Nepal: Promoting a Human Security and Gender Equality Based Approach to Migration and Adaptation to Climate Change

Reference Code: CON#NP/06/2024

Position Title: Consultant

Duty Station: Kathmandu

Classification: Consultant, OTHER

Type of Appointment: Consultant

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 17 September 2024

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.

Context:

Project context and Scope

Nepal, a mountainous country with a total population of 29,192,480 (51.04% women and 48.96% men), witnesses high human mobility in the form of both voluntary and forced migration. In 2022, Nepal had an overall risk index of 5.8 to natural hazards, while earthquake risk tops the list of risk index with a score of 9.9 followed by flood risk of 6.7. Globally, Nepal ranks fourth in terms of climate risk according to the Global Climate Risk Index which assesses the impacts of meteorological events in relation to economic losses and human fatalities.

Climate change and human mobility is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that cuts across different policy areas, including but not limited to migration, development, climate change and environment, humanitarian assistance and security. Human security threats are intensified by multiple factors including gender inequality, unsafe migration, environmental degradation, and climate change.

The Government of Nepal is keen to address the issue in an integrated and coherent manner to provide solutions for people to move, people on the move and people to stay. However, climate migration and human security approaches are not yet recognized in any of the policy documents of the Government nor in Government provisions and systems, and the Migration, Environment and Climate Change (MECC) nexus is not adequately mainstreamed. Consequently, internal migrants and families of migrants left behind continue to struggle to lead dignified lives that are resilient to environmental risks.

In this context, IOM Nepal conducted research on MECC nexus broadly focusing on the following elements. 

1. Mobility dimensions that are caused by sudden and slow onset changes in the environment including the influence of environment stressors on forced migration.  
2. Resilient and climate-smart technologies to reduce the drudgery of women and spouses left behind.
3. Engagement of mobile populations (including vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities, gender and ethnic minorities, ultra-poor households) in the government's development and climate change adaptation programs.
4. Extent to which climate change induced human mobility is integrated in national policies and frameworks.

Besides the 2024 research, IOM Nepal also conducted research on migration, environment and climate change (MECC) nexus in 2016 as part of another regional project. IOM plans to further the understanding on MECC nexus among policy makers and development stakeholders by developing policy briefs. The briefs will be developed based on available knowledge and using the findings of 2016 and 2024 research.

The overall objective of this assignment is to develop policy brief on MECC nexus with recommendations suitable in the context of Nepal based on available knowledge including research findings.

Core functions / Responsibilities:

Tasks to be performed under this contract;

1. Literature review of available relevant documents: research documents on MECC, articles and publications.
2. Consultation with relevant government ministries at the federal level together with IOM and finalize key recommendations. 
3. Develop a draft policy brief including necessary tables, figures and infographics.
4. Revise the draft by incorporating inputs and feedback from IOM and project technical working group.
5. Translate the policy brief in Nepali and ensure both English and Nepali versions are well edited and formatted. Alternatively, the original document can be developed first in Nepali and then translated to English. 
6. Carry out periodic consultation with IOM team throughout the work period to develop a common understanding, jointly make key decisions, and finalize the policy briefs.

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results:

• A policy brief of approximately 1250 words/ 5 pages in English.
• A policy brief of approximately 1250 words/ 5 pages in Nepali. 
• Ability to critically analyse available information and present complex information in simple, understandable form.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education/ Experience/Skills

• A Post graduate degree in natural sciences, social sciences, development policy, law, governance, international relations, political science, demography, statistics, research, policy and data analysis, or any other related field with 10 years of professional experience; Or,
• University degree in above fields with two additional years of qualifying experience. 
• A highly professional, efficient, accurate, and deadline-compliant consultant with a firm grasp of knowledge products in English and Nepali languages. 
• Strong analytical, writing, editing, and communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Experience of writing research papers, articles, policy briefs etc. 
• Experience working with government stakeholders, particularly federal ministries
• Ability to manage the available time and resources and to work on tight deadlines.

Languages

Fluency of English and Nepali is required (Verbal and Written). Working knowledge of any other local language is an advantage.

Other:

The consultant must adhere to the IOM Data Protection Principles (IN/138) and maintain confidentiality.

Required Competencies:

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.

How to apply:

Interested Candidates are invited to submit their application referring to this advertisement with CV and three references to the following address: Human Resource Department, International Organization for Migration, P.O. Box 25503, Lazimpat Road, Panipokhari, Kathmandu or email to iomnepaljobs@iom.int by 17 September 2024.

Posting period:

From 04.09.2024 to 17.09.2024