National Consultant - Biodiversity and Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) Specialist
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was established in 1951 and is a Related Organization of the United Nations. It is the leading UN agency in the field of migration, working closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners. IOM's mission is to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, saving lives and protecting people on the move. The organization drives solutions to displacement and facilitates pathways for regular migration while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on various aspects of migration and humanitarian assistance, and aims to better harness the full potential of migration to strengthen its support to people on the move.
Job Overview:
The consultancy role is designed to provide specialized technical expertise in biodiversity assessment, Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA), and environmental conflict analysis, which is currently lacking within the project team. This time-bound assignment focuses on delivering technical assessments and recommendations that will inform the design and implementation of a specific climate resilience intervention. The project aims to enhance ecosystem resilience and strengthen sustainable agricultural livelihoods through EbA approaches, addressing the combined impacts of climate change, environmental degradation, and unsustainable agricultural practices. The Specialist will be responsible for conducting biodiversity and ecosystem assessments, analyzing the effects of climate change and environmental degradation on natural resources, and providing technical recommendations to ensure that project interventions effectively contribute to biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation. The Specialist will work closely with project staff and engage with local stakeholders and partner organizations through field assessments, data collection, consultations, and focus group discussions, primarily in the Qushtapa District of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI).
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Biodiversity and Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) Specialist will undertake the following duties: Conduct a comprehensive desk review of existing literature, datasets, and reports related to biodiversity, ecosystems, climate change, and environmental degradation in the project area. Develop and submit an Inception Report that includes a detailed methodology for biodiversity assessment, a workplan and timeline, a sampling strategy and tools, and a stakeholder engagement plan. Design and implement field-based biodiversity and conflict assessments, identifying key ecosystems, vegetation types, and ecological conditions. Conduct rapid assessments of flora and relevant ecological indicators, and analyze historical and potential future conflicts over natural resources. Conduct stakeholder consultations, including Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs), to document traditional ecological knowledge and observed environmental changes. Analyze historical and current biodiversity trends and conflicts, assess ecosystem vulnerability to climate risks, and submit a Baseline Biodiversity and Climate Analysis Report. In the second phase, assess the implications of proposed project interventions on biodiversity and ecosystem services, develop evidence-based technical recommendations, and prepare a Final Consolidated Report that synthesizes findings from both phases. The Specialist will also produce a digital awareness product highlighting ecosystem-based adaptation, biodiversity, and climate change in the project area.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Climate Change, or a related field from an accredited academic institution. Additional training or coursework in conflict studies, environmental governance, or related fields is considered an advantage. Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in biodiversity assessment, ecosystem management, or environmental research, with demonstrated experience in Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA), Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), and climate change adaptation projects. Proven experience in conducting field-based ecological assessments and environmental data analysis is essential, as is experience working in fragile, conflict-affected, or post-conflict contexts. Familiarity with conflict-sensitive approaches in environmental programming is highly desirable, along with experience in stakeholder consultations and developing monitoring frameworks for environmental projects.
Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Climate Change, or a related field from an accredited institution is required. Additional training or coursework in conflict studies or environmental governance is advantageous and may enhance a candidate's profile for this consultancy role.
Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in biodiversity assessment, ecosystem management, or environmental research. This includes demonstrated experience in Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA), Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), and climate change adaptation projects. Proven experience in conducting field-based ecological assessments and environmental data analysis is crucial, as well as experience working in fragile or conflict-affected contexts. Familiarity with conflict-sensitive approaches in environmental programming is highly desirable, along with experience in stakeholder consultations and developing monitoring frameworks for environmental projects.
Languages:
For this consultancy, proficiency in English and Kurdish is required. Knowledge of Arabic is considered an advantage. The proficiency of the required languages will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Additional Notes:
This consultancy is primarily remote, but field missions to Qushtapa District in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq will be required. The consultancy will be carried out in two phases, with payments linked to the successful completion of each phase. The consultant is responsible for all costs related to transportation, accommodation, and other associated expenses, which must be included in the financial proposal. IOM covers consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan, free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. However, consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accidents or illnesses. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including discrimination and harassment.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was established in 1951 and is a Related Organization of the United Nations. It is the leading UN agency in the field of migration, working closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners. IOM's mission is to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, saving lives and protecting people on the move. The organization drives solutions to displacement and facilitates pathways for regular migration while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on various aspects of migration and humanitarian assistance, and aims to better harness the full potential of migration to strengthen its support to people on the move.
