Consultant: Climate & Conflict Research & Event Coordinator

Nov 26, 2019 | Mercy Corps
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Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future.

Purpose / Project Description:

The relationship between climate change, socioeconomic and political variables, and insecurity is complex and context specific. It requires a systems approach to identify the challenges and design effective interventions that can both promote climate change adaptation in fragile and conflict affected settings and address climate related factors that exacerbate drivers of conflict.

This is a relatively new and complex area with a wide range of actors developing and testing interventions that may positively contribute to climate adaptation and conflict management, even if their primary purpose is not the conflict-climate nexus per se.  Whilst organisations are making some progress in this area, there has been a limited attempt to compile learning from these often disparate efforts. This project aims to identify and elevate promising practices and collaboratively develop - and secure commitment to - a shared agenda to inform future efforts in terms of research, piloting and scaling of approaches.

Consultant Objectives:

  • Ensure project implementation is on time, target and budget.
  • In coordination with Mercy Corps’ technical Environment & Peace and Conflict teams, Identify, build and manage coordination with a wide range of actors developing and testing interventions that may positively contribute to climate adaptation and conflict management.
  • Contributing towards building Mercy Corps’ credibility as a critical influencer in climate adaptation and conflict management, through the compilation and convening of key lessons and actors,  and promising practices

Consultant Activities:

In close coordination with Mercy Corps technical leadership, lead the delivery and coordination of a six-month project with activities including: 

  1. Co-design and then lead a consultative review documenting current thinking and evidence base, with a compilation of case studies and promising practices;
  2. Organise and deliver one or more learning forums;
  3. Produce an action agenda, informed by the learning forums, outlining:
    • Priority research questions for actors in this space over the next five years;
    • Proposed pilot initiatives;
    • Tested activities that are ready for scale; and
    • Potential collaborations and financing opportunities.
  1. Plan and initiate a targeted dissemination and uptake plan of the action agenda.
  2. Author, co-author and/or peer review project knowledge products (e.g., reports, briefs, data products, tools, blog) as needed.

Consultant Deliverables:

The Consultant will:

  • Co-design a detailed work plan, coordinate, and lead project activities.
  • Organise and deliver one or more learning forums
  • Produce an action agenda, informed by the learning forums
  • Create a dissemination plan of the action agenda
  • Write at least one knowledge product
  • Support donor reporting requirements
  • Ensure adherence to programme budget

Timeframe / Schedule: 

50 days over 6 months

The Consultant will report to:

Senior Director, Policy and Advocacy

The Consultant will work closely with:

Technical Support Unit (TSU) Peace and Conflict Advisor; TSU Environment Director, Research and Learning Deputy Director, Policy and Advocacy (multiple), Programmes & Strategic Partnerships Advisor

Required Experience & Skills:

The successful candidate will be a self-starter who is also skilled at working across teams to achieve results. S/He will demonstrate excellent analytical skills that include both an attention to detail and an ability to grasp complex theories and conceptual frameworks. S/He will be organised, conscientious and enjoy working collaboratively. S/He will demonstrate effective verbal and written communication and be able to convey research findings and their implications to multiple audiences, including policymakers, practitioners, think tanks and the private sector.

  • Bachelor’s degree required. M.A, M.S., M.Sc., or equivalent in a field related to sustainable development, climate change, peacebuilding, resilience, or other relevant fields, are preferred.
  • 3-5 years working on issues related to climate and/or conflict that includes:
    • Co-designing qualitative research, conducting interviews and writing research reports for different audiences;
    • Project management, ideally for DFID-funded activities.
  • Experience designing, coordinating and delivering public events, ideally on policy or research topics.
  • Familiarity of organisations, institutional donors and private sector actors active in the climate-conflict space (preferred).
  • Willingness and ability to travel internationally as required.
  • Fluency in English is required, additional languages (French/Spanish) an advantage.