate in, and where required lead, the methodological working group established for RICD methodology.Ensure integration of gender considerations in RICD analyses, and identify areas for gender sensitive research building on the RICD model.Provide expert advice on climate mobility in Africa, including technical inputs on climate displacement conflict linkages.
Project Management Implementation Support and Coordinationย
In coordination with the Head of CMIL Africa, support oversight of programme needs related to implementation of CMIL activities across Africa, including activity design, implementation, monitoring and reporting.Conduct field visits based on programme needs, with emphasis on South Sudan, Uganda, Somalia and other countries in the future.Support technical coordination across country teams and the region based on CMIL priorities and workplan.In coordination with the CMIL team, lead partnership and outreach work related to RICD and the Symposium.Regional Events, Stakeholder Engagement, and Partnershipsย
Support planning, organization, implementation and postimplementation of the 1st Regional CMIL Climate Mobility Symposium in Q1 2026
In collaboration with IOMโs RO and ICPAC, finalising the event programme and agenda, by identifying topics and speakers for both the policy and technical segments of the Symposium
Develop presentation materials such as slide decks, talking points and briefing materialsย Represent CMIL in meetings and technical exchanges with partners, governments, UN entities, academic institutions and other stakeholders, as relevant.Support ongoing stakeholder engagement and partnership development across Africa, between regions, and globally, in line with CMIL needs.
ย Research, Publications, and Knowledge Productsย
Contribute to the development of publications, presentations, external documents and analytical products on climate mobility.Contribute to the refinement of conceptual frameworks and strategic documents related to CMIL in Africa and globally.Support research on policy considerations and linkages between climate mobility and other areas of work by relevant stakeholders, including UN agencies, academic institutions, governments, etc.Contribute to preparedness and prevention-related work on climate displacement, including through creating linkages between RICD and CMILโs Climate Catalytic Fund (CCF) where feasible.Other Duties (as required)
Conduct Travel Duty (TDY) as appropriate including to hardship locations.Undertake any other duties assigned by the supervisor.ย Performance indicators for the evaluation of resultsย Percentage of agreed RICD technical products (analytical reports, methodologies, data assessments, pilot deliverables) delivered on time and to required quality standards.Number and quality of coordination mechanisms established (meetings, partner engagements) and stakeholder satisfaction regarding clarity of roles, timelines, and technical guidance.Evidence of successful identification, assessment, and integration of datasets relevant to the development of the RICD in South Sudan, Uganda, Somalia and other priority countries (i.e. global, regional and national data on hazard occurrence, exposure, and vulnerability), including validated findings with national/regional counterparts.Delivery and quality of contributions to symposium planning (agenda inputs, speaker coordination, facilitation), presentation materials, and postโevent outputs; plus number and depth of partnerships strengthened.Degree to which activities in the CMIL Africa workplan (project design, monitoring, reporting, field visits) are implemented as planned, with evidence of improved coordination across country teams and with regional and global partners.ย EducationMaster's degree relevant to climate adaptation, environmental science, migration, data science or similar.ย Experience Proven experience in conducting both quantitative and qualitative research on displacement- or climate related issues.Strong understanding of datasets and data sources relevant to climate-induced displacement.Prior involvement in the development or implementation of the Risk Index for Climate Displacement or similar work would be an advantageExcellent analytical, synthesis, and writing skills, with the ability to tailor outputs for both expert and policy audiences.Demonstrated technical expertise in survey design and qualitative data collection methodologies.Experience with participatory and community-based approaches is an asset.SkillsExcellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong organizational and project management capabilities.
Proven ability to collaborate with, engage, and liaise effectively across multi-disciplinary teams.
Understanding of climate migration, disaster resilience, or related fields is an advantage.
Strong analytical and data interpretation skills, including the ability to synthesize evidence into concise outputs for diverse audiences.Languagesย Proficiency of English language will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.ย Travel required
YesRequired Competenciesย IOMโs competency framework can be found atย this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.ย Valuesย - 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.