Project Context and Scope
Understanding the complex interactions between environmental changes, urbanization pressures, and human mobility is essential for Botswana to develop targeted interventions and policies that address the needs of affected populations. However, the integration of human mobility dimensions into Botswana’s disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate policies, such as the 2021 National Climate Change Policy and the National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy, remains constrained by a lack of data and research on current and future environmental and climactic risks and their likely migratory impacts. While population displacement due to rapid onset weather events such as flooding are frequently measured each year, limited knowledge exists regarding the impact of slow-onset weather events, and how these phenomena influence migration decisions, including how men, women, boys and girls are affected differently. There is a critical need to update existing frameworks to address the complexities of climate-induced displacement and ensure the inclusion of human mobility considerations in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation policies.
Recognizing this need, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Botswana Office is supporting the Government of Botswana, through the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, on a 24-month project. The objective of this initiative is to contribute to the Government's efforts in addressing migration, environment, and climate change (MECC) dynamics in Botswana, with a particular focus on mainstreaming human mobility into relevant policies. The project aims to deepen the understanding of the connections between climate change and human mobility in Botswana while supporting the integration of human mobility considerations into relevant policy frameworks. These include, but are not limited to, disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation policies. Through its activities, the project will: Analyze the impact of natural hazards on human mobility, with a focus on gender dimensions; assess the integration of human mobility dimensions into existing policy frameworks, including disaster preparedness, disaster response, disaster risk reduction, and climate change adaptation; and develop actionable recommendations and provide technical guidance to authorities and key stakeholders on effectively incorporating human mobility considerations into policy development and implementation.
This consultancy forms part of the project’s efforts to address these gaps by equipping the Government of Botswana with evidence-based, gender-sensitive insights to inform decision-making and policy formulation. The consultant will lead efforts under Output 1.1 to develop a profile on the migration, environment and climate change (MECC) nexus in Botswana, inclusive of a case study on drought related mobility. For the profile, the consultant shall conduct a review of secondary data to determine broad trends on migration, environment and climate change. The consultant, with support from a national consultant based in Botswana, will also conduct primary data collection focusing on drought-related mobility in affected communities across Botswana. The profile will aim to support stakeholders with understanding on population movements, identification of vulnerable populations (including disaggregation by age, gender, and disability), and guide effective resource allocation.
Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment:
Workplan Upon commencement of the consultancy and following discussion and coordination with the relevant Government ministries, the consultant will provide an updated workplan, detailing the activities towards the finalization of deliverables, including roles and responsibilities, and delivery dates. Estimated Delivery Date: 1 day after contract commencement. Delivery Details: The report will be submitted electronically in Word and PDF format to the designated point of contact at IOM. Inception Report A document that details the research methodology and stakeholder engagement strategy for the primary data collection activities, inclusive of gender considerations. The report will also contain an outline for the MECC profile. The inception report overall includes the approach to conceptual framework for analysis, detailed list of relevant literature and available data sources; overview of key stakeholders; tentative data collection required; tentative list of stakeholders to be consulted, location and modality to conduct interviews as well as risks, limitations and adjustments. The timeframes for data collection, analysis and drafting may be further clarified at this stage from the initial workplan. This report sets the foundation for the profile and provides a roadmap for its execution. Estimated Delivery Date: Within 1 month of contract commencement. Delivery Details: The report will be submitted electronically in Word and PDF format to the designated point of contact at IOM. The inception report may be finalized after one round of review. Payment milestone: 20% upon approval. Data Collection Activities In consultation with key stakeholders, the consultant will oversee primary data collection activities for the profile as highlighted in the inception report. Activities can include field visits, interviews, and focus groups in climate-affected regions (e.g., areas prone to floods and droughts). Such activities will focus on obtaining key data and information to inform the formation of the profile. As documentation, the consultant will prepare a brief field data summary (maximum three pages) outlining the data collection processes including geographical, gender and age disaggregation of participants and dates. The summary will highlight key inputs, concerns, and recommendations gathered during the data collection process. Estimated Delivery Date: Field data summary within 2 months of contract commencement. Delivery Details: The report will be submitted electronically in Word and PDF format to the designated point of contact at IOM. Comprehensive MECC Profile A profile detailing research findings and gender-specific impacts of mobility in the context of environmental change in Botswana, concluding with recommendations for government-led interventions. This includes observed patterns of displacement linked to drought, with a focused on heightened vulnerabilities faced by women and marginalized groups. It concludes with recommendations to support evidence-based planning, improve response coherence across sectors, and strengthen locally led adaptation efforts. Estimated Delivery Date: Final draft report within 5 months of contract commencement. Delivery Details: The profile will be submitted electronically in Word and PDF format to the designated point of contact at IOM. Payment milestone: 40% upon approval of the final report. Stakeholder Consultation Meeting In coordination with the designated Ministry officials and IOM focal points, the consultant will organize and present findings to stakeholders, including government authorities and NCCC members, to obtain information and recommendations on the proposed contents and findings of the MECC profile. The consultant will assist with providing logistical support for the meeting, including drafting the meeting concept note, agenda, and identifying a meeting host. The consultant will prepare a PowerPoint presentation outlining the data collection activities and the main findings of the draft MECC profile in a 30–45-minute interactive presentation, with time for questions and answers. As documentation, the consultant will prepare a short summary (maximum three pages) outlining the various feedback received from the consultation. Estimated Delivery Date: Consultation meeting held and short summary drafted within 5 months of contract commencement. Delivery Details: The summary will be submitted electronically in Word and PDF format to the designated point of contact at IOM. Payment milestone: 40% upon approval of consultation outputs. Performance indicators for the evaluation of results Timeliness: All deliverables are submitted by the agreed-upon deadlines. Quality of Deliverables: The Inception Report clearly outlines the methodology, work plan, and stakeholder engagement strategy. The methodology incorporates robust gender-sensitive approaches. Desk review of existing plans, framework, and legislations is comprehensive. The MECC profile is well-structured, comprehensive, and aligns with international best practices and national priorities. Feedback from stakeholders on the clarity, relevance, and utility of the findings is adequately incorporated into the final version of the profile. Stakeholder consultation is conducted as planned, with broad and inclusive participation. The consultant must adhere to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Data Protection Principles (IN/138) and maintain confidentiality. The consultant will be responsible to follow IOM writing guidelines, including the IOM House Style Manual. Communication, Feedback, and Satisfaction: Regular updates are provided on the progress of the deliverables, as required. Positive feedback is received from the Ministry and other stakeholders regarding the consultant’s or firm’s performance and the quality of the deliverables. Any inputs are incorporated, and issues or concerns raised during the consultancy are promptly and effectively addressed. Education Advanced degree in Social Sciences, Environmental Studies, Migration Studies, or related fields. Experience At least 5 years of experience in research on climate change, disaster risk reduction, and human mobility. Proven expertise in gender-sensitive research and analysis. Familiarity with Botswana’s socio-political and environmental context is an advantage Skills Strong analytical, communication, and report-writing skills. Languages Fluency in English and Setswana; knowledge of local languages is a plus 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 Field visits to key regions affected by climate change and disasters in Botswana. Travel for stakeholder consultations and the final presentation meeting.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. 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. 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