Job Description

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

 

IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

 

Background
 

The Maldives is a low-lying island nation in the Indian Ocean with a resident population of approximately 500,000, of which one fourth are migrants. The migrant population comprises mostly of labour migrants from neighbouring South Asian countries, especially lower skilled workers from Bangladesh and India, who are key contributors to the economic development of the country, providing the workforce needed for key industries such as tourism and hospitality, construction, and fisheries.

As a small island developing state, Maldives is also exceptionally vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Rising sea levels, increasing temperatures, and the intensification of extreme weather events pose existential threats to the country's environment, economy, and population. As these climate-related challenges escalate, they increasingly influence patterns of human migration within the country, driving people from vulnerable coastal and island communities to more secure areas.

One critical challenge that continues to undermine broad action on this topic is the limited use of and access to context-specific, government-owned evidence and data on the impacts and implications of climate and environmental change on human mobility. In 2024, Microsoft AI for Good lab and IOM Maldives collaborated to identify islands with and without climate disaster risk of sea level rise and coastal flooding by 2025, combining AI-based population analysis and climate projections. The analysis was able to identify five “safe islands” with lower relative risks from sea level rise. The identified islands were Sh. Funadhoo, Sh. Milandhoo, R. Hulhudhufaaru, D. Kudahuvadhoo and K. Thulusdhoo.

In 2025, IOM Maldives conducted baseline research in these five islands, delving into the intricate relationship between migration, environmental degradation, and climate change in the Maldives. The study sought to understand how environmental changes were influencing population movements, the socioeconomic consequences of these migrations, and the strategies that could be adopted to mitigate their adverse effects. Another key component of the research was assessing community awareness and understanding of climate-related risks and how these challenges affected daily life. Building on this foundation, the present consultancy expands the scope of analysis of the baseline research to 20 additional islands across the Maldives, applying and further strengthening the tools and lessons learned. 

This consultancy is part of a sub-regional project “Comprehensive Approach to Climate Mobility in South Asia”, implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), funded by the European Union.

“A Comprehensive Approach to Climate Mobility in South Asia” is a three-year sub-regional initiative designed to strengthen how climate-related migration and displacement are governed across seven countries in the region. The project focuses on advancing coherent, evidence-based and forward-looking national and regional frameworks that can guide governments as they respond to the growing impacts of climate and environmental change on human mobility.
Project Context and Scope
Informed by the evidence, lessons, and methodological limitations emerging from the baseline study of the 5 (five) islands, this consultancy will scale up the research to 20 (twenty) additional islands across the Maldives. The expanded assessment will integrate the perspectives and conditions of international migrant communities, examining their unique vulnerabilities to climate change, environmental degradation, and disaster risks. In addition, the study will incorporate a strengthened gender perspective, exploring how gender roles shape mobility decisions, mobility types, and lived experiences, and assessing gender‑differentiated vulnerabilities and adaptive capacities among left‑behind women, children, and older persons, female‑headed households, persons with disabilities, and youth. This wider scope aims to more comprehensively address the following key research questions:
1. What are the demographics and characteristics of the population move due to climate change, disasters and environmental degradation?
2. What are the characteristics of those who decided to move compared to those who stay (livelihood, education, level, income level)?
3. How are individual perceptions of climate change, environmental degradation, disasters and migration shaped by and aligned with existing evidence? 
4. What are the predominant climatic, environmental, and non-climatic factors influencing migration in the Maldives, and how do these factors contribute to the information needed for evidence-based policy making? 
5. To what extend do national policies and institutions address climate mobility in the Maldives, and what gaps exist that necessitate further policy development? 
6. How are communities adapting to the impacts of climate change, and to what extent does human mobility contribute to effective adaptation strategies through a gender lens?

 
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing

NC0226 Comprehensive Approach to Climate Mobility in South Asia / IOM Maldives
01-MV10-3102106-NC0226-MV10-E141004-5001081-2101102-301-0000-00000000

Climate Change Department / Ministry of Tourism and Environment
 

Responsibilities

Tasks to be performed under this contract
More specifically, the consultant is expected to undertake the following tasks with guidance from the IOM project manager, and in consultation with the Project Technical Committee, and all relevant stakeholders:
  • Review and revise the existing methodology and research tools to ensure they reflect updated priorities such as better inclusion of internal and international migrants and Gender Equality and Social Inclusion dimensions, including selection of islands. 
  • Collect and analyse data across 20 (twenty) islands, utilizing the revised research tools and in consultation with relevant stakeholders and the Technical Committee. 
  • Identify 3–4 priority programming areas where gender-responsive climate mobility interventions could be piloted with communities, local partners, and government institutions. 
  • Validate the findings with key stakeholders and co-develop practical recommendations for integration of climate mobility into island and national policies, plans and programmes. 
  • Submit the final baseline study report and knowledge products (e.g. policy brief, to be agreed with IOM) with a summary of the findings and recommendations.
Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
i. Availability of the revised methodology and tools. 
ii. Availability of the draft study with findings from key informant interviews, 20 outreach visits, and questionnaires. 
iii. Conclusion of validation workshop. 
iv. Availability of final study and knowledge products. 
v. Availability of summary of study findings and recommendations

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

  • At least a Master’s degree in climate studies, human mobility, sociology, research, or any other relevant area. 

Experience

  • Previous experience working in similar projects will be desirable.

Skills

  • Strong background in research (especially research ethics). 
  • Strong interpersonal skills and communication skills and ability to work together as a team with a variety of stakeholders and meet deadlines
  • Able to work long hours and travel outside of Greater Male’ Region. 

Languages

  • Good command of English and Dhivehi (spoken, written and presentation) including word processing skills in both languages, and writing skills according to set formats and guidance. 

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 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.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

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

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

Required Skills

  • Research

Job info

Contract Type: Consultancy (Up to 11 months)
Initial Contract Duration: 6 months
Org Type: Country Office
Vacancy Type: Consultancy
Recruiting Type: Consultant
Grade: UG
Is this S/VN based in an L3 office or in support to an L3 emergency response?: No
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