Consultant (MECR) - Strengthened Diaspora Engagement to Leverage Support and Contributions for Locally Led Climate Action in South Asia

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 hands‑on 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 IOM’s 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 nature‑dependent communities. As these impacts intensify and reduce coping capacities, different forms of human mobility—internal and international migration, displacement, and relocation—are 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 resilience‑building, knowledge exchange, and community‑level 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 cross‑country 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-re