Project Context and Scope
Increasingly, governments have to address the human mobility consequences of disasters, climate change and environmental degradation and the associated policy needs. Yet, the capacity of many governments to manage the complex challenges and to implement the possible solutions for addressing this multi-faceted phenomenon can be strengthened. What is more, several governments continue to work in silos, addressing human mobility separately from disaster and climate action, while an integrated approach would be the most beneficial. Finally, it is challenging for some governments to assess gaps and identify priorities given the complexity of environmental migration and disaster displacement in and across their countries. ย IOMย is implementing theย Climate Change and Migration Data Programme ย with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Denmark, inย North, East, West and Central Africa. ย Numerous researchers and data actors exist in these regions, producing vast and needed knowledge on migration, displacement and planned relocation in the context of disasters, climate change and environmental degradation. However, there are limited processes and mechanisms to bring them together to discuss priorities for the region, how to address gaps, and how to better inform policymaking. ย The present activity supports African researchers and data actors to engage with each other, with policymakers, and with researchers in other regions, to contribute to filling the research gap identified in the Research Agenda for Advancing Law and Policy Responses to Displacement and Migration in the Context of Disasters and Climate Change.ย ย Since 2021, IOM has supported a continental initiative in collaboration with the Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law at the University of New South Wales, in addition to PDD and UNHCR.ย The Kaldor Centre Academic Workshop Series on 'Developing a Research and Policy Agenda for Addressing Disaster and Climate Change Displacement in Africa'ย provided an opportunity for researchers and academics working across Africa to engage in discussion, form networks and plan future research on topics related to migration and displacement in the context of disasters, climate change and environmental degradation.ย ย The objectives of the workshop series were to identify the research needs and gaps on environmental migration, disaster displacement and planned relocation in Africa, to design a research agenda for Africa, to contribute to the formulation of policy recommendations for Africa, and to develop networks for ongoing collaboration on this issue.ย Workshop participants included scholars working in law and other disciplines as well as representatives of key regional, sub-regional and civil society organisations.ย ย Following the Virtual Workshop Series onย Developing a Research and Policy Agenda for Addressing Displacement and Migration in the Context of Disasters and Climate Change in Africa,ย the Climate Mobility Africa Research Networkย (CMARN) was established in 2021 as a platform for future collaboration between participants in the Virtual Workshop Series and others working on this issue. ย CMARN brings together researchers and policy makers working on displacement and migration in the context of disasters and climate change in Africa to advance policy-relevant research and create opportunities for collaboration and exchange. Dr Oluwatoyin Adejonwo from theย University of Lagos, Nigeria andย Dr Thabo Ndlovu from the National University of Science & Technology, Zimbabwe are co-chairs of CMARN for 2025.ย CMARN is led by a Steering Group comprising researchers and experts in climate mobility in Africa. The Steering Group includes experts from: University of Lagos, Nigeria; National University of Science & Technology, Zimbabwe; Masinde Muliro University of Science & Technology, Kenya; Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law UNSW, Australia; University of Venda, South Africa; Assane Seck University, Senegal; Federal University Gusau, Nigeria; Hugo Observatory, University of Liรจge; German institute for Development and Sustainability, Germany; and IOM. ย CMARN has the following specific objectives:
- To promote and facilitate critical and independent research on law and policy responses to disaster and climate change-related human mobility in Africa, including as recommended by theย Research Agenda for Advancing Law and Policy Responses to Displacement and Migration in the Context of Disasters and Climate Change;
- To foster collaboration between researchers and policy experts with the goal of supporting evidence-based law and policy development on displacement and migration in the context of disasters and climate change and their implementation; and
- To develop the knowledge and capacity of researchers in and from Africa on these issues, including early career researchers.ย To implement the Climate Change and Migration Data Programme, and more particularly Output 3.2, IOM is planning to support CMARNโs establishment by funding a position of part time administrator. ย Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing ย In collaboration with IOM CAD and experts at global, regional and country levels, the consultant will work to contribute to theย โClimate Change and Migration Dataโ Programme (NC.0161).
Tasks to be performed under this contract
The Administrator will report to the Co-Chairs of the CMARN Steering Group. The Administrator will provide organizational and administrative support to the Chair and the Steering Group and assist with network activities and communication. This includes bilingual (EN+FR) services to the network such as: maintain the network website and email lists, sending updates to Members and Friends, and providing logistical coordination for meetings/webinars.
Functions
The key functions of the Administrator are:
- Provide administrative support to the Steering Group;
- Provide administrative and logistical support for Research Network Activities; and
- Manage internal and external communication between Research Network Members and other stakeholders.
Responsibilities
The Administrator is required to:
- Organize and participate in monthly, one-hour Steering Group meetings, including sending invitations, preparing the Agenda, taking minutes, providing logistical support; and ensure follow up on action points
- Organize and participate in bi-monthly, two-hour CMARN Members meetings, including sending invitations, preparing the Agenda (in collaboration with Steering Group), liaising with speakers and interpreters, and providing logistical support; and ensure follow up on action points
- Maintain ย up-to-date and expandย Member list and email lists for CMARN Members and other stakeholders;ย
- Maintain and further develop CMARN website, including event listings, news items, webinar recordings, Insights publication series, Steering Group profiles, and other resources. Ensuring that content is updated timely, properly redacted and edited in English and French and user-friendly.ย
- Prepare and disseminate CMARN communications (including emails, agendas, invitations, registration forms and other documents) in English and French; ensuring that content is timely, properly redacted and edited in English and French and user-friendly.ย
- Provide administrative and logistical support to ad hoc CMARN virtual events activities, including sending invitations, managing registration, organizing interpretation, keeping minutes; ensuring visibility and follow up as needed
- Report monthly to CMARN Steering Group on CMARN membership, communications and other administrative matters; and
- Report regularly to IOM through coordinationย meetings;
- Perform such other duties as may be assigned - including travel if requested
Prior to inception, a workplan will be agreed among the selected candidate, CMARN and the IOM CCMD Focal Point
Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
- Deliverables submitted according to timelines outlined above.
- Quality of the deliverables according to the tasks outlined above.
ย Education, experience and skills required
Essential
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in research and/or policy development in Africa, including key concepts, issues, actors and policy processes around migration, environment, climate change and disaster risk reduction. Excellent organization skills, including the ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, manage deadlines and coordinate multiple activities. IT proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams.Desirableย
Completed a Masterโs degree in political or social sciences, international relations, migration, environment, law or related field. Experience in organizing events in government, non-governmental or intergovernmental environment. Experience with virtual coworking tools and website management.Early career researchers and youth representatives are encouraged to apply. Languages
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and French, and demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and succinctly, in a manner that appeals to a wide audience. IOMโs official languages are English, French and Spanish. Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments. ย Travel requiredNo
Required Competencies ย IOMโs competency framework can be found atย this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process. ย Values - 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. Core Competenciesย โ 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 Organizationโs 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 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, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable. 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. 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 online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application. For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website:ย IOM Careers and Job Vacancies