National Consultant – Biodiversity and Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) Specialist

Introduction

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Nature of the consultancy

The consultancy is required to provide specialized technical expertise in biodiversity assessment, Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA), and environmental conflict analysis, which is not available within the current project team. The assignment is time-bound and focused on providing technical assessments and recommendations to inform the design and implementation of a specific climate resilience intervention.

Project Context and Scope

The project aims to strengthen sustainable agricultural livelihoods and enhance ecosystem resilience through Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) approaches, including but not limited to conservation agriculture and aquifer recharge. The intervention is situated in a fragile context where the combined impacts of climate change, environmental degradation, and past and ongoing unsustainable agricultural practices have increased pressure on natural resources, soil health, and livelihoods.

Environmental degradation and biodiversity loss are recognized as key factors that can exacerbate resource scarcity, contribute to livelihood insecurity, and act as drivers of displacement and local tensions. At the same time, restoring ecosystems and strengthening biodiversity can play an important role in enhancing community resilience, supporting sustainable livelihoods, and contributing to stability in conflict-affected settings.

Within this framework, the Specialist will be responsible for conducting biodiversity and ecosystem assessments, analysing climate, environmental degradation, unsustainable agricultural practices on natural resources, and providing technical recommendations to ensure that project interventions effectively contribute to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem sustainability, and climate change adaptation.

The Specialist will work closely with project staff and support IOM-facilitated engagement with local stakeholders and partner organizations through field assessments, data collection, consultations, and focus group discussions.

the Biodiversity and Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) Specialist will provide specialized technical support to inform the design and implementation of a climate resilience and ecosystem restoration project in Qushtapa, Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI)).

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing

Under the general guidance of the Chief of Mission, the overall supervision of the Head of Division and the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator and the technical guidance of the relevant programme unit.

The consultancy is open to national consultants and will be primarily remote. However, field missions to Qushtapa District in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq will be required as part of the assignment.

Responsibilities

The Biodiversity and Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) Specialist will carry out the assignment through two main phases, with payments linked to the successful completion of each phase.

Phase 1: Baseline Assessment and Analysis

Timeline: 1 September – 15 October 2026
Within the first 1.5 months of the consultancy, the Specialist shall:

• Conduct a comprehensive desk review of existing literature, datasets, and reports related to biodiversity, ecosystems, climate change, and environmental degradation in the project area;
• Develop and submit an Inception Report including:
  • Detailed methodology for biodiversity assessment
  • Workplan and timeline
  • Sampling strategy and tools
  • Stakeholder engagement plan (FGDs and KIIs)
• Design and implement field-based biodiversity and conflict assessments, including:
  • Identification of key ecosystems, vegetation types, and ecological conditions
  • Rapid assessment of flora and relevant ecological indicators
  • History and potential future conflicts due to competition over access to natural resources
• Conduct stakeholder consultations, including:
  • Conduct at least 6 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with relevant stakeholders and right holders including but not limited to indigenous people, local authorities, NGOs, experts 1.5, and academics and researchers
  • Documentation of traditional ecological knowledge and observed environmental changes
  • Conduct at least 2 FGDs between upstream and downstream communities for the conflict assessment.
• Analyze:
  • Historical and current biodiversity trends and conflicts
  • Key drivers of biodiversity loss (climate change, land use, resource pressure, displacement dynamics)
  • Linkages between environmental degradation, resource scarcity, and potential conflict dynamics
• Assess ecosystem vulnerability to climate risks such as drought, water scarcity, and land degradation
• Submit a Baseline Biodiversity and Climate Analysis Report summarizing findings
• Submit a short report on history and potential future of conflicts over natural resources

Payment 1 (50% of the Total Consultancy Fee)

Deliverables:

• Inception Report
• Baseline Biodiversity and Climate-Conflict Analysis Report

Payment:
Upon satisfactory submission and acceptance of the Inception Report and the Baseline Biodiversity and Climate-Conflict Analysis Report by IOM, 50% of the total consultancy fee will be released.

Phase 2: Analysis of Proposed Interventions, Recommendations, and Monitoring Framework

Timeline: 16 October – 1 December 2026

During the final 1.5 months of the consultancy, the Specialist shall undertake the following activities:

• Assess the potential implications of proposed or emerging project interventions on biodiversity, ecosystem services and future conflicts. These may include, but are not limited to, conservation agriculture approaches (e.g. zero tillage), water management interventions (e.g. managed aquifer recharge or rainwater harvesting), and other Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) measures to be defined during project implementation.
• Analyze expected biodiversity co-benefits, risks, and trade-offs associated with different intervention options under consideration, ensuring that findings remain adaptable to final project design decisions;
• Develop evidence-based technical recommendations to support the integration of biodiversity considerations into selected project activities once finalized, including:
  • Ecosystem restoration and land management practices
  • Soil health and habitat conservation measures
  • Sustainable water resource management approaches
  • Use of native species and locally appropriate ecological practices
• Provide guidance on how different intervention scenarios may influence:
  • Ecosystem functionality
  • Biodiversity conservation outcomes
  • Community resilience and natural resources use dynamics
  • Future potential Conflict reduction
• Ensure that all recommendations are operational, conflict-sensitive, and adaptable, allowing integration into the final selection of project interventions and implementation modalities.
• Prepare and submit a Final Consolidated Report, including:
  • Synthesis of findings from Phase 1 and Phase 2
  • Analysis of biodiversity implications of potential intervention options
  • Strategic recommendations for biodiversity integration in EbA programming
  • Proposed monitoring framework for future implementation and scaling

Payment 2 (50% of the Total Consultancy Fee)

Timeline: Within 1.5 months of the commencement of Phase 2 of the consultancy, or in accordance with the agreed implementation schedule.

Deliverables:

• Biodiversity Integration and Recommendations Report
• Final Consolidated Report that should feed into the final recommendation report of the project
• Produce and disseminate one digital awareness product (e.g. video) highlighting ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA), biodiversity, and climate change in the project area, in coordination with the project team.

Payment:
Upon satisfactory submission and acceptance of all Phase 2 deliverables by IOM, 50% of the total consultancy fee will be released.

The timeline is indicative and may be adjusted based on the actual commencement date of the consultancy, while maintaining the overall duration and sequence of deliverables.

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

• Timely Delivery: All agreed deliverables (reports, assessments, fieldwork outputs) are submitted within the agreed timeline.
• Quality of Biodiversity Assessment: Comprehensive and scientifically sound assessment of biodiversity, including clear identification of key species, habitats, and ecosystem services.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Effective coordination with project team, local communities, and relevant stakeholders during assessment.
• Clarity of Reporting: Deliverables are well structured, clearly written, and suitable for both technical and non-technical audiences.