Conflict Advisor Consultant

Introduction Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move. IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration Project Context and Scope Under the ongoing Government of Japan-funded project, AI-Powered Preparedness and Anticipatory Action, IOM is seeking to strengthen its capacity to anticipate and respond to emerging risks through enhanced foresight, early warning, preparedness and anticipatory action. The initiative focuses on linking conflict, environmental, socio-economic and displacement data to enable earlier risk detection and more timely, evidence-based preparedness and anticipatory action, with initial operationalization in Sudan. A central component of the project is the integration of conflict-related data and analysis into horizon scanning and signal detection, multi-hazard triggers and alert mechanisms, and analytical products to inform early action. Additionally, the project seeks to ensure that preparedness and anticipatory action are themselves conflict-sensitive, so that early and anticipatory action efforts are context-aware and do not exacerbate existing tensions. Under the overall guidance of the Director of the Humanitarian Response and Recovery Department (DHRR) and the Chief of the Peace, Recovery, and Solutions Division (PRSD) and under the direct supervision of the Community Stabilization Advisor, the Conflict Advisor will support PRSD’s engagement in foresight, early warning, preparedness, and anticipatory action, including through technical input to the AI-Powered Preparedness and Anticipatory Action project and IOM institutional preparedness and anticipatory action procedures and tools. Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing Peace, Recovery and Solutions Division (PRSD) | Department of Humanitarian Response and Recovery AI-Powered Preparedness and Anticipatory Action project (EP0116). Tasks to be performed under this contract Enhancing conflict-related data and analysis in IOM data systems and analytical functions. Providing technical inputs on the integration of conflict dynamics into data pipelines, analytical frameworks, and anticipatory action systems. Supporting the incorporation of conflict indicators, escalation pathways, and qualitative conflict analysis into early warning and risk analysis processes. Reviewing and contributing to analytical outputs, including horizon scanning briefs, hotspot analyses, and country-level analytical notes. Supporting interpretation of analytical outputs, triggers, and decision-support tools. 2. Strengthening Conflict Sensitivity in IOM’s Preparedness and Anticipatory Action Frameworks and Tools. Supporting PRSD participation in internal and inter-agency processes on early warning, preparedness, and anticipatory action. Supporting integration of conflict-sensitive considerations across preparedness and anticipatory action frameworks and tools. Providing inputs on risks of unintended negative effects of anticipatory action and possible mitigation measures. 3. Providing advisory support to PRSD on foresight, early warning, preparedness, and anticipatory action. Conducting a rapid stock take of PRSD engagement in conflict-related foresight, early warning, preparedness, and anticipatory action across HQ and regional/country levels. Mapping PRSD’s current interfaces with institutional early warning, anticipatory action, and analytical functions (including data, analytics, and preparedness systems such as DTM and PHRD). Identifying gaps, comparative advantages, and priority areas of PRSD engagement. Supporting coherence, complementarity, and alignment of PRSD engagement with institutional priorities and structures. Performance indicators for the evaluation of results Timely delivery of all agreed outputs in line with the specified deadlines and quality standards. Degree to which conflict-related analysis and indicators are effectively integrated into IOM’s foresight, early warning, and preparedness processes. Demonstrated ability to provide constructive, actionable recommendations that strengthen conflict sensitivity across frameworks and tools. Category B Consultants: Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment Deliverable 1: Technical Inputs to IOM data systems and analytical functions, including: A compilation of technical contributions to strengthen the integration of conflict analysis into data systems and analytical functions, including; Technical inputs to strengthen the integration of conflict analysis into IOM’s data pipelines and analytical frameworks and methodologies; Technical inputs on the integration of conflict indicators, drivers, and escalation pathways into risk modelling and anticipatory action systems; Contributions to selected analytical products (e.g. horizon scanning briefs, hotspot analyses, country notes), as requested. Deliverable 2: Technical Inputs to IOM Preparedness and Conflict Sensitivity Frameworks and Tools A compilation of technical contributions to strengthen the integration of conflict sensitivity into preparedness and anticipatory action frameworks and tools, including: Technical inputs to include/strengthen conflict sensitivity provisions in IOM’s preparedness and anticipatory action frameworks and tools development of concise internal guidance on conflict sensitive preparedness and anticipatory action. Deliverable 3: PRSD Stocktaking and Strategic Positioning Note A concise analytical note outlining : Mapping of PRSD engagement in conflict foresight, early warning, preparedness, and anticipatory action; Identification of comparative advantages, gaps, and priority entry points; Analysis of PRSD interfaces with relevant institutional systems and stakeholders; Recommendations for strengthening PRSD’s strategic positioning and engagement approach. Required Qualifications and Experience Education Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Conflict Studies, Political Science, International Relations, Development Studies, Data Science, or a related field. Experience At least 7–10 years of relevant professional experience in conflict analysis, early warning, humanitarian action, or related areas; Demonstrated experience integrating conflict analysis into data systems, analytical frameworks, or decision-support tools; Proven experience producing high-quality analytical outputs and translating complex analysis into practical recommendations; Experience working with international organizations, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected settings, is highly desirable. Skills Demonstrated understanding of anticipatory action, preparedness, and/or early warning systems, preferably in humanitarian or development contexts; Familiarity with multi-hazard risk analysis, data-driven approaches (including quantitative and qualitative data), and/or AI-supported analytical processes is an asset; Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills in English; ability to convey complex concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences; Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively