Research Consultant

[Erbil,Iraq ]

Research Consultant – Inclusion of Vernacular Building Practices and Disaster Risk Reduction measures in Shelter programming for displaced population in Iraq 

[CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST IS OPEN TO INDIVIDUAL/TEAM OF CONSULTANTS AND RESEARCHERS, PUBLIC INSTITUTION AND ORGANIZATIONS, UNIVERSITY AND RESEARCH CENTERS]

Context:

Since its establishment in 2003, IOM Iraq has been focusing on addressing humanitarian needs and reducing vulnerabilities linked to longer-term interventions, supporting progress towards achieving durable solutions for displaced populations, tailored to local needs and priorities. Responding to shelter needs of displaced population and communities affected by crisis is a major part of IOM’s Preparedness and Response activities. In addition to providing shelter support to the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in camps, IOM has been assisting IDPs who end up in secondary displacements in out of camp situations including in informal sites. These shelter interventions have largely been guided by Shelter Cluster Iraq’s guidelines (Iraq | Shelter Cluster).

 

While the interventions are customized according to the specific shelter needs of each household, IOM recognizes that there is room for improvement and diversification by integrating local materials and building practices, which may vary according to specific regions of the country. IOM is also mindful of the fact that different regions face various threats from natural factors and disasters, including earthquakes, floods, droughts, storms, desertification, environmental degradation, salinity and adulteration of water, etc. Simple measures can go a long way in reducing the risk of such disasters while building more resilient structures against the natural and geological factors.

 

With this in mind, IOM Iraq is launching this call for CVs for a research consultancy that will provide practical and technical recommendations for more cost-effective and contextualized shelter interventions taking into account community perception, sensible local building practices and disaster risk reduction measures.

 

 

 

 

Core Functions / Responsibilities

 

Under the supervision of the Head of Preparedness and Response Unit, and working closely with the National Shelter Officer, the successful consulting body will be undertaking the following:

 

 

• Inception meeting with key PRU staff in order to understand and define the scope and timeline of the research
•  
• Desktop research on physical and natural characteristics of different regions in Iraq, as well as the trends and frequencies of different types of natural disasters
•  
• Desktop research on local materials and building practices in those regions
•  
• Undertake any field visits that may be required to complement any missing data in desktop research
•  
• Conduct Key Informant Interviews with relevant ministries, local authorities, academic institutions, architects, shelter practitioners, built environment professionals, etc. as required
•  
• Conduct Focus Group Discussions with selected communities on perceptions, challenges and opportunities regarding both mainstream and traditional building practices
•  
• Work closely with IOM Iraq’s shelter staff to have detailed understanding of the existing shelter interventions and the associated processes
•  
• Conduct Key Informant Interviews with members of Iraq Shelter Cluster and partner organizations as required

 

• Provide technical input for the improvement of IOM Iraq’s shelter interventions with inclusion of DRR measures, usage of locally available materials and integration local building methods
•  
• Above general tasks are subject to change if deemed necessary by PRU in case of any change in context or priorities

 

 

Measurable Outputs/ Deliverables:

Below deliverables are expected from the research consultancy –

• Final report: A comprehensive report covering:
  1. Documentation and clear analysis of different vernacular building methods and practices, including locally available materials, according to different regions of Iraq, including usage of maps, photos and sketches
  2. Analyzing the geographical regions of Iraq according to the frequency and type of natural disasters and key topographical/geological features that needs to be considered during construction
  3. A summary analysis of the building materials and practices that IOM Iraq uses in different shelter interventions
  4. Based on points 1-3, clear recommendations to IOM Iraq on practical measures that can be taken to improve different shelter interventions that integrates local materials and building practices as well as DRR considerations that can be easily implemented by the communities (in terms of materials, design modifications, etc)
  5. Annex containing links to key documents and reference sources, useful contacts, list of key stakeholders, interviews/ workshops/ meetings conducted, maps, photos, sketches/ drawings, etc.
  6. [Draft report to be shared for PRU comments before finalization]
• Summary Presentation: A short presentation session to key PRU staff from IOM Iraq on the findings and recommendations

 

Applicants are expected to submit a brief financial proposal with their application, including specific timelines of payment, in line with deliverables. The financial proposal should include, professional fee, all travel and living costs, and any foreseen expenses in relation to the assignment.

 

 

The consultant will be responsible for any domestic travels required of the assignment as well as any equipment required for successful completion of the research.

Research Consultant – Inclusion of Vernacular Building Practices and Disaster Risk Reduction measures in Shelter programming for displaced population in Iraq 

[CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST IS OPEN TO INDIVIDUAL/TEAM OF CONSULTANTS AND RESEARCHERS, PUBLIC INSTITUTION AND ORGANIZATIONS, UNIVERSITY AND RESEARCH CENTERS]

Context:

Since its establishment in 2003, IOM Iraq has been focusing on addressing humanitarian needs and reducing vulnerabilities linked to longer-term interventions, supporting progress towards achieving durable solutions for displaced populations, tailored to local needs and priorities. Responding to shelter needs of displaced population and communities affected by crisis is a major part of IOM’s Preparedness and Response activities. In addition to providing shelter support to the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in camps, IOM has been assisting IDPs who end up in secondary displacements in out of camp situations including in informal sites. These shelter interventions have largely been guided by Shelter Cluster Iraq’s guidelines (Iraq | Shelter Cluster).

