Project Context and Scope The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) seeks to enhance economic integration among its 15 MS, which experience significant mobility as millions of people move within and beyond borders daily. This migration, driven by a youthful and growing population facing limited access to quality education and decent job opportunities, manifests in both regular and irregular forms. Migration decisions are often driven by a combination of economic, environmental, social, and political factors. In West Africa, floods were with wind storms the most important cause of disaster displacement. Droughts, desertification, deforestation, water scarcity, rising sea levels, coastal erosion have increased in occurrence and severity over the last few decades due to the adverse effects of climate change, also compelling people directly and indirectly to leave their homes. These changes also affect mobile population such as transhumant herders.
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
FMM II Programme, Tasks to be performed under this contract The tasks listed below will be subject to ongoing review and, where necessary, adjusted in consultations between the incumbent and IOM:
2. Institutional Framework and Coordination Mechanisms on human mobility in the context of climate change, environmental degradation and disasters
Review of the mandate, responsibilities, and roles of the relevant ECOWAS Commission Directorates, relevant government agencies and institutions related to human mobility in the context of climate change, environmental degradation and disasters. Review of ECOWAS internal coordination mechanisms (policies and practices) within the ECOWAS Commission and at its Departments’ and the Directorates’ level, as well as environmental degradation and disaster risk reduction management -gaps and challenges. Review of ECOWAS MS and Mauritania inter-agency and inter-government coordination mechanisms on climate change environmental degradation and disaster risk reduction. Identify the challenges and propose mitigation measures. Assessment of existing Policy Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), guidelines, established practices, etc. within ECOWAS on human mobility in the context of climate change, environmental degradation and disasters to identify gaps and challenges. Identify key indicators on ECOWAS, its MS and Mauritania’s institutional frameworks and coordination mechanisms capacity to address the challenges and seize the opportunities of human mobility in the context of climate change, environmental degradation and disasters as part of a baseline assessment and to allow for measuring progress over time of their capacity.3. Knowledge Management, Data and Information Sharing processes on human mobility in the context of climate change, environmental degradation and disasters
Identify and review existing systems and processes in place for collecting, sharing, and analyzing climate mobility data and ensuring adherence to international standards, and their current implementation capacity in MS and Mauritania. Collect and review all relevant SOPs, instruments, tools and guidelines related to knowledge and data management within the context of climate change, environmental degradation, and disaster risk reduction. Identify key indicators on ECOWAS, its MS and Mauritania’s knowledge management, data and information sharing capacity to address the challenges and seize the opportunities of human mobility in the context of climate change, environmental degradation and disasters as part of a baseline assessment and to allow for measuring progress over time of their capacity.4. Capacity-Building Needs and actionable recommendations on human mobility in the context of climate change, environmental degradation and disasters
Based on the initial assessment of all the key fields above as well as the analyses of its outcomes, the Consultant will provide an overview of key capacity-building gaps and needs for ECOWAS, its MS and Mauritania to better address human mobility in the context of climate change, environmental degradation and disasters. Provide a comprehensive baseline assessment and actionable recommendations5. Methodology of the Assessment
Pre-Survey Questionnaire: Preparation of an assessment questionnaire streamlined with the developed ECOWAS questionnaire validated by MS to be shared with relevant Departments of the ECOWAS Commission and relevant national institutions in the ECOWAS, its MS and Mauritania.
Desk Research: The Consultancy will review and analyze relevant documents including, but not limited to:
Relevant regional and national legislation, policies, and strategies. Annual reports and topical issues reports including reports on climate change environmental degradation and disaster risk reduction thematic areas. The ECOWAS Regional Climate Strategy and Disaster Risk Reduction Policy and other sector-based climate change documents. Surveys (including their methodologies and data collection tools) and research studies relevant to climate change environmental degradation and disaster risk reduction conducted in the ECOWAS Commission, ECOWAS MS, and Mauritania. All relevant documents as per the objectives of the consultancyExpert Consultations: The hybrid evaluation will include:
Meetings with relevant counterparts and consultations with the support of IOM, who will be accompanying the Consultant throughout all meetings. The Consultancy will hold extensive consultations with relevant ECOWAS bodies, especially with, the Directorate of Environment and Natural Resources, and other relevant departments within ECOWAS HQ in Abuja Field visits to selected ECOWAS MS and Mauritania. The number of visits is still subject to discussion. Performance indicators for the evaluation of results Quality of work: Ability to accurately coordinate with the ECOWAS Commission and relevant stakeholders. Timeliness: Ability to meet the consultancy timeline and deliver on time. Clarity: Ability to communicate and integrate climate change environmental degradation and disaster risk reduction contents clearly and concisely. Understanding: Ability to understand and interpret the complexities of climate change environmental degradation and disaster risk reduction in integrated border management and free movement-related programme. Adaptability: Ability to adjust to changes in scope or objectives. Knowledge: Understanding of climate change environmental degradation and disaster risk reduction and Free Movement of persons in the context for West Africa region. Responsiveness: Ability to provide timely responses to inquiriesTangible and Measurable Output of the Work Assessment: Activities Deadline
Update the initial proposed consultancy plan, including a detailed work plan outlining methodologies and timelines for data collection and stakeholder engagement. Draft of the assessment questionnaire. Preliminary virtual meeting with IOM technical specialists.Deliverable: Payment of 20% amount of total consultancy service fees upon submission and approval by IOM of all of update detailed proposal and workplan.
