Job ID (Reference Number): 17882

Job Title: JPO – Project Officer (Migration, Environment and Climate Change) – (Belgian Nationals Only)

Duty Station City: Bujumbura

Duty Station Country: Burundi

Grade: P-2

Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension) – up to 3 years

Recruitment Type: Professional

Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice

Initial Duration: 1 year with possibility of extension

Closing Date: 27 January 2026 (23:59, Geneva, Switzerland local time)

Introduction:

Established in 1951, IOM is a United Nations affiliate and, as the UN's lead migration agency, 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 this by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to ensuring a working environment in which all employees can thrive professionally, while working to fully exploit the potential of migration.

Background:

IOM recognizes the urgent need to address the links between climate change, natural hazards, displacement, and migration, and to develop sustainable solutions that strengthen resilience and protect the rights and well-being of affected populations. IOM was the first UN agency and international organization to establish, in 2015, a Migration, Environment and Climate Change (MECC) Division dedicated to the migration-environment nexus. The MECC Division's objectives are to: prevent, to the greatest extent possible, forced displacement resulting from environmental factors; provide assistance and protection to affected populations when forced migration occurs and seek sustainable solutions; facilitate migration as a climate change adaptation strategy; and strengthen the resilience of affected communities.

Burundi is highly vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate change, which exacerbate existing challenges related to displacement and migration. Changes in climate patterns, including flooding, increased hazard frequency, and environmental degradation, have serious consequences for livelihoods, food security, and community well-being. These climate-related factors contribute significantly to population displacement and migration both within the country and across its borders.

IOM has been present in Burundi since 2010 and contributes to strengthening the Government's capacity to address migration challenges and maximize the benefits of migration. In 2019, IOM was selected as the lead agency for Pillar 4 of the UNDAF Burundi (2019-2023), which focuses on disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and ecosystem conservation, and continues to be the co-lead agency under the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023-2027.

IOM Burundi's programmatic portfolio includes interventions in Migration, Environment and Climate Change, Climate Adaptation, and Disaster Risk Reduction, in coordination with the Ministry of the Environment, the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, and other relevant actors and UN agencies. IOM Burundi is also co-lead for the emergency response sector of Shelter and Non-Food Items.

At the national level, IOM Burundi provides the Government, as well as the humanitarian and development communities, with data tools, including a multi-risk map by commune and the Stability Index, to analyze stability and displacement and return trends and to inform programmatic recommendations.

Close coordination with the countries bordering Lake Tanganyika and the Great Lakes region, particularly Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo, is essential for MECC programming. The interconnected nature of ecosystems and shared risks require coordinated efforts to ensure an effective and rapid response to disasters and strengthen regional stability.

Under the general supervision of the Head of Mission and the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator in Bujumbura, and in coordination with the relevant units and regional thematic specialists in Nairobi, the Migration, Environment and Climate Change Project Officer will be responsible for technical, administrative and logistical support, as well as the coordination of the development, implementation, monitoring and reporting of MECC activities within the Country Office.

• Coordinate the implementation of MECC policies and programs, including budgetary, administrative, and technical monitoring, in accordance with IOM procedures.
• Support the design and implementation of data collection and research activities linking migration, environment, and climate change.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of strategic and programmatic policies and recommendations in Burundi.
• Contribute to the cross-cutting integration of MECC into IOM programmatic areas.
• Maintain strong partnerships with government entities, UN agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Support regional coordination and information gathering for regional reporting.
• Support the promotion of MECC initiatives through the drafting of reports, proposals, briefing notes, and communication materials.
• Support the management of staff, consultants, and implementing partners, and organize capacity-building activities.
• Participate in conferences, workshops, steering committees, and technical working groups.
• Undertake business travel as required.
• Perform any other relevant duties as assigned.
• Coaching and learning elements:
• The Young Professional will gain experience within a United Nations organization, develop in-depth knowledge of regional migration policies, European institutions, IOM operations, strengthen their writing, analytical and negotiation skills, and gain work experience with governmental, non-governmental and UN institutions.

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