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

Required Qualifications and Experience

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.

Note:  As part of your application, please submit a financial proposal outlining your approach and fees to complete the assignment

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

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

https://fa-evlj-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/fscmUI/redwood/internalmobility/opportunitymarketplace/job-details?previous_page=%2Finternalmobility%2Fopportunitymarketplace%2Fsearch&requisition_id=300001403079702&requisition_number=22361