4. Project Context and Scope
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) seeks to enhance economic integration among its 12 MS, which experience significant mobility as millions of people move within and beyond borders daily. This migration, driven by a youthful and growing population facing limited access to quality education and decent job opportunities, manifests in both regular and irregular forms. Migration decisions are often driven by a combination of economic, environmental, social, and political factors. In West Africa, floods were with wind storms the most important cause of disaster displacement. Droughts, desertification, deforestation, water scarcity, rising sea levels, coastal erosion have increased in occurrence and severity over the last few decades due to the adverse effects of climate change, also compelling people directly and indirectly to leave their homes. These changes also affect mobile population such as transhumant herders.
As West Africa grapples with environmental degradation and political instability, the region's rapid urbanization further reshapes migration patterns. Mobility remains crucial for many, offering vital access to employment and remittances, and providing essential livelihood strategies for families across the region, thus contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
West Africa is one of the world’s most mobile regions, historically characterized by trade, nomadic pastoralism and migration with the aim of diversifying the means of subsistence (RCS 2022)
[1]. Human mobility can be seen as a climate change adaptation practice for communities but needs to be anticipated by the state, especially as the use of mobility in relation to disaster risk is already observed within the region. Human mobility is a descriptive term used under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) processes to collectively refer to three forms of population movement set out under paragraph 14(f) of the Cancun Adaptation Framework (Source: UNFCCC, 2010): i) Displacement – the primarily forced movement of persons; ii) Migration – the primarily voluntary movement of persons, iii) Planned relocation – the process of settling persons or communities in a new location.
Since May 2024, IOM has been implementing a second phase of the “Support to Free Movement of Persons and Migration in West Africa” programme (FMM II), in collaboration with, in collaboration with International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and International Labour Organization (ILO). Based on existing evidence and regional expertise, FMM II is supporting ECOWAS and its Member States in prioritizing policy areas for concrete action and define the tools to support States in implementing the commitments made under the Global Compact on Migration (GCM) Objectives 2 and 5 related to environmental migration and disaster displacement at national and subnational levels, in synergy with ECOWAS climate strategy and other relevant strategic frameworks (e.g. Transhumance protocol, Early Warning and Early Response Strategic Plans 2022-2026).
The ECOWAS Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs plays a critical role in addressing displacement, migration, and population movements resulting from conflict and disasters. In recent years, the West African region has experienced an increase in the frequency and intensity of climate-related hazards—such as floods, droughts, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events—exacerbating vulnerabilities and triggering large-scale displacement. Climate change acts as a threat multiplier, compounding existing socio-political tensions and undermining livelihoods, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected areas.
The ECOWAS Regional Climate Strategy and Action Plan (2022-2030)
[1], published and endorsed by Member States (MS) in April 2022, will provide the basis to align regional climate actions with global objectives, enhance resilience, and facilitate sustainable development. It supports MS in managing climate-related challenges, promoting free movement, and ensuring effective migration management across the region. Thus, the consultancy seeks to sstrengthen the Directorate’s capacity to respond to these complex and interlinked challenges, as well as to provide technical support to the ECOWAS Disaster Operation Centre (DOC) Technical Team to enhance climate-informed disaster response mechanisms and ensure that migration dynamics are integrated into early warning, preparedness, and humanitarian coordination systems.
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
5. IOM UNIT TO WHICH THE CONSULTANCY IS CONTRIBUTING; FMM II Programme (PO 0225)
Tasks to be performed under this contract
- Research and provide analysis of migration trends in the ECOWAS region including displacement caused by conflict, disasters and environmental changes.
- Develop briefs, reports and policy recommendations for ECOWAS and partners on displacement and shed light on the link between humanitarian, development and climate policies.
- Support coordination mechanism efforts between ECOWAS relevant Directorates, the Disaster Operation Centre: humanitarian agencies and relevant stakeholders;
- Provide technical input to regional programmes and initiatives that address migration in contexts of conflict, disasters, and environmental stress;
- Assist in developing programs that enhance resilience and sustainable solutions for affected populations.
- Assist in the design and facilitation of capacity-building activities for ECOWAS Member States on disaster migration management;
- Contribute to advocacy efforts for policy reforms and regional frameworks and agreements on forced migration;
- Assist in improving data collection and information-sharing mechanisms between ECOWAS Institutions and its Agencies such as Early Warning Directorate and WASCAL to optimize disaster interventions;
- Contribute to the development of technical frameworks for humanitarian assistance coordination within the ECOWAS Disaster Operation Centre.
7. METHODOLOGY OF THE CONSULTANCY
Desk Research: The Consultancy will review and analyze relevant documents including, but not limited to:
- Annual reports and topical issues reports including reports on climate change environmental degradation and disaster risk reduction thematic areas.
- The ECOWAS Regional Climate Strategy and Disaster Risk Reduction Policy and other sector-based climate change documents.
- Surveys (including their methodologies and data collection tools) and research studies relevant to climate change environmental degradation and disaster risk reduction conducted in the ECOWAS Commission and ECOWAS MS.
- Report from the assessment on ECOWAS Commission and its MS on approaches and efforts onaddressing Human Mobility in the Context of Climate Change Environmental Degradation & Disasters.
- All relevant documents as per the objectives of the consultancy
Expert Consultations:
- Meetings with relevant counterparts and consultations with the support of IOM, who will be accompanying the Consultant throughout all meetings.
