Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

Lao People’s Democratic Republic is increasingly exposed to climate change and disaster risks, including floods, droughts and environmental degradation, which are influencing livelihood systems and human mobility patterns such as migration and displacement. The consultancy aims to support the Government of Lao People’s Democratic Republic to develop a consolidated, evidence-based understanding of climate-related human mobility, contributing to stronger, more informed climate adaptation and DRR planning processes.

Project Context and Scope

The Consultant will support the implementation of Output 1.1 of the IOMDF project. The Consultant will be responsible for conducting analytical research on climate-related human mobility, including stakeholder mapping, data review, qualitative research and preparation of a government-validated analytical report.

Scope of Work

• In consultation with IOM, develop a research tool which includes guiding questions, methods, data forms as required as well as informed consent.
• Conducting a structured mapping of relevant stakeholders, including government institutions, development partners and civil society actors engaged in climate change, DRR, migration and livelihoods in the country.
• Reviewing existing data sources, analytical gaps, and opportunities for integrated analysis, including climate hazard, disaster impact, livelihood and population data.
• Undertaking targeted qualitative data collection, including interviews and focus group discussions in selected locations to examine how climate risks influence livelihood decisions and human mobility patterns.
• Preparing a gender-sensitive analytical report of climate-related human mobility, highlighting key patterns, risk dynamics and implications for climate adaptation and DRR planning.
• Supporting consultations and integrating feedback from the Technical Working Group (TWG) and government and non-government stakeholders.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree or higher in Social Sciences (e.g., Migration Studies, Economics, International Relations, Development Studies, Environmental Studies) or a related field from an accredited academic institution.
• A background combining social science with data analysis, statistics, or environmental/climate studies would be an advantage.

Experience & Skills

• Proven experience in applied research, data analysis, or assessments.
• Experience working with governmental agencies in Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
• Familiarity with climate change, human mobility (e.g., migration, displacement) or DRR issues.
• Excellent analytical and reporting-writing skills.
• Ability to conduct qualitative research.
• Ability to work effectively in a sensitive environment and exercise impartiality, diplomacy and neutrality.
• Demonstrated understanding of Responsible AI principles (fairness, accountability, transparency, and human oversight) and their application in humanitarian and migration contexts.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Thai is an asset.