International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and, as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non‑governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment. Read more about diversity and inclusion at IOM at Diversity and Inclusion at IOM | International Organization for Migration. Internal and external candidates are eligible to apply to this vacancy. For the purpose of the vacancy, internal candidates are considered first‑tier candidates.
Project Context and Scope
Climate change is one of the fundamental challenges for sustainable development in the 21st century and is likely to have significant impacts on Sri Lanka. Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall patterns, floods, prolonged dry spells and droughts, storms, intense lightning and cyclones, together with land degradation and human‑wildlife conflicts, are among the main climate and environmental impacts affecting communities across the country.
These climate‑related hazards magnify risks and uncertainties to human life and livelihoods, jeopardizing living standards, livelihoods, and overall well‑being (material, social, and cognitive). The impacts on marginalized communities are particularly acute, especially those living in climate‑vulnerable zones and relying on nature‑based livelihoods such as farming and fishing. Daily wage labour and self‑employment are also affected due to reduced coping capacities and increased vulnerability.
Among various coping strategies, human mobility is increasingly used by vulnerable households as a climate change adaptation strategy. Human mobility may be driven by both push and pull factors, including loss of livelihoods, safer environments, improved living conditions, education access, hygiene, and sanitation. As a result, marginalized and vulnerable groups such as youth, children, elderly persons and persons with disabilities often migrate temporarily or permanently.
Human mobility linked to climate change, disasters and environmental degradation may manifest as migration, displacement, planned relocation, immobility, and other forms of movement. In Sri Lanka, these dynamics are shaped by distance, duration, routine, choice, opportunity, social networks, decision‑making processes, and the nature of climatic impacts (sudden or slow onset).
While migration can serve as an effective climate adaptation strategy by diversifying income, enhancing skills and reducing disaster risk (for example through planned evacuations and relocations), it can also generate negative impacts including trauma, loss of social cohesion, stress, disrupted livelihoods, and increased care burdens. These outcomes affect material, relational and subjective dimensions of well‑being.
Purpose of the Desk Review
This desk review will establish a foundation for understanding the gender dimensions of climate mobility in Sri Lanka by analysing academic and grey literature. It will assess existing responses at local and national levels, identify gaps, and highlight needs related to gender and climate mobility.
Tentative Research Questions
- What gendered impact pathways emerge when existing evidence is analysed through an intersectional lens (e.g., care burdens, GBV risks, shifts in decision‑making, left‑behind stressors)?
- How do gender roles shape mobility decisions, mobility types (seasonal, temporary, displacement, relocation), and experiences across livelihood systems such as farming, fisheries, and informal labour?
- What gendered vulnerabilities and adaptive capacities exist among:
- Left‑behind women, children, and elderly persons
- Female‑headed households
- Differently‑abled individuals
- Youth
- Which gendered impacts have the strongest programming implications, and which groups are most affected?
- How can policies, DRR frameworks, climate change adaptation strategies, and social protection schemes be improved to address gender–mobility linkages?
- What feasible opportunities exist for gender‑responsive programming at community, district, and national levels?
- How can future research better incorporate the gender–climate mobility nexus?
Scope of the Assignment / Core Responsibilities
- Conduct a comprehensive desk review of academic and grey literature on gender and climate mobility, building on findings of the 2023 National Assessment.
- Map the existing evidence base and reframe gender‑relevant insights for policy and programming development.
- Analyse gendered dimensions of climate mobility and associated social norms and power dynamics.
- Assess methodological approaches, including data disaggregation and use of intersectional methods.
- Identify knowledge, geographic, thematic, and policy‑practice gaps.
- Review national disaster and climate‑related policies for integration of gender dimensions.
- Develop an intersectional gap map (gender × age × disability × livelihood × mobility type).
- Provide practical, actionable recommendations for research, policy and programming, including:
- Priority districts or communities for further research
- Policy integration recommendations
- Priority programming areas for pilot interventions
- Engage stakeholders primarily for validation and co‑creation of recommendations.
- Report progress to the Project Manager and incorporate feedback from IOM reviews.
Performance Indicators
- Timely submission of deliverables
- Comprehensive and current literature coverage
- Effective stakeholder engagement
- Incorporation of review feedback
- Clear, concise and SMART recommendations
- High quality written outputs aligning with IOM House Style
- Publishable knowledge products
Travel
The consultant may be required to undertake official travel when applicable.
Required Qualifications, Experience and Skills
- Master’s or University Degree in Gender Studies, Development Studies, Climate Change, Migration Studies, Sociology, or a related field
- Minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience
- Experience with UN agencies or government institutions preferred
- Demonstrated experience in literature reviews and policy research
- Strong knowledge of Sri Lanka’s gender and disaster governance frameworks
- Strong analytical, research and report‑writing skills
Languages
- Fluency in English
- Knowledge of Sinhala and/or Tamil is an asset
Required Competencies
Values
- Inclusion and respect for diversity
- Integrity and transparency
- Professionalism
Core Competencies (Level 1)
- Teamwork
- Delivering results
- Knowledge sharing and innovation
- Accountability
- Effective communication
Other Conditions
Appointment is subject to medical clearance and successful reference checks.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit:
- Detailed bio‑data
- Cover letter demonstrating relevant experience
- Two (2) examples of written products
- Technical proposal (methodology, timeline, literature and policy examples)
- Financial proposal (total cost including consultancy fees and related costs)
Applications should be emailed to:
[email protected]
Subject line: Position title
Deadline: 11:59 PM, Tuesday 07 April 2026
Applications missing required documents will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Posting period: 01 April 2026 – 07 April 2026
No Fees
IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process and does not request bank account information during selection.