Consultant–Enhancing and Strengthening Partnerships with National Disaster & Displacement Management Authorities on Disaster Risk Reduction Initiative

Home-based, with 7 to 10 days travel in Iraq

Context:

In addition to suffering from the effects of war, Iraq continues to face multiple threats from natural and human induced disasters, including earthquakes, floods, droughts, storms, desertification, epidemics, fires and environmental degradation. In 2021, multiple governorates across the country have been severely affected by drought, floods as well as earthquakes, putting additional strain on communities already faced with strained resources and limited economic opportunities in rural and urban areas. As in other countries, degraded environments are a leading driver of disaster risk and damage recovery efforts and livelihood regeneration in the aftermath.

Since its establishment in Iraq in 2003, IOM has focused on addressing humanitarian needs and reducing vulnerabilities linked to longer-term interventions, supporting progress towards achieving durable solutions for displaced populations, tailored to local needs and priorities. As part of IOM’s support to the Government to manage disaster risks through effective mitigation, preparedness and response approaches, IOM has worked closely with the Ministry of Migration and Displacement (MoMD), the Joint Crisis Monitoring Center (JCMC) and the Joint Crisis Coordination Center (JCC). In response to requests from these authorities and in partnership with other organizations, IOM has recently completed a comprehensive capacity building training on Mass Shelter Capability (MaSC) and Mass Evacuation in Natural Disasters (MEND), as part of a broader effort to support the development of crisis preparedness and response plans.

Building on this success, IOM Iraq will identify ways to further contribute to governmental DRR capacities, using this consultancy to assess the possibilities of and procedures for pilot and large scale nature-based solutions (NBS) and natural climate solutions (NCS) for DRR in Iraq, as well as ways to financing these activities through carbon credits.

Core Functions / Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Head of Preparedness and Response Unit, the successful consultant will be responsible for both advisory and technical recommendations that allows for effective exchange of knowledge and strengthened partnership and collaboration between IOM Iraq and the crisis management bodies of Government of Iraq (GoI) and Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) on Disaster Risk Reduction. The consultant will work closely with the assigned IOM focal point to liaise with relevant government stakeholders on DRR on a national and regional level, as well as IOM experts in country and the Regional Office, and relevant humanitarian and development actors in DRR, including THW, FAO, IFRC and UNDP.

The consultant will produce a plan to guide the development and implementation of a nature-based solution (NBS) programme to increase the disaster risk resilience of communities in Iraq. The plan will:

· Present a selection process and shortlist of suitable high priority locations with reasonable likelihoods of success for the implementation of an NBS programme to reduce disaster risks.

· Identify case studies of eco-DRR and NBS approaches with suitable precedents and guides to develop and implement the programme.

· Outline the opportunities and process to develop carbon credits as an additional revenue stream for beneficiary communities or for financing subsequent programmes

· Present programme implementation steps, risks and timeline.

· Specify impact objectives and key performance indicators for programme success.

· Constitute a convincing argument for programme objectives and funding requirements with donors and partners to support a pilot and comprehensive implementation plan.

· Include research and analysis of existing guides and publications on evidence, process and case studies of Eco-DRR, NBS, and regenerative agriculture, as well as publicly available policies and data on climate risks and carbon stocks for different eco-regions in Iraq.

The above general tasks and responsibilities are subject to change if deemed necessary by PRU to respond to a change of priorities or context

Measurable Outputs/ Deliverables:

Task 1. Site selection & case study development (deadline 15 November, 2021)

The consultant will develop a framework to identify, shortlist and select a site in Iraq, along with partners for the implementation of an NBS programme, that would strengthen the disaster risk resilience of local communities and develop alternative revenue streams, such as carbon credits and other payments for ecosystem services. This will require engaging IOM and other key external stakeholders, identifying and engaging the Iraqi DNA, as well as desk top analysis to develop the framework, analysis of possible locations against the framework, and guiding IOM in shortlisting and site selection.

Deliverable: Word document that defines the selection framework, presents the short list of sites and their comparative advantages and disadvantages, provides a reasoned ideal site selection, and presents NBS case studies and approaches that could be applicable to the Iraqi local context.

Task 2. Mapping the carbon offset opportunity (deadline 1 December, 2021)

Analyse the opportunity to develop carbon offsets within the framework of the NBS programme and the potential scenarios to develop carbon credits as an additional revenue stream for beneficiaries of the programme. This will include:

a) an initial assessment of the site profile and outline for activities to protect and enhance carbon stocks and sequestration, using publicly available datasets and tools;

b) Identify potential NBS activities and different carbon credit accreditation options applicable to Iraq

c) Calculate carbon emission sinks from various possible implementation modalities in the recommended site, but also in one formal and informal camp site.

b) an estimate, using industry standard approaches, of potential revenues and costs associated with developing carbon offsets from the programme, and business case for or against.

Deliverable: Word document and excel defining the approach and evidence for the development of any potential carbon offset opportunities and potential routes to market.

Task 3. Development of programme outline (deadline 30 December, 2021)

The consultant will consolidate and build on the findings from tasks 1 and 2 in order to:

a) Define the programme’s scope, key implementation steps, risks, partners and timeline in a document for stakeholders and potential donors, to build both financial commitments and create local, national and international buy-in.

b) Develop budget outline and key elements in collaboration with the designated IOM focal point

c) Identify key stakeholders, donors and partners for the programme,

Deliverable: Word document that details and provides compelling arguments the aims and objectives of the programme, presents the key data, evidence and reasoning behind the site selection and approach proposed. Powerpoint presentation of this document for presentation purposes.

Payment Plan:

· The consultant will be paid one third of the total amount for each of the produced outcomes.

· Flight to and from the consultant’s place of residence will be taken care of by IOM. Domestic flights, logistics and movements within the country will also be handled by IOM. However, the consultant is expected to have his/her own work laptop and equipment.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

· Advanced degree in environmental subjects.

Experience & Skills

· At least 10 years’ experience in environmental issues, nature-based solutions, eco-DRR and climate change, and carbon project development

· At least 5 years’ international experience in nature-based solutions with private sector partnerships

· Demonstrated experience of nature-based and carbon financing, carbon project development, markets and certifications, preferably with an understanding of related financial instruments

· A strong network in conservation financing network, and experience in international development programmes

Languages

· Fluency in English language is required.

· Working knowledge in Arabic language is an advantage.