Consultant(e) international(e) - Recherche sur la mobilité climatique des femmes, des jeunes et des personnes en situation de handicap, Hodh El Chargui, Mauritanie
Organizational Context
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a UN agency promoting humane and orderly migration. This consultancy contributes to the Climate Change and Migration Data Programme in Mauritania, funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. The role sits within the Migration, Data and Research Unit (Displacement Tracking Matrix) of IOM Mauritania.
Job Purpose
This consultancy aims to fill a critical research gap by investigating the differentiated experiences of women, youth, and persons with disabilities regarding climate-induced mobility in Mauritania's Hodh El Chargui region. Complementing existing Climate Vulnerability Assessment data, the role will conduct qualitative, participatory research to understand how gender norms, age, and disability-related barriers shape adaptation capacities and mobility options. The findings will inform adaptation and protection policies, strategies, and programs, guiding future interventions and enhancing IOM's support to vulnerable populations affected by climate change and displacement.
Responsibilities
The consultant will conduct a comprehensive desk review of literature and secondary data on climate change, mobility, and vulnerable groups in Mauritania. This includes mapping relevant actors and reviewing policy frameworks. The primary responsibility involves extensive fieldwork in Hodh El Chargui, conducting 16 in-depth individual interviews, 8 focus group discussions disaggregated by gender and target group, and 3 life stories. Remote interviews with key informants will also be conducted. Data analysis will focus on systematic disaggregation by gender, age, disability, and location. The consultant will produce an inception report, a preliminary findings note, and a final research report of up to 30 pages in French, integrating IOM's comments and providing analytical insights and operational recommendations.
Work Experience
Requires at least five years of applied research experience in climate change, migration, or protection of vulnerable groups in African contexts, with a preference for Sahelian experience. Proven experience in conducting climate mobility studies, designing data collection tools, and performing fieldwork is essential. Demonstrated expertise in qualitative data collection and analysis, including interviews, focus groups, and life stories, particularly with vulnerable groups and using inclusive methods, is also required.
Skills
Mastery of qualitative research methods, including thematic analysis and disaggregation by gender, age, and disability. Strong command of gender-responsive and disability-inclusive research approaches, ethical standards (informed consent, do no harm, anonymisation, data protection). Excellent analytical and drafting skills in French. Ability to collaborate with national authorities, civil society, and communities. Capacity to conduct interviews through interpreters and work autonomously in remote field settings.