1st Deliverable – by 05 December 20242. Desk Review: Based on the agreed work plan for the consultancy.
Desk Research and Review of ECOWAS Commission Documentation Legal, policy, guidelines and strategic framework. Meeting and interviews with the ECOWAS Commission staff. If required, field visits to selected MS and Mauritania, or virtual interviews, to access capacities on climate change environmental degradation and disasters related issues. Consultations and interviews with relevant partners that have facilitated support to enhancing data collection, sharing and best practices among MS and Mauritania.Deliverable: Payment of additional 30% amount of total consultancy service fees upon submission and validation of draft interim analysis report by IOM.
2nd Deliverable – by 15 January 2025 Draft Final Report: Based on findings. Draft a comprehensive final assessment report, including an overview of key stakeholders, challenges, and opportunities. Develop actionable priority areas and recommendations to enhance collaboration and effectiveness of climate-related initiatives. Initiate first rounds of comments and feedback.Deliverable: Third instalment (25%) of payment for consultancy service fees to be made upon submission and approval by IOM of draft of final assessment reports, with key recommendations informing the follow-up on activities in enhancing ECOWAS climate change environmental degradation and disaster risk reduction and management capacities.
3rd Deliverable – by 15 February 2025
Report presentation and validation:I. Facilitation of a workshop to present the draft final report to key stakeholders.
II. Final assessment report validated by relevant stakeholders.
Deliverable: Fourth instalment (25%) of payment for consultancy service fees to be made upon submission and approval by IOM of final assessment report validated
4th Deliverable – by 15 March 2025 Education Master’s degree in political science, international relations, international economics, law, environmental sciences or any other related from an accredited academic institution with six (6) to ten (10) years of progressive working experience in working on migration, climate change, environmental degradation and disaster risk reduction Experience Demonstrated knowledge and experience in regional integration, climate action and the free movement protocol. Demonstrated experience and skills in facilitating stakeholder/working group consultations. Relevant regional and international experience will be an added advantage Proven experience in drafting and producing high-quality written reports Skills Excellent understanding of gender-related needs, perspectives, concerns, and participation. Proficiency in English and French. Fluency in Portuguese is an advantage. Languages IOM’s 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. Travel required The consultant may be required to travel on needs basis.The consultant will be responsible for:
All the deliverables as set out in the ToR. Cost for translation/interpretation (if applicable), communication (phone/internet) where applicable.IOM will be responsible for:
Costs for in-country coordination for data collection, and local and international travel arrangements if applicable. This will include flight ticket, any visa or administrative related fee, terminal transfer cost and accommodation only
Required Competencies IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process. 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 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. 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. Vaccination against COVID-19 will be required for IOM personnel who are hired or otherwise engaged by IOM. As part of the mandatory medical entry on duty clearance, candidates may be requested to provide evidence of full vaccination. Consultants engaged to work on a home-based consultancy who do not need to travel do not need to provide vaccination records, regardless of the length of the consultancy contract. 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 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: IOM Careers and Job VacanciesThe consultant will be responsible for:
All the deliverables as set out in the ToR. Cost for translation/interpretation (if applicable), communication (phone/internet) where applicable.IOM will be responsible for:
Costs for in-country coordination for data collection, and local and international travel arrangements if applicable. This will include flight ticket, any visa or administrative related fee, terminal transfer cost and accommodation only.CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT:
Upon the advertisement of the Consultancy Notice, qualified individual consultants are expected to submit:
CV/Resume, indicating all experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the candidate and at least three (3) professional references. Technical Proposal (Narrative) detailing methodology approach for the consultancy. Financial Proposal with breakdown of costs. All individual applicants should be Community Citizens of ECOWAS.*Pre-selected candidates will be called for interviews.
*Applications without the adequate set of documents will not be considered in the selection process