Tenders are invited for Consultant (MECR) - Strengthened Diaspora Engagement to Leverage Support and Contributions for Locally Led Climate Action in South Asia Closing Date: 14 Jun 2026 Type: Consultancy Organizational Unit**: MIGRATION, ENVIRONMENT & CLIMATE RESILIENCE** Duty Station**: COLOMBO / Home Based** Type of Appointment: CONSULTANCY Duration: 6 MONTHS Estimated Start Date**: ASAP** Closing Date**: 14 June 2026** 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. It does so by providing services and advice to government 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 as first-tier candidates. Project Context and Scope: This international consultancy will provide technical expertise and handson support to map diaspora associations in selected EU Member States, strengthen outreach and initiate capacity enhancement on climate mobility for selected diaspora associations, and identify opportunities for diaspora engagement in climate action across India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. The consultant will determine the relevant EU countries and produce a structured mapping of diaspora associations linked to these four countries. Diaspora communities are increasingly recognized as pivotal actors in climate action, not only because of their strong transnational ties but also due to the economic, human, social and cultural capital they can mobilize to support a just and green transition. As noted in global frameworks such as the Dublin Declaration (Final GDS Outcome Document_220405_adopted_ENG.pdf)and reflected in IOMs 3E approach in Diaspora Engagement | IOM, UN Migration, diasporas bring unique capacities from remittances and green investments to skills transfer, policy advocacy, and the sharing of traditional ecological knowledge that can strengthen adaptation, mitigation and resilience efforts in countries of origin. Yet, despite this potential, their contributions to climate action remain largely untapped. Mapping diaspora associations, individuals and organizations is therefore essential to identify where diaspora expertise, networks and resources exist, and how they can be strategically engaged to support climate-resilient development across India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. This proposed mapping is also important for governments in India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, as it supports the strengthening of policies related to climate adaptation, mitigation and resilience. Climate change is increasingly reshaping livelihoods across South Asia, with countries like Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, and Nepal facing rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, floods, droughts, and other environmental pressures that particularly affect rural and naturedependent communities. As these impacts intensify and reduce coping capacities, different forms of human mobilityinternal and international migration, displacement, and relocationare becoming key adaptation strategies. While migration can support resilience through income diversification, skill development, and remittances, it can also create new vulnerabilities and social pressures. In this context, engaging diaspora communities presents an important opportunity to support resiliencebuilding, knowledge exchange, and communitylevel climate adaptation across the region. In this context, mapping diaspora associations is essential, as despite their strong potential to support climate resilience, there is currently no clear crosscountry understanding of who they are, where they are based, or how to engage them effectively. Diaspora networks across the EU vary widely in structure, capacity, thematic interests and willingness to support climate initiatives, yet existing engagement mechanisms remain fragmented and underutilized. By identifying and profiling these associations, this consultancy will provide the foundational evidence needed to design targeted outreach strategies, strengthen partnerships, and unlock financial, technical and knowledge-based contributions from diaspora groups to support climate action in India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Core Functions / Responsibilities: This consultancy is part of a sub-regional project Comprehensive Approach to Climate Mobility in South Asia, implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), funded by the European Union. A Comprehensive Approach to Climate Mobility in South Asia is a three-year sub-regional initiative designed to strengthen how climate-related migration and displacement are governed across seven countries in the region. The project focuses on advancing coherent, evidence-based and forward-looking national and regional frameworks that can guide governments as they respond to the growing impacts of climate and environmental change on human mobility. Objective: To produce a comprehensive mapping of diaspora associations, individuals and diaspora organizations in at least ten EU Member States in order to strengthen diaspora-led climate action across four South Asian countries. Tentative Research Questions: In what ways could EU-based diaspora associations* from Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka be better engaged in local climate adaptation, disaster preparedness and community resilience initiatives and Policy processes? What are the relevant diaspora associations, individuals, diaspora organizations originating from Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka in EU Member States that could be engaged in local climate action and policy processes such as through knowledge and skills exchange, financial and technological investments and community-led climate resilience initiatives? What are the broad areas of interventions, trusted implementation modality/preferred mode of engagement for different diaspora associations when they contribute to origin countries? Engagement would mean broadly, philanthropic contribution, investment, technical assistance, knowledge and technology transfer, relief distribution in disaster period, trade, etc. What platforms and engagement strategies already exists for diaspora associations and individuals to enhance climate action in Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka? What is the readiness of different diaspora associations to participate in co-creation, piloting, and iterative learning around climate mobility solutions, and what conditions would enable them to move from advocacy to experimentation and implementation? Which diaspora-led or diaspora-supported climate initiatives show potential for replication or scaling across countries or corridors, and what enabling factors (policy, finance, trust, governance) made them viable? Scope of the Assignment The international consultant will determine, in consultation with IOM and country offices, the final selection of at least 10 EU Member States based on diaspora concentration and diversity (Diaspora Mapping Toolkit | IOM Publications Platform, good practices, and available literature). A light-touch diaspora mapping database shall be developed to cover all European Union (EU) Member States. In addition, a comprehensive, in-depth mappingencompassing stakeholder outreach and identification of engagement opportunitiesshall be conducted for ten (10) selected EU countries, as proposed by the Consultant and subject to prior approval by IOM. The international consultant will hire, manage, and mentor national consultants in South Asia (India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka), with each national consultant supporting stakeholder mapping, government liaison, and local validation activities in their respective capital city. The consultancy will adopt a phased approach to ensure a comprehensive and systematic assessment inclusive of: Hiring National Consultants The International Consultant shall be responsible for the recruitment of National Consultants across South Asia (with the exception of Bangladesh, where IOM will directly engage a National Consultant). The International Consultant shall retain full and sole accountability for the quality, timeliness, and completeness of all final deliverables under this assignment. The International Consultant shall oversee the end-to-end recruitment, management, supervision, and mentoring of all National Consultants engaged under this assignment in South Asia (Except Bangladesh). All costs associated with the engagement of National Consultants in India, Sri Lanka and Nepal shall be borne by the International Consultant and must be covered within the agreed overall consultancy fee. The National Consultants shall operate remotely and shall perform tasks as directed by the Lead International Consultant, who shall retain full discretion in determining the scope, allocation, and coordination of their work in alignment with the requirements of the assignment. Under the overall oversight and guidance of IOM, the National Consultants shall bear primary and strict responsibility for establishing and maintaining coordination with relevant government counterparts. This includes, but is not limited to, initiating and facilitating communications, arranging and scheduling meetings and calls, and undertaking any other necessary coordination or administrative tasks required to effectively support the Lead International Consultant in the execution of the assignment. Stakeholder Engagement Conduct consultations with key stakeholders, including: IOM Country Offices in Tender Link : https://reliefweb.int/job/4215177/consultant-mecr-strengthened-diaspora-engagement-leverage-support-and-contributions-locally-led-climate-action-south-asia