 

While the interventions are customized according to the specific shelter needs of each household, IOM recognizes that there is room for improvement and diversification by integrating local materials and building practices, which may vary according to specific regions of the country. IOM is also mindful of the fact that different regions face various threats from natural factors and disasters, including earthquakes, floods, droughts, storms, desertification, environmental degradation, salinity and adulteration of water, etc. Simple measures can go a long way in reducing the risk of such disasters while building more resilient structures against the natural and geological factors.

 

With this in mind, IOM Iraq is launching this call for CVs for a research consultancy that will provide practical and technical recommendations for more cost-effective and contextualized shelter interventions taking into account community perception, sensible local building practices and disaster risk reduction measures.

 

 

 

 

Core Functions / Responsibilities

 

Under the supervision of the Head of Preparedness and Response Unit, and working closely with the National Shelter Officer, the successful consulting body will be undertaking the following:

 

 

• Inception meeting with key PRU staff in order to understand and define the scope and timeline of the research
•  
• Desktop research on physical and natural characteristics of different regions in Iraq, as well as the trends and frequencies of different types of natural disasters
•  
• Desktop research on local materials and building practices in those regions
•  
• Undertake any field visits that may be required to complement any missing data in desktop research
•  
• Conduct Key Informant Interviews with relevant ministries, local authorities, academic institutions, architects, shelter practitioners, built environment professionals, etc. as required
•  
• Conduct Focus Group Discussions with selected communities on perceptions, challenges and opportunities regarding both mainstream and traditional building practices
•  
• Work closely with IOM Iraq’s shelter staff to have detailed understanding of the existing shelter interventions and the associated processes
•  
• Conduct Key Informant Interviews with members of Iraq Shelter Cluster and partner organizations as required

 

• Provide technical input for the improvement of IOM Iraq’s shelter interventions with inclusion of DRR measures, usage of locally available materials and integration local building methods
•  
• Above general tasks are subject to change if deemed necessary by PRU in case of any change in context or priorities

 

 

Measurable Outputs/ Deliverables:

Below deliverables are expected from the research consultancy –

• Final report: A comprehensive report covering:
  1. Documentation and clear analysis of different vernacular building methods and practices, including locally available materials, according to different regions of Iraq, including usage of maps, photos and sketches
  2. Analyzing the geographical regions of Iraq according to the frequency and type of natural disasters and key topographical/geological features that needs to be considered during construction
  3. A summary analysis of the building materials and practices that IOM Iraq uses in different shelter interventions
  4. Based on points 1-3, clear recommendations to IOM Iraq on practical measures that can be taken to improve different shelter interventions that integrates local materials and building practices as well as DRR considerations that can be easily implemented by the communities (in terms of materials, design modifications, etc)
  5. Annex containing links to key documents and reference sources, useful contacts, list of key stakeholders, interviews/ workshops/ meetings conducted, maps, photos, sketches/ drawings, etc.
  6. [Draft report to be shared for PRU comments before finalization]
• Summary Presentation: A short presentation session to key PRU staff from IOM Iraq on the findings and recommendations

 

Applicants are expected to submit a brief financial proposal with their application, including specific timelines of payment, in line with deliverables. The financial proposal should include, professional fee, all travel and living costs, and any foreseen expenses in relation to the assignment.

 

 

The consultant will be responsible for any domestic travels required of the assignment as well as any equipment required for successful completion of the research.

Education

• University degree in one of the following fields: Architecture, Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, Disaster Management, Emergency Response, Humanitarian Assistance, or other related disciplines.

 

Experience & Skills

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience within the field of Architecture, Urban Planning, Disaster Management, Disaster Risk Reduction, Humanitarian Assistance, or similar fields of work is required.
• A combination of academics and practice is ideal for this research consultancy, with excellent analytical, research, writing and communication skills
• Familiarity with different regions of Iraq is essential
• Knowledge of design software, mapping software as well as other graphics/ visual software is required.
• The work might require travels to high-medium risk areas, so experience from working in an insecure environment or similar context is required.
• Knowledge of humanitarian, social and development issues as well as general displacement related issues is highly advantageous
•  

Languages

• For this consultancy, fluency in English (oral and written) and working knowledge of Arabic is required. Knowledge of Kurdish language is an advantage.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications via this link:

 

https://iraq.iom.int/jobs/research-consultant-%E2%80%93-inclusion-vernacular-building-practices-and-disaster-risk-reduction

 

In order for an application to be considered valid, IOM only accepts online profiles duly completed. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

 

At least one sample report from previous research works or sample academic publications in English (or online links to such works) need to be shared with the application. All samples will be kept confidential.