Consultant (Research Associate)

Call for Applications

International Organization for Migration (IOM) is looking for suitable candidates for the position of Consultant to support Research on Migration, Environment and Climate Change, according to the Post Description below. Interested applicants are invited to apply by 17.06.2026 at the latest, referring to the Call for Applications reference code.

Reference Code: CFA-02/2026

Position Title: Consultant (Research Associate)

Number of Position: 3 positions

Duty Station: Illam, Koshi Province, Mustang, Gandaki Province and    Surkhet, Karnali Province

Type of Appointment: Consultant contract (11 months)

Estimated Starting Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 17 June 2026

Context:

IOM, 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 a diverse and inclusive work environment. Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates, particularly qualified female candidates.

Climate Change in South Asia is becoming a pressing regional issue that requires inclusive, coordinated and evidence- based action linking human mobility, disaster risk reduction and climate resilience. Rising climate variability and more frequent extreme weather events are reshaping human mobility trends across the sub- region.

“Comprehensive Approach to Climate Mobility in South Asia” is a sub-regional programme aiming to address the significant challenges posed by climate change-related migration and displacement in seven countries— the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, the Kingdom of Bhutan, the Republic of India, the Republic of Maldives, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

The overall objective of the programme is to increase the scope of options available to individuals, communities, governments, and other stakeholders affected by climate-related migration and displacement in South Asia.

Specific objectives of the programme are:

• EVIDENCE & DATA: Increased availability and coordination of climate mobility data for evidence-based policymaking and implementation.
• ADAPTATION AND RESILIENCE: Enhanced adaptation and resilience of governments, communities, and migrants to climate-induced migration and displacement.
• POLICY AND GOVERNANCE: Improved policy and institutional responses to climate risks and climate mobility.

The linkages between human mobility (encompassing migration, displacement, and planned relocation) and climate and environment change will be addressed, emphasizing the need for comprehensive, integrated approaches to disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, sustainable development, and migration governance in relevant policy frameworks.

The intervention will take whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach thus the implementation will be based on a multi-partner and multi-stakeholder approach ranging from regional actors, national governments to local actors including women and youth, and emphasizing the need for strategic partnerships to address specific challenges and ensure the success and sustainability of the interventions while considering local contexts and the importance of inclusive and participatory approaches.

The programme will align with national policy frameworks such as the Local Government Operation Act 2017, the Disaster Risk Reduction National Strategic Plan of Action 2018-2030, the National Climate Change Policy 2019, the National Adaptation Plan 2021-2050, Nepal’s 16th periodic plan 2024/25; and  global policy frameworks such as the Paris Agreement, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Global Compact for Migration, the Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals and the core principles underpinning the United Nations Sustainable Development Framework (UNSDCF) 2023-2027, specifically Goals 1 (poverty eradication), 5 (gender equality), 8 (decent work), 10 (reduced inequalities), 11 (sustainable cities), 13 (climate action), 16 (peace), and 17 (partnerships), and the core principles underpinning the United Nations Sustainable Development Framework (UNSDCF) 2023-2027.

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing: This activity is being led by IOM Nepal’s Migration, Environment, Climate Change and Risk Reduction (MECR) Department and conducted under the “A Comprehensive Approach to Climate Mobility in South Asia Project”, funded by the European Union (Project Code: NC.0226).

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission, and direct supervision of the National Program Officer, the successful candidate will be responsible for Research on Migration, Environment and Climate Change and Support the effective implementation of programme activities in the respective duty stations.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Support data collection processes at the local level.
2. Support in implementing and coordinating activities of the programme at the provincial/ local levels including organizing provincial/ local level events. 
3. Support data collection, data verification, triangulation and validation through multiple sources, both primary and secondary (including local media monitoring, local authorities, network of key informants).
4. Support literature/desk review and in conducting in-depth data analysis of the datasets for provincial level case study and report, information materials and policy briefs.
5. Draft internal updates and briefings to be shared with the MECR team in Kathmandu, in coordination with the field enumerators and relevant colleagues. 
6. Support the effective implementation of programme activities at the local level including liaison with local levels and provincial ministries, institutions, and non-government stakeholders including youth and women’s group as well as IOM service providers/consultants doing field work.
7. Coordinate closely with the MECR team in Kathmandu to facilitate effective programme monitoring as per agreed timelines.
8. Identify gaps in data and information relevant to the programme implementation and contribute to address such needs.
9. Assist in developing tailored communication materials (e.g. case studies, social media posts, press releases) to enhance IOM’s visibility and highlight IOM’s partnerships across public communication platforms and including social media.
10. Conduct periodic field visits to the local levels in coordination with the MECR team in Kathmandu. 
11. Perform other duties as may be assigned. 

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results:

• Monthly workplans 
• Monthly updates and reports
• Monitoring reports and photos
• Event reports

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Mobility, Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change, Migration Management, Social Sciences or related discipline from an accredited academic institution with minimum 4 years of relevant professional experience with a strong focus on research and data management. 

OR, 

• High School degree in above field with minimum 6 years of relevant professional experience.

Experience 

• Past experience in project activities reporting, tracking and monitoring.
• Experience working at the provincial/ local levels will be an advantage.
• Experience working on Climate Change, Disaster and Migration issues. 
• Experience in data management and research are highly encouraged to apply.
• Experience working with UN agencies will be an advantage.
• Ability to use own initiative and work under pressure with minimum supervision. 
• Excellent computer skills - Word, Excel, Statistical analysis using Software, Internet. 
• Nepali typing skills will be an advantage. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to organize.
• Self-motivated and objective driven.

Languages

• Fluency in English and Nepali is required. Proficiency in other languages is an   advantage. 

Competencies 

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.

How to apply:

Interested Candidates are requested to submit their application indicating clearly the position applied, CFA reference number with three references to the following address: Human Resource Department, International Organization for Migration, P.O. Box 25503, Lazimpath, Kathmandu or email to iomnepaljobs@iom.int by 17 June 2026. Only short-listed candidates will be called for interview.

Posting period:

From 04.06.2026 to 17.06.2026