Consultant - Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and Climate Change Framework

Job Description

Position Title: Consultant – Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and Climate Change Framework
Duty Station: Homebased
Classification: Consultant, Grade Other
Type of Appointment: Consultant, six months
Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible
Closing Date: 16 September 2025

Project Context and Scope: 

Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. With 173-member states, a further 8 states holding observer status and offices in over 100 countries, IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants. 

IOM recognizes that access to water and sanitation services, paired with hygiene promotion, is lifesaving in humanitarian contexts, while sustainable access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services is also critical in the context of resolving displacement situations and building resilience to future shocks and stressors. The provision of WASH services is an important component of IOM operations worldwide.

Recognizing the role of WASH in the climate crisis, the Global WASH Cluster (GWC) established a Working Group on Climate Change in 2023, which is Led by IOM and Co-Led by the German Toilet Organization. The GWC Climate Change Working Group (CC WG) unites professionals and experts from diverse humanitarian WASH organizations, acting as a platform for converging efforts and best practices to address the current and future challenges posed by climate change within the humanitarian WASH sector. The Working Group leverages the collective reach and experience of its members to strengthen GWC members and National Coordination Platforms (NCPs) knowledge and capacity, as well as delivering advocacy and resource mobilization efforts necessary to support initiatives that can bolster the climate-resilience of the humanitarian WASH sector.

In this context, the CC WG seeks to develop a Framework for Humanitarian WASH and Climate Change, on behalf of the Global WASH Cluster. This framework will support the humanitarian WASH sector, and NCPs, to address their responsibilities in relation to the climate crisis and the vulnerable populations that they serve. Use of the framework will be supported through the development of a process to develop Climate Action Plans (CAPs) at NCP level. A CAP is currently being piloted with the WASH Cluster in Ethiopia, and this Consultancy will build on that knowledge to deliver a second CAP in another country and build a guide for replication. 

The objective of the project is to build consensus across the humanitarian WASH sector on the response of the sector to the climate crisis. The Framework should provide strategic guidance to the humanitarian WASH actors to operationalise climate mitigation, adaptation, and preparedness. The CAP guide should support NCPs and their members to contextually operationalise the framework. The Framework and CAP guide should be presented in a very clear and concise instructive style, but are not envisioned as being a fully comprehensive guide to WASH and Climate Change. 

The consultant is expected to lead the development of the Framework, with the support of the Climate Change Working Group Co-ordination team, Workstream Leads, and its other members.

The position will fall under the overall supervision of the IOM Global WASH Coordinator and direct supervision of the IOM WASH Officer (Environment and Climate Lead). The successful candidate will support the Global WASH Cluster Climate Change Working Group to develop the Framework and associated process for Climate Action Plans for NCPs.

Under the direct supervision of the WASH Officer (Climate and Environment Lead) of the Department of Humanitarian Relief and Recovery (DHRR) at headquarters, and in liaison with the Global WASH Cluster’s (GWC) Climate Change Working Group (CC WG) and 3 National Coordination Platforms (NCPs), the successful candidate will lead the development of the Framework for Climate Action, deliver one Climate Action Plan for a NCP, and deliver a CAP guide to support replication. 
 

Responsibilities

Category B Consultants: Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment

Deliverable 1: Pilot of the Climate Action Plan (CAP) process in one country 

• Update CAP process documents based on materials developed for the first pilot and feedback from that process. 
• Pilot the CAP process in one NCP, adapting the resources as needed for the context. 
• Write a post-workshop report, advising on: next steps for the NCP to implement the CAP, further support that should be offered by the Working Group and GWC, changes to the CAP process for the next pilot/delivery, considerations for the Framework development, gaps in resources (guidelines, templates, checklists, etc.). Working with Work Stream 2, this report should identify capacity strengthening gaps specific to the consultancy and framework project, as well as any other capacity strengthening gaps identified during the consultancy. 
• Deliverable: Workshop materials delivered, Climate Action Plan, post-workshop report – delivered by email by 31^st December 2025. 

