Senior Project Associate

Climate change, disasters, and environmental degradation are increasingly affecting the livelihoods of communities and influencing patterns of human mobility. According to the World Bank's Groundswell report (2021), "climate change could force 216 million people to migrate within their own country by 2050." Mobility decisions are inherently multifactorial, meaning that environmental factors represent only part of the causes driving migration and displacement. These factors must be understood in the context of social, political, economic, and demographic issues. Climate change acts as a risk multiplier, exacerbating other drivers of displacement. The MENA region is particularly vulnerable to climate change, as it is the most water-stressed region in the world. Eleven of the 17 countries most affected by this phenomenon are in this region. In North Africa, the effects of climate change on human mobility are raising growing concerns, although data and evidence remain limited, particularly regarding the impacts of slow-onset events on human mobility.

Tunisia is considered one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change due to its highly arid climate and declining rainfall. Climate projections and vulnerability studies conducted in Tunisia confirm that the country is already experiencing the effects of climate change and will continue to suffer from rising temperatures and decreased rainfall, as observed in recent years. 

Given the complexity of migratory dynamics in Tunisia, the need for reliable data, research, and analysis is more pressing than ever to develop evidence-based policies and actions, especially in the context of climate change and environmental degradation. The country lacks consistent and high-quality migration data, which is essential for guiding interventions, deepening the understanding of issues, and anticipating trends. These gaps in migration data and research hinder the effectiveness of political and programmatic responses. Furthermore, reinforcing the capacity of the government and stakeholders to address the nexus between migration, environment, and climate change is critical. Strengthening their ability to integrate these interconnected challenges into policy frameworks will enhance resilience, improve decision-making, and ensure a more coordinated and effective response to the growing impacts of climate change on human mobility. 

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), as the leading intergovernmental agency dedicated to migration, is at the forefront of operational efforts, research, advocacy, and policy development aimed at placing environmental migration at the heart of international, regional, and national concerns, in collaboration with its member states, observers, and partners. 

Understanding and identifying the interactions between environmental degradation and human mobility dynamics in Tunisia is becoming increasingly crucial as the impacts of climate change worsen in the country. Although this intersection is complex, IOM Tunisia has identified the following priorities: human mobility in the context of disasters, climate change, and environmental degradation, as well as migration research and data. Under the general direction of the Chief of Mission, the overall supervision of the Head of Programmes and the direct and technical supervision of the Head of Migration & Development Unit the incumbent will be responsible for supporting the implementation and continuous development of the Migration, Environment, and Climate Change portfolio of IOM Tunisia, as part of the "climate change and migration data" Danish programme that aims to contribute to improved evidence-based migration management and reduced risk of irregular migration and displacement occurring, in the context of disasters, climate change and environmental degradation in countries of origin, transit and destination along key migration corridors in North, East, and West Africa.