- The Consultancy will hold extensive consultations with relevant ECOWAS bodies, especially with the Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affair, and other relevant departments within ECOWAS HQ in Abuja, as well as with selected institutions at MS level.
8. PERFORMANCE INDICATORS FOR THE EVALUATION OF RESULTS:
- Quality of work: Ability to accurately coordinate with the ECOWAS Commission and relevant stakeholders.
- Timeliness: Ability to meet the consultancy timeline and deliver on time.
- Clarity: Ability to communicate and integrate climate change environmental degradation and disaster risk reduction contents clearly and concisely.
- Understanding: Ability to understand and interpret the complexities of climate change environmental degradation and disaster risk reduction in integrated border management and free movement-related programme.
- Adaptability: Ability to adjust to changes in scope or objectives.
- Knowledge: Understanding of climate change environmental degradation and disaster risk reduction and Free Movement of persons in the context for West Africa region.
- Responsiveness: Ability to provide timely responses to inquiries.
9. TANGIBLE AND MEASURABLE OUTPUT OF THE WORK ASSIGNMENT:
| Deliverables: | Deadline |
| I. Deliverable: Inception Report (5–10 pages). Activity: Conduct a preliminary virtual meeting with ECOWAS Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, the Disaster Operation Centre Technical Team, and IOM to align on expectations and scope. Output: Updated consultancy plan, including a detailed work plan with refined methodology, timelines for data collection, and stakeholder engagement approach. Payment of 25% amount of total consultancy service fees upon submission and approval by IOM and ECOWAS Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs. | 1st Deliverable – by 30 November 2025 |
| II. Deliverables: Regional Analysis Report complementary to existing regional analysis and One (1) policy brief in relevant areas to regional and global frameworks on migration, disaster displacement. Activity: Conduct desk review, data collection, and stakeholder consultations to analyse migration and displacement trends linked to conflict, disasters, and climate impacts in West Africa. Output: Comprehensive regional analysis with actionable recommendations for ECOWAS and partners. Payment of 25% amount of total consultancy service fees upon submission and approval by IOM and ECOWAS Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs. | 2nd Deliverable – by 28 February 2026 |
| III. Deliverables: Training report and Toolkit (slides, manuals, checklists) for sustained use. Activity: Design and facilitate at least one regional training session for the ECOWAS Commission; its Member States and partners on disaster-related migration management. Output: Strengthened technical capacities of national focal points and regional institutions to address disaster- and conflict-induced migration. Payment of 25% amount of total consultancy service fees upon submission and approval by IOM and ECOWAS Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs. | 3rd Deliverable – by 30 April 2026 |
| IV. Deliverables: Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) document for Data collection and information sharing (15–20 pages), validated and piloted with at least two ECOWAS Member States. Activity: Develop/update and validate a practical SOP to strengthen data collection and information-sharing on conflict- and disaster-induced migration between ECOWAS Institutions (e.g., Disaster Operation Centre, Early Warning Directorate, Research and Statistics Directorate, WASCAL) and Member States. Output: Clear and standardized operational guidance for ECOWAS and Member States to collect, share, and use migration and displacement data in disaster and conflict contexts. Payment of 25% amount of total consultancy service fees upon submission and approval by IOM and ECOWAS Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs. | 4th Deliverable – by 15 May 2026 |
10. EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND/OR SKILLS REQUIRED
Education
- Master’s degree or higher in Humanitarian Affairs, Migration Studies, International Relations, Environmental Degradation and Disaster Risk Reduction, or related fields.
Experience
- At least seven (7) years of experience in humanitarian response, conflict-induced migration, disaster management, or population movements in West Africa or similar regions.
Skills
- Demonstrated experience and skills in facilitating stakeholder/working group consultations.
- Relevant regional and international experience will be an added advantage.
- Proven experience in drafting and producing high-quality written reports.
- Excellent understanding of gender-related needs, perspectives, concerns, and participation.
Languages
- Proficiency in English. Fluency in French of Portuguese is highly desirable.
IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Travel required
- No travel is foreseen for this consultancy. Any travel, if needed later, should be talked about and approved by IOM and ECOWAS.
Required Competencies
IOM’s competency framework can be found at
this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
11. Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three 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.
12. 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.
13. DURATION OF THE CONTRACT AND PAYMENT:
The duration of the contract will be 9 months:
The incumbent will receive an all payment of USD 20,000. The payment will be delivered in four instalments:
- Instalment 1 (25%): IOM receipt and validation of deliverable one.
- Instalment 2 (25%): IOM receipt and validation of deliverable two.
- Instalment 3 (25%): IOM receipt and validation of deliverable three.
- Instalment 4 (25%): IOM receipt and validation of deliverable four.
The consultant will be responsible for:
- All the deliverables as set out in the ToR.
- Cost for translation/interpretation (if applicable), communication (phone/internet) where applicable.
IOM will be responsible for:
- Payment of the 4 installments after validation of each deliverable.
- No travel is foreseen for this consultancy. Any travel, if required later, should be discussed and approved by IOM and ECOWAS.
14. CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT:
Upon the advertisement of the Consultancy Notice, qualified individual consultants are expected to submit:
- CV/Resume, indicating all experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the candidate and at least three (3) professional references.
- Technical Proposal (Narrative) detailing methodology approach for the consultancy.
- Financial Proposal with breakdown of costs.
- All individual applicants should be Community Citizens of ECOWAS.
*Pre-selected candidates will be called for interviews.
*Applications without the adequate set of documents will not be considered in the selection process.
Notes
- 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, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.
- 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.
- 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 online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
This position is no longer open.
