Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, leading to unstable agricultural output and rising food insecurity. Desertification, sea-level rise, and extreme heat threaten livelihoods, especially for the most vulnerable. These pressures heighten the risk of forced migration and displacement worldwide, including in Senegal and Ghana. Nevertheless, despite being considered as an additional factor of instability, human mobility can support adaptation by bridging territories transnationally, promoting knowledge and resource transfer. In this context, diaspora engagement for climate action can be a powerful tool for adaptation and resilience. In particular, diasporas from Ghana and Senegal— two priority Countries of Origin (CoOs) for the Italian Government— are already active in supporting sustainable development in their CoOs, but their potential to contribute to climate action and food security in their countries of origin remains largely untapped due to a lack of structured channels and comprehensive information. The project “Diaspora for Climate Action and Food Security” seeks to strengthen Ghanaian and Senegalese diasporas’ engagement in actions for climate and food security with the aim of supporting them in implementing projects that benefit their CoOs. In particular, the project will begin with a preliminary study of the diaspora’s capacity and interest in climate action, providing the evidence base needed to guide policy development and practical interventions. Specifically, the study will focus on the following elements for Senegalese and Ghanaian diaspora groups in Italy and their potential action in their countries of origin:

1. Past, ongoing, or planned climate action, including food security initiatives, by diaspora organizations (DOs) and individual diaspora members in Italy;

2. Green skills and knowledge available within the wider diaspora group;

3. Perceived opportunities, challenges and potential innovative solutions for diaspora groups and organizations to engage in climate action and food security, which are also responsive to gender and youth perspectives; 

4. Priority areas for climate action and food security in Senegal and Ghana that diaspora groups and organizations could potentially support: 

5. Existing national institutional mechanisms for diaspora engagement in climate action and food security in Senegal and Ghana; and

6. DO's interest in participating in climate action activities in their countries/communities of origin, based also on capacity to mobilize and on the actual needs in their countries/communities of origin.
    

The selected candidate will perform his/her duties under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission, the direct supervision of the Head of Programme and Policy Support, the close guidance of the MECR Focal Point and in coordination with the diaspora engagement team.

Within this framework, the consultant is required to conduct a research on the aforementioned aspects concerning the Senegalese diaspora in Italy and to produce a report of the findings emerged from his/her research.

Programme & Policy Support Unit, Coordination Office for the Mediterranean of the International Organization for Migration – Project “Diaspora for Climate Action and Food Security” 
 

In particular, the consultant will be expected to:

• Attend coordination meetings with IOM;

• Develop an inception report presenting the methodology and the timeline. The latter must be coordinated with the consultant responsible for conducting the equivalent analysis on the Ghanaian diaspora and for overseeing the drafting of the complete study;

• Collect primary and secondary data on Senegalese diaspora groups in Italy (both organizations and individuals), including through in person meetings/focus groups and interviews;

• Consult other stakeholders as appropriate and in coordination with IOM;

• Analyse collected data and prepare a report (draft and final version);

• Present the initial findings to IOM during an online internal meeting;

• Coordinate effectively with the consultant responsible for conducting the equivalent analysis on the Ghanaian diaspora and for overseeing the drafting of the complete study;

• Draft a maximum 15 page-report presenting main findings and recommendations, clearly identifying entry points for diasporas climate action and food security initiatives;

• Present the final findings during an online meeting with external stakeholders.

Tangible and measurable output of the work assignment

• One inception report delivered by the established date;

• One draft study delivered by the established date compliant with IOM quality standards and editorial guidelines;

• One final study delivered by the established date compliant with IOM quality standards and editorial guidelines.

Implementation Period

From 01 March 2026 to 31 July 2026.