Local Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants alike. Established in 1951, IOM has grown to include 173 member states and offices in over 100 countries. The organization aims to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, focusing on the needs of migrants and the communities they are part of. IOM's mission includes addressing the challenges of migration, enhancing the understanding of migration issues, and promoting international cooperation on migration management.

Job Overview:
The Local Consultant position at IOM Vanuatu involves conducting a targeted gap analysis of the Early Warning System (EWS) landscape in Vanuatu. This role is crucial in aligning with the UN Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL) initiative and entails comprehensive desk research, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and validation sessions with government stakeholders and communities. The results of this analysis will inform the design of activities under the IOM-led project 'Early Warning System Scale-Up in the Pacific' and support future program development and resource mobilization efforts aimed at reducing displacement and building resilience. The consultant will also contribute to a regional study on early warning systems commissioned by IOM, which includes Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu. The position requires a deep understanding of the vulnerabilities faced by Pacific nations due to natural hazards exacerbated by climate change, and the consultant will play a pivotal role in assessing and enhancing the current state of EWS in Vanuatu.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for reviewing existing EWS reports, related practices, systems, and tools. They will gather qualitative insights from relevant stakeholders, including government officials and community members, to develop recommendations for capacity-building interventions that address identified gaps. The consultant will also validate findings through consultations and workshops, ensuring that the results are comprehensive and actionable. This role is integral to shaping IOM's current and future disaster risk reduction (DRR) programming in Vanuatu and contributing to regional knowledge products.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Disaster Risk Management, Environmental Studies, Engineering, Geography, Social Sciences, or a related field. Additionally, at least 5 years of experience in early warning systems, disaster risk reduction, humanitarian response, or research is required. The consultant should have demonstrated experience conducting qualitative assessments, particularly FGDs and KIIs, and possess strong knowledge of the Vanuatu context and DRR governance.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field such as Disaster Risk Management, Environmental Studies, Engineering, Geography, or Social Sciences is essential for this position. This educational background provides the necessary theoretical foundation and understanding of the complexities involved in disaster risk management and early warning systems.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in early warning systems, disaster risk reduction, humanitarian response, or research. This experience should include conducting qualitative assessments and working closely with communities and government stakeholders to understand the dynamics of disaster risk and resilience.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Bislama is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in Bislama-French is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication with a broader range of stakeholders in Vanuatu.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is focused on a specific project and may have a defined contract duration. The role is expected to be full-time, and the consultant will be working closely with IOM Vanuatu and other regional actors. Compensation and benefits will be discussed during the hiring process, and the organization is open to recruiting both nationally and internationally.