TERMS OF REFERENCE
4.1 Context
Lesotho is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, environmental degradation and disasters. In recent years, the country has witnessed changes in its climate, with an observed increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme climate events such as droughts, floods, and prolonged dry periods and heavy snowfall. Furthermore, the interlinkage between these events and migration were confirmed by a rapid assessment conducted by IOM in 2021 which indicated ways climate change has impacted human mobility patterns in Lesotho. Recent evidence in some communities revealed that some smallholder farmers had abandoned their farms and relocated to South Africa due to climate change impacts, particularly the lack of rain. In dry places across the Southern districts of Lesotho, many families have left their farmlands and relocated to peri-urban areas in pursuit of alternative livelihood opportunities. Given the long history of Basotho labour migration to South Africa and neighbouring countries, it is also observed many of them are returning to communities of origin and peri-urban in the face of economic reforms, job losses and economic hardship due to COVID-19 impact on the national economies across these destination countries. In effect, the sustainable reintegration of returnees has remained a key challenge to facilitating climate adaptation, resilience and inclusive growth in the country.
To address these challenges, the project on ‘Supporting climate Adaptive Solutions in Lesotho through Policy and Community Based Green Economy’ aims to contribute to reducing the climate change impact on human mobility and promoting the green economy through sustainable livelihood opportunities. In order to achieve this objective, two overarching aims are envisaged: i) the Government of Lesotho (GoL) develops and commits to implementing climate adaptive solutions, guided by a national Migration, Environment and Climate Change (MECC) Strategy and Action Plan, and ii) communities adopt climate resilient practices, while also contributing to sustainable livelihood opportunities through the recycling cooperatives.
The draft MECC Strategy and Action Plan was developed on the basis of a participatory and inclusive consultation with various migration, environment and climate change-related multi-level partners and stakeholders. The strategy development process was informed by the assessment report profiling environmental migration and its impacts across Lesotho, including its analysis, key findings, and recommendations. This draft strategy was validated by stakeholders from key ministries, UN agencies and the National Climate Change Committee (NCCC) comprising of government and non-government officials, Private Sector, and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
To pilot the MECC Strategy, fifteen community cooperatives in migration-affected communities within five identified districts will be empowered with climate change resilient practices to promote green job opportunities. These cooperatives, engaged in recycling activities, will include migrants, returnees and vulnerable youth previously trained by IOM in solid waste recycling. The training will encompass information on using waste materials for agricultural production, such as composting and waste separation, and understanding the relationship between the environment and migration. This initiative is part of a pilot project aligned with the new Lesotho MECC strategy, aimed at enhancing the participation and contribution of vulnerable communities towards the green transition in Lesotho. The intervention supports the shift to a green economy and the creation of green jobs, contributing to SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth) and SDG 13 (climate action). In light of this, IOM seeks to engage a consultant to develop and design Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials on climate resilient environmental practices that will be used by cooperative members to sensitise community.
4.2. Scope of work
objective:
The main objective of this assignment is to develop key messages and design IEC materials targeting cooperative members and government stakeholders to promote awareness, build understanding, encourage action and effectively communicate environmental and climate resilience practices for environmental migration affected communities.
Methodology:
The project is contributing to Supporting climate Adaptive Solutions in Lesotho Through Policy and Community Based Green Economy.
Tangible and measurable outputs of the consultancy
Submit the inception report detailing how to undertake the assignment and the methodologies.
Under the overall supervision of the Head of Office and direct supervision of the project manager with support from regional office thematic specialists, the consultant is expected to fulfil the following outputs;
Deliverables
Draft of IEC materials suitable for brochures, pamphlets and mobile applications. Finalized IEC materials in agreed formats Submit final comprehensive report documenting the process, challenges, and recommendations.*The receipt and approval of each deliverable is subject to approval from IOM.
Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
The following will form the basis of review of the consultant’s performance:
Quality of materials developed and designed. Appropriateness of IEC material development methodology and approach Adherence to stipulated time frames Regular updates and communication to IOM on progress of deliverablesEducation, Experience and/or skills required
The successful consultant should have the following qualifications and experience:
Advanced university degree in environmental science, communication, education, or related fields. Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders Excellent written and spoken Sesotho and English is required. Good report writing in English is highly desirable. Proven experience in developing IEC materials on environmental and climate change topics. Strong understanding of climate change resilience and sustainable practices. Excellent communication and design skills. Travel requiredNo travelling is required
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. For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies