National Consultant - Biodiversity And Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (eba) Specialist

Organizational Context

IOM, established in 1951, is a leading UN agency promoting humane and orderly migration. This consultancy supports a project in Iraq aimed at strengthening agricultural livelihoods and ecosystem resilience through Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) in a fragile context. Environmental degradation and biodiversity loss are key drivers of insecurity and displacement, making ecosystem restoration crucial for community resilience and stability.

Job Purpose

The Biodiversity and Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) Specialist provides critical technical expertise not available within the project team. This time-bound consultancy focuses on assessing biodiversity, analyzing climate impacts, environmental degradation, and unsustainable agricultural practices in Iraq's Kurdistan Region. The role's purpose is to deliver technical assessments and actionable recommendations to inform the design and implementation of a climate resilience and ecosystem restoration project. By integrating biodiversity conservation and EbA approaches, the Specialist will help enhance natural resources, support sustainable livelihoods, and contribute to stability in a conflict-affected setting, working closely with project staff and local stakeholders.

Responsibilities

The Specialist will conduct a comprehensive baseline assessment, including a desk review and field-based biodiversity and conflict assessments. This involves identifying key ecosystems, assessing flora and ecological conditions, analyzing historical and current biodiversity trends, and identifying drivers of loss and conflict. Stakeholder consultations, including Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussions, will be conducted to gather data and traditional ecological knowledge. The Specialist will analyze the vulnerability of ecosystems to climate risks and assess the linkages between environmental degradation, resource scarcity, and conflict dynamics. Subsequently, the role involves assessing the implications of proposed project interventions on biodiversity and ecosystems, analyzing co-benefits, risks, and trade-offs. Evidence-based recommendations for integrating biodiversity considerations into project activities, such as ecosystem restoration and sustainable land/water management, will be developed. Guidance on how intervention scenarios influence ecosystem functionality, biodiversity outcomes, community resilience, and conflict reduction will be provided. Finally, a consolidated report synthesizing findings and a proposed monitoring framework will be submitted, along with an awareness product.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in biodiversity assessment, ecosystem management, or environmental research is necessary. Demonstrated experience in Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA), Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), or climate change adaptation projects is required. Proven experience in field-based ecological assessments, environmental data analysis, and working in fragile or conflict-affected contexts is essential. Experience with conflict-sensitive approaches and stakeholder engagement is highly desirable.

Skills

Strong analytical skills to assess linkages between climate change, biodiversity, livelihoods, and conflict. Proficiency in report writing for technical and non-technical audiences. Familiarity with dryland ecosystems, agricultural systems, and water resource management is desirable. Proficiency in GIS, remote sensing, or environmental data analysis software is an advantage.

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