Senior Project Associate (MECC)

Job Description

Climate change, disasters, and environmental degradation are increasingly affecting the livelihoods of communities and influencing patterns of human mobility. According to the World Bank’s Groundswell report (2021), "climate change could force 216 million people to migrate within their own country by 2050." Mobility decisions are inherently multifactorial, meaning that environmental factors represent only part of the causes driving migration and displacement. These factors must be understood in the context of social, political, economic, and demographic issues. Climate change acts as a risk multiplier, exacerbating other drivers of displacement. The MENA region is particularly vulnerable to climate change, as it is the most water-stressed region in the world. Eleven of the 17 countries most affected by this phenomenon are in this region. In North Africa, the effects of climate change on human mobility are raising growing concerns, although data and evidence remain limited, particularly regarding the impacts of slow-onset events on human mobility.

Tunisia is considered one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change due to its highly arid climate and declining rainfall. Climate projections and vulnerability studies conducted in Tunisia confirm that the country is already experiencing the effects of climate change and will continue to suffer from rising temperatures and decreased rainfall, as observed in recent years. 

Given the complexity of migratory dynamics in Tunisia, the need for reliable data, research, and analysis is more pressing than ever to develop evidence-based policies and actions, especially in the context of climate change and environmental degradation. The country lacks consistent and high-quality migration data, which is essential for guiding interventions, deepening the understanding of issues, and anticipating trends. These gaps in migration data and research hinder the effectiveness of political and programmatic responses. Furthermore, reinforcing the capacity of the government and stakeholders to address the nexus between migration, environment, and climate change is critical. Strengthening their ability to integrate these interconnected challenges into policy frameworks will enhance resilience, improve decision-making, and ensure a more coordinated and effective response to the growing impacts of climate change on human mobility. 

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), as the leading intergovernmental agency dedicated to migration, is at the forefront of operational efforts, research, advocacy, and policy development aimed at placing environmental migration at the heart of international, regional, and national concerns, in collaboration with its member states, observers, and partners. 

Understanding and identifying the interactions between environmental degradation and human mobility dynamics in Tunisia is becoming increasingly crucial as the impacts of climate change worsen in the country. Although this intersection is complex, IOM Tunisia has identified the following priorities: human mobility in the context of disasters, climate change, and environmental degradation, as well as migration research and data. Under the general direction of the Chief of Mission, the overall supervision of the Head of Programmes and the direct and technical supervision of the Head of Migration & Development Unit the incumbent will be responsible for supporting the implementation and continuous development of the Migration, Environment, and Climate Change portfolio of IOM Tunisia, as part of the "climate change and migration data" Danish programme that aims to contribute to improved evidence-based migration management and reduced risk of irregular migration and displacement occurring, in the context of disasters, climate change and environmental degradation in countries of origin, transit and destination along key migration corridors in North, East, and West Africa.

Responsibilities

• Support the implementation and reporting of the project.
• Under the coordination and technical guidance of the supervisor, contribute to the development of a Migration, Environment and Climate Change (MECC) portfolio for IOM Tunisia. 
• Monitor project progress and pro-actively suggest tracking and reporting tools; 
• Under the coordination and technical guidance of the supervisor, support the development of a national action plan on migration, environment, and climate change in the framework of the Kampala Declaration on Climate Change and Human Mobility. 
• Support the collaboration with Government officials and key stakeholders to integrate human mobility into the formulation process of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) to climate change by assisting with administrative processes
• Support capacity-building programs on migration, environment, and climate change (MECC) for relevant ministries, departments, and agencies 
• Support the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM) and relevant frameworks in the context of climate change and environmental degradation. 
• Contribute to better migration management based on evidence and data and to the reduction of irregular migration risks and displacement in the context of disasters, climate change, and environmental degradation;
• Support the strengthening of comparable and reliable data and improve its use for policy, decision-making, and programming. 
• Assist in the organization of administrative activities related to the project progress including contracts with service providers, procurement of required items, processing of payments, submission of reports and all related documentation, and follow-up on monitoring and reporting tools. 
• Provide logistical support for the organization of field missions, meetings, workshops (travel, accommodation, catering, preparation of communication materials)
• Perform other related duties as may be assigned. 

Qualifications

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Environmental Studies, Migration Studies, Climate Change, International relations, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or related disciplines from an accredited institution with a minimum of 4 years of professional experience ; or 
• High School diploma with a minimum six years of relevant professional experience.

EXPERIENCE

• Familiarity with climate change and environmental degradation programming and/or analysis is required. 
• Experience in liaising with donors and government authorities and/or other national/international institutions, such as research institutions and local and international NGOs is desired. 
• Experience in climate change adaptation and mitigation measures is desired.
• Experience in capacity building of local organizations and/or grant management is an asset.
• Familiarity with climate mobility policy and programming is an asset.
• Prior work experience in an international organization and/or non-governmental organizations (NGO) is an advantage.

SKILLS

• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Ability to draft correspondence and communicate effectively.
• Ability to analyse and interpret climate mobility related concerns in the Tunisian context is desired.
• High level of computer literacy (MS Office Word, Excel and Outlook); experience in handling webbased management system.
• Ability to analyse and interpret source information and data.
• Capacity to work effectively and harmoniously within people at different levels within and outside organization.
• Candidate should be highly motivated with dynamic personality and the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Attention to details and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent time management skills.

SECTION 5

Languages 

REQUIRED

External applicants for all positions in the Professional category are required to be proficient in English and have at least a working knowledge of one additional UN Language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).

For all applicants, fluency in Arabic, French and English is required (oral and written).

Competencies[1]

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the following values and 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 –  Level 1

 

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.


 

Required Skills

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