Apply Now at GIZ: The Role of a Technical Advisor in Migration and Climate Change

About GIZ

As a leading service provider in international cooperation for sustainable development and global education, GIZ is committed to shaping a future that is sustainable and prosperous worldwide. With over 50 years of experience, GIZ has been actively involved in various areas such as economic development, employment promotion, energy, environment, and peace and security.

Our expertise is sought after globally by entities like the German Government, European Union institutions, the United Nations, private sector organizations, and governments of different countries. We collaborate with businesses, civil society groups, and research institutions to facilitate effective partnerships between development policy and other sectors.

GIZ primarily operates under the commission of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), with headquarters in Bonn and Eschborn. Our dedicated team of approximately 23,500 employees, with nearly 70% being national staff, works across approximately 120 countries (as of July 2020).

GIZ in Nigeria

GIZ has been actively engaged in Nigeria since 1974, establishing a country office in Abuja in 2004. Currently, the country office comprises 361 national staff, 66 international employees, 19 regional staff, 4 integrated specialists, and 3 development workers (as of June 2020).

Position Details

Job Title: Technical Advisor – Migration and Climate Change
Minimum Qualification: Master’s degree or higher in climate science, environmental studies, public policy, international relations, or any other relevant field
Organization: GIZ Nigeria, Global Programme Human Mobility in the Context of Climate Change
Place: Abuja
Salary: According to GIZ salary scale for Band 4

The Project: Global Programme Human Mobility in the Context of Climate Change

The Global Programme Human Mobility in the Context of Climate Change addresses the impacts of climate change, such as droughts, storms, and sea-level rise, which pose threats to lives, infrastructure, and livelihoods, particularly affecting the most vulnerable populations.

Human mobility, including migration, displacement, or planned relocation, often emerges as a response to these environmental challenges. This program supports the BMZ, governments, and regional organizations in regions like the Pacific, the Caribbean, West and East Africa, and the Philippines by:

Making climate change-induced migration development-oriented
Reducing displacement and its adverse effects
Managing voluntary planned relocation in a transparent, participatory, and needs-oriented manner

The project focuses on the following key outputs:

Output A

Providing advice on internal migration, disaster-induced displacement, and voluntary planned resettlement in the context of climate change for German development cooperation.

Output B

Formulating knowledge products for managing internal migration, disaster-induced displacement, and voluntary planned resettlement in the context of climate change.

Output C

Strengthening the capacity of sub-national, national, regional, or supraregional actors to manage internal migration, disaster-induced displacement, and voluntary planned resettlement in the context of climate change.

Through these outputs, the Global Programme Human Mobility in the Context of Climate Change aims to address the complex challenges at the intersection of climate change and human mobility, fostering sustainable and resilient solutions for affected communities.

Responsibilities and Tasks of the Technical Advisor – Migration and Climate Change

A. Responsibilities

The Technical Advisor for the Global Programme Human Mobility in the Context of Climate Change (HMCCC) will:

Collaborate with the ECOWAS Commission to develop strategies that leverage migration as a tool for adaptation and development within the region
Advise on effective strategies to reduce forced displacement caused by climate change in West Africa
Provide technical expertise and strategic guidance on addressing human mobility challenges arising from climate change
Advocate for policies within the ECOWAS framework that encourage migration as a viable adaptation strategy for West African communities facing climate change
Work with the ECOWAS Commission to establish guidelines and best practices for transparent, participatory, and needs-based planned relocations in West Africa

B. Tasks

The HMCCC Advisor will perform the following tasks:

Conduct research on the impacts of climate change (droughts, storms, sea-level rise) and their influence on human mobility patterns in West Africa
Analyze data on displacement figures, migration trends, and socioeconomic vulnerabilities within the region
Coordinate and actively work with the ECOWAS Commission to build relationships with regional and international partners
Develop and recommend strategies to make climate migration in West Africa contribute to development goals
Support the design of regional programs/projects to reduce displacement risks and negative consequences associated with climate-induced migration
Provide technical assistance and expertise in developing policies and action plans for addressing climate migration
Facilitate dialogues and collaboration among stakeholders at regional and national levels (ECOWAS Commission, Member States, NGOs, communities) on planned relocation processes
Provide technical expertise and guidance to member states and partners
Develop training programs, workshops, and facilitate knowledge sharing among stakeholders
Develop and disseminate communication materials
Create monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess the effectiveness of interventions aimed at managing climate migration
Support advocacy for increased resources and funding for programs that support vulnerable communities in West Africa facing climate change impacts
Prepare reports, presentations, and communication materials to raise awareness about human mobility and climate change challenges in West Africa
Build strong relationships with key partners, including ECOWAS Commission’s partners, Member States officials, and civil society actors within West Africa
Stay current on research developments related to climate migration and best practices in addressing its challenges
Contribute to reporting to commissioning parties, including M&E and progress reports, at the program level
Perform other duties and tasks as requested by project management

C. Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field, such as climate science, environmental studies, public policy, or international relations
Professional proficiency in at least 2 ECOWAS official languages (English, French, or Portuguese)

Professional Experience Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

Minimum of 8 years of professional experience with regional and international organizations in either human migration or climate change issues
Demonstrated experience in supporting the formulation of policies and strategies
Demonstrated knowledge of the ECOWAS region
Demonstrated experience in program coordination, event organization (including setting up and running conferences, public-private stakeholder events, and baseline studies), and knowledge of organizing and hosting virtual meetings on diverse platforms
Knowledge of international development and humanitarian aid principles is desirable
Familiarity with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and other relevant international agreements is a plus
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong interpersonal and networking abilities
Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment
Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools

Desired Additional Qualifications, Competencies, and Experiences:

Work experience with international and donor organizations, including GIZ
Ability to work with little supervision to meet set deadlines
Excellent copy editing, writing, and research skills, as well as analytical skills, oral and written presentation skills, interpersonal skills, and high integrity
Sound knowledge of relationship building, relationship management, and networking

Submission Guideline

You are kindly requested to submit your CV and letter of motivation as one document with complete contact details via email to: recruitment-nigeria@giz.de (Please include vacancy no. 040 in the mail subject) GIZ is an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity. All qualified candidates, regardless of disability, age, sex, ethnicity, race, and religion, are encouraged to apply. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.