National Consultant – Biodiversity and Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) Specialist

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, 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. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

Nature of the consultancy

The consultancy is required to provide specialized technical expertise in biodiversity assessment, Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA), and environmental conflict analysis, which is not available within the current project team. The assignment is time-bound and focused on providing technical assessments and recommendations to inform the design and implementation of a specific climate resilience intervention.

Project Context and Scope

The project aims to strengthen sustainable agricultural livelihoods and enhance ecosystem resilience through Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) approaches, including but not limited to conservation agriculture and aquifer recharge. The intervention is situated in a fragile context where the combined impacts of climate change, environmental degradation, and past and ongoing unsustainable agricultural practices have increased pressure on natural resources, soil health, and livelihoods.

Environmental degradation and biodiversity loss are recognized as key factors that can exacerbate resource scarcity, contribute to livelihood insecurity, and act as drivers of displacement and local tensions. At the same time, restoring ecosystems and strengthening biodiversity can play an important role in enhancing community resilience, supporting sustainable livelihoods, and contributing to stability in conflict-affected settings.

Within this framework, the Specialist will be responsible for conducting biodiversity and ecosystem assessments, analysing climate, environmental degradation, unsustainable agricultural practices on natural resources, and providing technical recommendations to ensure that project interventions effectively contribute to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem sustainability, and climate change adaptation.

The Specialist will work closely with project staff and support IOM-facilitated engagement with local stakeholders and partner organizations through field assessments, data collection, consultations, and focus group discussions.

the Biodiversity and Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) Specialist will provide specialized technical support to inform the design and implementation of a climate resilience and ecosystem restoration project in Qushtapa, Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI)).

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing

Under the general guidance of the Chief of Mission, the overall supervision of the Head of Division and the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator and the technical guidance of the relevant programme unit.

The consultancy is open to national consultants and will be primarily remote. However, field missions to Qushtapa District in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq will be required as part of the assignment.

The Biodiversity and Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) Specialist will carry out the assignment through two main phases, with payments linked to the successful completion of each phase.

Phase 1: Baseline Assessment and Analysis

• 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 including:

• Design and implement field-based biodiversity and conflict assessments, including:

Conduct stakeholder consultations, including:

Analyze:

• Assess ecosystem vulnerability to climate risks such as drought, water scarcity, and land degradation
• Submit a Baseline Biodiversity and Climate Analysis Report summarizing findings
• Submit a short report on history and potential future of conflicts over natural resources

Deliverables

• Inception Report
• Baseline Biodiversity and Climate-Conflict Analysis Report

Phase 2: Analysis of Proposed Interventions, Recommendations, and Monitoring Framework

• Assess the potential implications of proposed or emerging project interventions on biodiversity, ecosystem services and future conflicts. These may include, but are not limited to, conservation agriculture approaches (e.g. zero tillage), water management interventions (e.g. managed aquifer recharge or rainwater harvesting), and other Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) measures to be defined during project implementation.
• Analyze expected biodiversity co-benefits, risks, and trade-offs associated with different intervention options under consideration, ensuring that findings remain adaptable to final project design decisions;
• Develop evidence-based technical recommendations to support the integration of biodiversity considerations into selected project activities once finalized, including:
• Provide guidance on how different intervention scenarios may influence:
• Ensure that all recommendations are operational, conflict-sensitive, and adaptable, allowing integration into the final selection of project interventions and implementation modalities.
• Prepare and submit a Final Consolidated Report, including:

Payment 2 (50% of the Total Consultancy Fee)

Timeline: Within 1.5 months of the commencement of Phase 2 of the consultancy, or in accordance with the agreed implementation schedule.

Deliverables

• Biodiversity Integration and Recommendations Report
• Final Consolidated Report that should feed into the final recommendation report of the project
• Produce and disseminate one digital awareness product (e.g. video) highlighting ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA), biodiversity, and climate change in the project area, in coordination with the project team.

Education

• 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 an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in biodiversity assessment, ecosystem management, or environmental research.
• Demonstrated experience in Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA), Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), Biodiversity or climate change adaptation projects.
• Proven experience in conducting field-based ecological assessments and environmental data analysis.
• Experience working in fragile, conflict-affected, or post-conflict contexts, with an understanding of resource-based conflict dynamics.
• Experience in applying conflict-sensitive or “do no harm” approaches in environmental or development programming is highly desirable.
• Experience in designing and facilitating stakeholder consultations, including focus group discussions and participatory approaches, in diverse community settings.
• Experience in developing monitoring frameworks and indicators for environmental or biodiversity projects.

Skills

• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to assess linkages between climate change, biodiversity, livelihoods, and conflict dynamics.
• Familiarity with dryland ecosystems, agricultural systems, and water resource management is highly desirable.
• Strong report writing skills and ability to produce clear, concise, and actionable technical outputs.
• Proficiency in relevant tools such as GIS, remote sensing, or environmental data analysis software is an advantage.

Travel required (Yes/NO)

This consultancy is home-based. The Biodiversity and Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) Specialist is not required to be physically present at the office on a regular basis.

The Specialist is expected to undertake field visits to the project location in Qushtapa, Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), as required for the successful completion of the assignment, including data collection, stakeholder consultations, and field assessments.

All costs related to transportation, including travel to and within the project area, accommodation, and other associated expenses, shall be the responsibility of the consultant and must be included in the financial proposal.

Languages

For this consultancy, English and Kurdish are required.

Knowledge of Arabic is considered an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Required Competencies

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five 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

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.

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, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

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.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.