CONSULTANT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A MODULE ON MIGRATION, ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE, AND RISK REDUCTION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NOUAKCHOTT UNIVERSITY
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Consultancy
Context:
Increasingly, academic institutions are contributing to policymaking by providing evidence and analysis on the human mobility consequences of disasters, climate change and environmental degradation and the associated policy needs. Yet, the capacity of these institutions, including training qualified postgraduate students, to understand complex challenges and identify the required solutions to address this multi-faceted phenomenon needs strengthening. What is more, the understanding of these phenomena is very often siloed, addressing human mobility separately from disaster and climate action, while an integrated approach would be the most beneficial. Finally, it is important that academic institutions assess gaps and identify priorities given the complexity of environmental migration and displacement in and across their countries. Enhancing students’ knowledge on the link between climate change and human mobility is essential for preparing them to address some of the most pressing challenges. By deepening their understanding of how environmental changes drive patterns of displacement and migration, students are better equipped to critically analyze these dynamics and propose meaningful solutions. Supporting them in integrating this perspective into their research projects or theses not only strengthens the academic relevance of their work but also fosters innovative, interdisciplinary approaches that can inform policy.
IOM is implementing the Climate Change and Migration Data Programme with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Denmark, in North, East, West and Central Africa, in this context it seeks to support governments and non-governmental stakeholders seeking to contribute to this field.
Numerous researchers and data actors exist in these regions, producing vast and needed knowledge on migration, displacement and planned relocation in the context of disasters, climate change and environmental degradation. In Mauritania more specifically, the University of Nouakchott has taken a leading role in through multiple activities. As a step forward and to support a new generation of practitioners and researchers, the University of Nouakchott, in collaboration with IOM, is looking to further integrate Migration, Environment, Climate Change and Risk Reduction under its MASTER ON MIGRATION, LAND GOVERNANCE AND DEMOGRAPHIC DIVIDEND. The University of Nouakchott is looking to integrate a dedicated module under this Masters’ programme by June 2026. The module should provide students with an understanding of the interlinkages and complexities around Migration, Environment, Climate Change and Risk Reduction in Mauritania; while at the same provide an overview on how responses are designed and implemented in line with national, regional and global commitments.
Overall, it should equip the students with first tools to be able to approach this as future practitioners. For this purpose, the selected consultants will have to assess and include in the development of the module practitioner’s material (including from IOM tools, but also from partners). Other materials should include materials accessible from the University of Nouakchott, prioritizing open access sources. The module is made of 37.5 hours, within this time: it is 14 hours of courses and 23.5 hours of exercises. The selected consultant will work together with a focal point of the University of Nouakchott.
The present activity is done in the context of an already existing partnership between the University of Nouakchott and IOM Mauritania.
Methodology and responsabilities :
The consultant will begin by exploring existing resources and identifying the specific needs of the University of Nouakchott regarding migration, environment, climate change, and risk reduction. Building on this foundation, the consultant will design the module content in close collaboration with university and IOM partners, ensuring a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical exercises. Each stage of development will include feedback and review sessions, allowing for continuous improvement and alignment with local priorities. The process will conclude with the delivery of finalized teaching materials and a guide, ensuring the module’s sustainability and relevance for future cohorts.
To achieve this, the selected consultant is expected to use participatory approaches (e.g., workshops, focus groups) to gather input from students and faculty, to prioritize open-access and locally relevant resources and to ensure gender and diversity considerations are integrated throughout the module.
The selected consultant should ensure the following responsibilities:
Deliverables:
Deliverables submitted to IOM must be solid and of high quality, presented and articulated in a professional manner, as follows:
Regular meetings will be held with the IOM team to follow up on the development of the module. The selected consultant will work together with a focal point of the University of Nouakchott. In between each deliverable, there will be a review by IOM and/or the University of Nouakchott and comments from both will need to be integrated into each outputs.
While the name of the consultant will be acknowledged in the development of the module, the intellectual property of the material will belong to IOM and the University of Nouakchott.
• Demonstrated knowledge and a minimum of 6 years of experience as a practitioner in research and/or policy development in Africa, including as it relates to key concepts, issues, actors and policy processes around migration, environment, climate change and disaster risk reduction
• Demonstrated experience in developing a module on migration, environment, climate change and disaster risk reduction for a university.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in both English and French, and demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and succinctly, in a manner that appeals to a wide audience.
• Excellent organization skills, including the ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, manage deadlines and coordinate multiple activities.
• IT proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• Completed a master’s degree in political or social sciences, international relations, migration, environment, law or related field.
Desirable
• Knowledge and experience on migration, environment, climate change and disaster risk reduction in Mauritania.
Native French speaker and a good level in English is required.
