SVN-National Project Officer-Climate Mobility Innovation Lab Africa (CMIL), NOB

Disaster-related internal displacements in Africa have risen sharply over the past 15 years – from 1.1 million in 2009 to 6.3 million in 2023, driven primarily by floods, droughts, and storms. Cumulatively, over 45 million disaster displacements have been recorded in the continent since 2009, with floods accounting for more than 75% of all disaster-related movements. In several regions across the continent climate extremes also intersect with conflict, fragility, and livelihood loss to exacerbate mobility. Displacement not only creates immediate humanitarian needs but can also hinder or reverse development gains for affected individuals, communities, and countries. This underscores the urgent need to address displacement and other forms of mobility through an integrated approach, preventing its occurrence by investing in hazard prevention, mitigation and climate change adaptation, preparing for more effective responses when displacement takes place, and addressing its protracted and long-term impacts by achieving durable solutions, recovery and sustainable development.

In response to these trends, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) launched an initiative, aiming to increase understanding of current and future impacts of climate change and natural hazards, especially as it relates to migration and displacement. As part of this vision, and utilising improved data and forecasts, IOM and its partners will support governments and communities to increase the resilience of populations most likely to be impacted by climate-induced displacement and putting in place measures to enhance prevention, preparedness, and reduce or address non-economic loss and damage.

Notably, IOM established its Climate Mobility Innovation Lab (CMIL) to promote evidence-based solutions to the challenges posed by climate change and human mobility globally, and more specifically in the African continent. As part of these efforts, and under the direct supervision of Head, Climate Mobility Innovation Lab for Africa, IOM is seeking a National Project Officer to help support day to day operations of CMIL Africa and implementation of the CMIL programming such as the Risk Index for Climate Displacement (RICD) as well as the rollout of the Climate Catalytic Fund (CCF) and related innovative responses to climate change and human mobility in Africa. RICD is a decision support tool that allows to identify critical displacement hotspots in countries, while the CCF is a facility that mobilises small, fast, match-funded grants that supports locally-led adaptation, risk reduction and preparedness projects.

The role will include supporting on day-to-day project management tasks related to RICD and CCF implementation, driving internal and external communication, as well as liaise with IOM country offices involved in the CMIL work. In addition the incumbent will coordinate and work with IOM partners including universities, research institutions, technical experts, local authorities, and community-based operational actors, contributing to the development of methodologies, and liaising with internal support functions including procurement, HR, finance, etc. IOM is part of the United Nations (UN) System as the leading inter-governmental organization promoting since 1951 humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, with 174 member states and a presence in over 100 countries.

Responsibilities

1. Support the day-to-day management and implementation of CMIL Africa projects, ensuring activities are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with IOM and donor requirements.
2. Work with ICPAC and other CMIL key partners to support the planning, organization, and execution of the 1st Regional CMIL Climate Mobility Symposium in March 2026, including:
   1. Liaising with the IOM event team in Nairobi to arrange venue, visa, transportation and logistical arrangements for all participants;
   2. In collaboration with IOM’s RO and ICPAC, finalising the event programme and agenda, by identifying topics and speakers for both the policy and technical segments of the Symposium;
   3. Supporting the development of presentation materials such as slide decks, presentation materials & talking points for the Symposium;
   4. Drafting the Symposium report and other related materials; and
   5. During the symposium, managing participation of speakers and attendees, logistics, moderation and any other duty that might be required to ensure a smooth, productive event.
3. Contribute to the operational rollout of the Climate Catalytic Fund (CCF) in collaboration with CMIL Global and CMIL AP, including coordination of calls for proposals, grant administration, monitoring of funded projects, and documentation of results.
4. Assist in day-to-day monitoring and facilitate technical level coordination of CCF with CMIL Global, including with support functions to ensure compliance and contribute to overall management of the CCF-funded projects.
5. Liaise regularly with IOM Country Offices involved in CMIL initiatives to support implementation, troubleshooting, reporting, and alignment with national priorities.
6. Coordinate engagement with external partners, including universities, research institutions, technical experts, local authorities, NGOs, and community-based organizations.
7. Support the development and application of methodologies, tools, and guidance related to climate mobility, displacement risk, preparedness, and locally led adaptation.
8. Assist in the monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) of CMIL and CCF activities, including tracking indicators, compiling lessons learned, and supporting adaptive programming.
9. Draft and consolidate technical reports, concept notes, briefs, donor updates, and internal documentation related to CMIL activities and results.
10. Support internal and external communication, including on CMIL SoMe channels, CMIL newsletters, knowledge products, and coordination inputs for visibility and advocacy efforts.
11. Facilitate coordination with internal IOM support functions (procurement, finance, HR, legal, ICT) to ensure compliance with organizational procedures and smooth project operations.
12. Support budget monitoring and financial tracking for CMIL and CCF-related activities, in coordination with finance teams.
13. Assist in organizing workshops, consultations, and capacity-building events with governments, partners, and communities on climate mobility and displacement risk, including preparing presentations, slide decks, organizing travel for participants, venues and catering.
14. Contribute to risk analysis and contextual assessments, particularly where climate impacts intersect with conflict, fragility, and livelihoods.
15. Support the identification and documentation of innovative, scalable, and locally led solutions to climate-induced displacement and mobility challenges.
16. Perform other duties as assigned in support of CMIL Africa’s strategic objectives and IOM’s broader mandate on climate change and human mobility.
17. Attend relevant conferences, workshops, working groups, interagency coordination meetings, and other forums.
18. Undertake duty travel relating to project implementation, monitoring visits, project assessments, liaison with counterparts, etc.
19. Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree in political or social sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law or related fields from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or,
• Bachelor’s degree in the above-mentioned subject with four years of relevant experience