Deliverable 2: Further development and finalization of the Framework for Climate Action 

• Building on the outline framework developed during earlier phases of the project and leveraging the Climate Change Working Group’s contacts list, identify priority topics requiring further development. Concurrently, map key stakeholders to each topic, define the consultation plan, and identify the key existing knowledge resources to develop the framework. Present the consultation plan to the steering committee for feedback and approval. 
• Guided by the approved consultation plan implement the consultation process across key stakeholders. Draw on insights from identified resources and actors to ensure that the Framework integrates knowledge and experience from the WASH, humanitarian, development, and climate sectors. Identify gaps in the Framework and how they could be addressed through future phases of the project.   
• Implement the approved consultation plan, using the knowledge from key resources and stakeholders to develop the Framework. 
• Led by the project ToR and approved consultation plan, carry out consultation across key stakeholders. The consultations should ensure that knowledge and experience from across the WASH, humanitarian, development and climate sectors is built into the Framework. 
• Ensure that learning from the Climate Action Plan pilot with the WASH Cluster in Ethiopia (ongoing) and the Climate Action Plan pilots within this ToR, are incorporated into the Framework. 
• Finalize the Framework document and present it to the steering committee for approval. 
• Deliverable 2 – Mapping of stakeholders, records of meetings with key stakeholders, Framework for Climate Action, recording of launch event webinar – delivered by email by 13^th March 2026. 

Deliverable 3: Develop of a CAP Guide to support replication of the Climate Action Plan 

• Based on experience from the pilot in Ethiopia, and the pilot in deliverable 1, finalize the Climate Action Plan guide, and present it to the steering committee for approval. 
• Submit a final report including gaps in the framework and CAP needing further attention, recommendations for next steps of the project, and capacity strengthening gaps identified throughout the project. 
• Support the promotion of the Framework and CAP process through an official launch and other opportunities as they arise (for example Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Week 2025 and the CC WG Seminar Series). 
• Deliverable 5 – Final version of the Framework, recording of the official launch webinar, final CAP 

guide, M&E results, final report – delivered by email by 13^th March 2026. 

The consultancy is based on deliverables with deadlines of submission as indicated in each of the three phases indicating the payment milestones over the course of the project. The payment is subject to revision and final approval from the direct supervisor. 

IOM will cover the costs of travel and DSA for the consultant for the Climate Action Plan and any other travel requested by IOM. 

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results 

1. Global WASH Cluster Members are satisfied that the Framework has built on their knowledge and experience. 
2. Global WASH Cluster Members are satisfied that the Framework is useable, and that its use will improve the quality of their WASH programming.     
3. NCP members are satisfied that their Climate Action Plan is contextually appropriate and builds on their knowledge and experience. 
4. NCP members are satisfied that their Climate Action Plan is useable, and that its use will improve the climate resilience of their WASH programming. 
5. All submitted documents are presented professionally and in clear and simple language. 

Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Geosciences, Geology, Hydrology, Disaster Risk Reduction or a related field from an accredited academic institution with ten years of relevant professional experience; or 
• University degree in the above fields with twelve years of relevant professional experience. 

Experience

• Experience in coordinating activities with various stakeholders both at global level and in the field;
• Experience in the implementation of WASH activities in countries facing humanitarian crises and in support of emergency responses;
• Experience in the design and implementation of capacity building initiatives; and,
• Experience as a consultant for UN organisations or INGOs. 

Skills

• Excellent facilitation skills – Ability to convey and impart knowledge and messages to varied audiences in engaging, simple and clear manner; and,
• Candidate must be familiar with the IASC Cluster Approach and NCP ways of working.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process,
which may include written and/or oral assessments. 

Travel required

• Travel may be required.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values – all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Notes

1. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
2. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable. Vaccination against COVID-19 will be required for IOM personnel who are hired or otherwise engaged by IOM. As part of the mandatory medical entry on duty clearance, candidates may be requested to provide evidence of full vaccination. Consultants engaged to work on a home-based consultancy who do not need to travel do not need to provide vaccination records, regardless of the length of the consultancy contract.
3. IOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work.
4. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.
5. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.
6. IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

Subject to approval by the relevant IOM approving authority, the selected candidate is expected to work remotely/homebased.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

Job Info

• Job Identification: 16503
• Posting Date: 09/03/2025, 03:05 AM
• Locations: Geneva, 1218, CH
• Apply Before: 09/16/2025, 11:59 PM
• Contract Type: Consultancy (Up to 11 months)
• Vacancy Type: Consultancy
• Recruiting Type: Consultant
• Grade: UG