Research Consultant

The International Organization for Migration is seeking qualified Nepali nationals for the following consultancy based in Kathmandu with field trips outside the valley.

Vacancy Notice No. VN#NP/05/15

Position Title: Research Consultant 

Type of Appointment: Consultant Contract

Overview and Background:

IOM seeks to recruit a qualified consultant to support the project entitled “Assessing the climate change, environmental degradation and migration nexus in South Asia”, being implemented in Bangladesh, the Maldives and Nepal. The three countries have been selected for their commonalities such as high rates of urbanization, internal and international migration (though the Maldives is an exception as it witnesses net in-migration) and exposure to diverse climatic events. The project aims to contribute to the existing knowledge and awareness of the impact of climate change and environmental degradation on internal and international migration in South Asia. The main project activities include an assessment study  based on a literature and policy review and field research in Nepal; developing national action plans and contribute to a regional strategy framework; national level consultations and a regional level dissemination meeting. 

General Functions:

Under the overall guidance of the Chief of Mission, IOM Nepal and the Regional Adviser for Migration, Environment and Climate Change, based in the IOM Regional Office, under the supervision of the IOM Nepal project team and the programme associate in the Regional Office, and in consultation with the lead researcher based in Dhaka and in close coordination with the Government of Nepal, the consultant will be responsible for drafting a section on the Nepal for the assessment study, which will include field research, and a model action plan for the project “Assessing the climate change, environmental degradation and migration nexus in South Asia”. 

Specifically, the candidate will:

1. Conduct a desk review of existing studies, statistics, policies, plan of actions eg NAPA, LAPA and institutional responses related to the impact of climate change and environmental degradation on migration in Nepal 

2. Support the lead researcher in the development of a research framework and methodology that will be suitable to the Nepalese context, in coordination with the IOM project team of Nepal and the Government of Nepal, to analyse the impact of climate change and environmental degradation on internal, cross border and international migration.

3. Participate in the inception workshop and other meetings as required;

4. Consult with stakeholders and the PAC for the identification of locations/hot spots and selection of target communities in Nepal based on multiple factors  such as exposure to hazards, local migration patterns, existence of previous adaptation / mitigation projects, as well as non-climate stressors

5. Conduct interviews with government counterparts and relevant stakeholders, including district and village level representatives in relevant government ministries/departments and development agencies that have on-going programs in the study areas/districts.

6. Collect primary disaggregated data and conduct comparative socio-economic surveys of migrant and non-migrant households in selected study sites in Nepal

7. Conduct district and village level workshops, key informant group and individual interviews, and participant observation.

8. Compile, prepare and present the case studies on Nepal which will be included in the final assessment study. Ensure the quality of research data, grounded analysis and coherence with research objectives of the project. 

9. Draft a model national action plan for Nepal, based on the findings of the field research and consultations with key stakeholders, including the research and project team

10.Present the key findings of the Nepal section of the assessment study (including the field studies) during the national level consultation in Kathmandu and the regional dissemination meeting, with the support of the IOM project team 

11.Revise and finalize the Nepal section and model national action plan based on inputs from the national consultations prior to the regional dissemination meeting

12.Ensure the successful completion of research-related activities in accordance with the agreed work plan, outputs and timeline against deliverables

13.Perform such other duties as may be assigned. 

Desirable Qualifications: 

Education and Experience 

a) Completed advanced University degree from an accredited academic institution preferably in Environmental studies, Social Sciences, International Development

b) At least five years’ experience in research-oriented project management, monitoring, and reporting

c) Experience analysing demographic data and leading qualitative interviews 

d) Capacity to collate and synthesize qualitative and quantitative data in a comprehensible manner

e) Knowledge of climate change and environmentally induced migration

f) Knowledge of relevant policies on migration, environment, and climate change g) Experience working with governments, civil society, rural communities

h) Experience in conducting vulnerability assessment

i) Advanced knowledge in SLA , NELM  and ABM  research frameworks a strong advantage.

Competencies: 

a) Excellent communication, drafting and editing skills 

b) Excellent analytical and organizational skills

b) Excellent monitoring, evaluation, and reporting skills

c) Good computer literacy and applications proficiency

d) Ability to lead a team effectively to achieve goals

e) Flexible, reliable team player with proven networking and partnership building skills

f) Ability to function effectively and harmoniously in a fast-paced, cross-cultural work environment

g) Demonstrated gender and social inclusion awareness and gender sensitivity

h) Comfortable operating at different levels

i) Ability to work with minimal supervision and to meet deadlines

Language(s): Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Nepali is an advantage. 

To view detailed TOR please visit www. nepal.iom.int.   

Interested candidates with the required qualifications should submit a (i) Cover letter explaining the suitability for the position, (ii) Curriculum Vitae addressed to: Human Resource Department, International Organization for Migration, P.O. Box 25503, Baluwatar, Kathmandu or email to iomnepaljobs@iom.int by 7th February 2015. Please indicate VN no. while applying for the position.

Only short listed candidates will be called for an interview.