Job Overview:
The consultancy role is designed to provide specialized technical expertise in biodiversity assessment, Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA), and environmental conflict analysis, which is currently lacking within the project team. This time-bound assignment focuses on delivering technical assessments and recommendations that will inform the design and implementation of a specific climate resilience intervention. The project aims to enhance ecosystem resilience and strengthen sustainable agricultural livelihoods through EbA approaches, addressing the combined impacts of climate change, environmental degradation, and unsustainable agricultural practices. The Specialist will be responsible for conducting biodiversity and ecosystem assessments, analyzing the effects of climate change and environmental degradation on natural resources, and providing technical recommendations to ensure that project interventions effectively contribute to biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation. The Specialist will work closely with project staff and engage with local stakeholders and partner organizations through field assessments, data collection, consultations, and focus group discussions, primarily in the Qushtapa District of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI).
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Biodiversity and Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) Specialist will undertake the following duties: Conduct a comprehensive desk review of existing literature, datasets, and reports related to biodiversity, ecosystems, climate change, and environmental degradation in the project area. Develop and submit an Inception Report that includes a detailed methodology for biodiversity assessment, a workplan and timeline, a sampling strategy and tools, and a stakeholder engagement plan. Design and implement field-based biodiversity and conflict assessments, identifying key ecosystems, vegetation types, and ecological conditions. Conduct rapid assessments of flora and relevant ecological indicators, and analyze historical and potential future conflicts over natural resources. Conduct stakeholder consultations, including Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs), to document traditional ecological knowledge and observed environmental changes. Analyze historical and current biodiversity trends and conflicts, assess ecosystem vulnerability to climate risks, and submit a Baseline Biodiversity and Climate Analysis Report. In the second phase, assess the implications of proposed project interventions on biodiversity and ecosystem services, develop evidence-based technical recommendations, and prepare a Final Consolidated Report that synthesizes findings from both phases. The Specialist will also produce a digital awareness product highlighting ecosystem-based adaptation, biodiversity, and climate change in the project area.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Climate Change, or a related field from an accredited academic institution. Additional training or coursework in conflict studies, environmental governance, or related fields is considered an advantage. Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in biodiversity assessment, ecosystem management, or environmental research, with demonstrated experience in Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA), Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), and climate change adaptation projects. Proven experience in conducting field-based ecological assessments and environmental data analysis is essential, as is experience working in fragile, conflict-affected, or post-conflict contexts. Familiarity with conflict-sensitive approaches in environmental programming is highly desirable, along with experience in stakeholder consultations and developing monitoring frameworks for environmental projects.
Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Climate Change, or a related field from an accredited institution is required. Additional training or coursework in conflict studies or environmental governance is advantageous and may enhance a candidate's profile for this consultancy role.
Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in biodiversity assessment, ecosystem management, or environmental research. This includes demonstrated experience in Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA), Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), and climate change adaptation projects. Proven experience in conducting field-based ecological assessments and environmental data analysis is crucial, as well as experience working in fragile or conflict-affected contexts. Familiarity with conflict-sensitive approaches in environmental programming is highly desirable, along with experience in stakeholder consultations and developing monitoring frameworks for environmental projects.
Languages:
For this consultancy, proficiency in English and Kurdish is required. Knowledge of Arabic is considered an advantage. The proficiency of the required languages will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Additional Notes:
This consultancy is primarily remote, but field missions to Qushtapa District in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq will be required. The consultancy will be carried out in two phases, with payments linked to the successful completion of each phase. The consultant is responsible for all costs related to transportation, accommodation, and other associated expenses, which must be included in the financial proposal. IOM covers consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan, free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. However, consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accidents or illnesses. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including discrimination and harassment.
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We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.