Call for Research Institutions

Project Background

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is leading a regional joint programme funded by the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MMPTF) titled "Harnessing Synergies Between Climate Change Adaptation and Risk Reduction in Migrant-Inclusive Health System Responses”. This initiative, currently being implemented in Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon, aims to improve the integration of climate change adaptation (CCA) and disaster risk reduction (DRR) across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It focuses on incorporating a gender-sensitive approach to human mobility within national public health adaptation and DRR strategies. The project has the following outcomes:

1. Targeted countries will improve policy awareness and develop strategies through evidence-building and assessments.
2. Better alignment between health and DRR strategies regarding migrant inclusion, achieved through sensitization efforts, migrant-inclusive health data, strategies, and local resilience plans.
3. A solid understanding of the health impacts of climate change will be established, fostering a willingness to seek healthcare support among both host and migrant communities through capacity building and awareness-raising initiatives.

As part of the evidence-building process, IOM invites you to submit Expression of Interest (EOI) form for new and original research proposals that delve into the issues linked to migrants’ healthcare within the context of the climate change-human mobility nexus. This nexus represents a complex interaction between climate and environmental changes and migration patterns with significant implications for public health. In regions like MENA, migrants often encounter numerous obstacles in accessing healthcare services including legal, financial, and linguistic barriers. These challenges are further exacerbated by the impacts of climate change which increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather events leading to displacement and heightened health risks.

IOM encourages research projects that investigate these intricate dynamics and their effects on migrant health in the MENA region.

 In collaboration with IOM, WHO, and UNDRR, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) conducted a stakeholder consultation workshop in Lebanon. This workshop brought together academia, scientists, policymakers, health experts, and members of civil society to review the current state of scientific research and to identify key priorities in this field.

The following subjects have been prioritized:

• Climate-induced migration patterns, trends, and factors in Lebanon.
• Climate-related illnesses, health risks and challenges through gender sensitivity and human mobility lens among migrants and host community in Lebanon.
• Impact of climate-change on water and food safety among Migrant and host community in Lebanon.  

The call for research invites submissions on these topics and any related topics.

Expected Results

Upon awarding the grant, the selected research entity will be entrusted with the responsibility of providing the following deliverables as part of their commitment to the project:

• Detailed research proposal outlining the research question, background information, proposed methodology, timeline and detailed budget for the research study.
• A copy of the Institutional Review Board or Ethics Committee approval report for the research study when applicable.
• Interim narrative and financial report including detailed research activities and expenditures.
• Final research study report (including executive summary) and financial report.
• A PowerPoint presentation summarizing the research project and main finding.
• Submission confirmation for a peer-reviewed article to a scholarly journal

All templates for the interim and final reports will be shared with the selected institutions by IOM.

Indicative Budget

Submitted proposals should be no more than USD 10,000 to 12,000. In line with IOM’s regulations, the budget will be paid in installments, depending on agreed project deliverables.

Other Information

Each entity can submit a maximum of one EOI. Joint applications from multiple organizations are encouraged, with a designated lead implementing partner. The organization(s) responding to this call must demonstrate their capacity to implement all the listed activities.

Eligible projects will be funded and supported by IOM Lebanon under the framework of the MMPTF programme. This support includes monitoring during the implementation phase, conducted through IOM Lebanon country office.

Selection Criteria 

Selection Criterion

Description

Weight

Relevance of proposal to achieving expected results

• Alignment with the expected outcomes of the research call
• A clear statement of the research question and research’s objectives
• Explanation of the potential impact on target outcomes
• Logical connection between research objectives and expected results

20

Research Design and Methods

• Robust and appropriate research design
• Detailed methodology suitable for addressing the research question
• Alignment with the research priorities as described in the project background
• Assurance of ethical standards in research (IRB or Ethics Committee approval)
• Feasibility and scientific soundness of the chosen approach

20

Adequacy and Clarity of the Proposed Budget and workplan

• Presentation of detailed budget and workplan to include measurable outcomes and indicators.
• Consistency of the budget figures with the workplan ensuring that financial projections match the timeline and milestones outlined
• Assurance of cost-effectiveness and transparency in financial planning

20

Sustainability of intervention

• National and Local experience, presence and community relations
• Inclusion of capacity building and/or community involvement
• Considerations of the potential for continued success and/or ongoing impact post-project

10

Experience in the field

• Proven capacity in conducting similar research projects
• Good familiarity with the social environment
• Relevant technical expertise and experience in working with a different range of stakeholders at a national and local level

10

Innovation

• Innovative approach with the potential to advance knowledge on the climate change, health and migration nexus
• Introduction of new ideas or new methods or new technologies
• Capacity to inspire further research and development

10

Gender Balance

• Integration of a gender-sensitive and migrant inclusive lens throughout the project
• Demonstrating understanding of gender dynamics and disparities
• Ensuring equitable participation and benefits
• Commitment to gender mainstreaming to apply during implementation of the projects

10

For more information on this partnership opportunity, please contact Mrs. Rana Amer on the following email [email protected]  and to apply please send email to [email protected]

The organizations responding to this call need to demonstrate their capacity to implement all listed activities as a single package. Partial applications for individual activities will not be considered.

IOM reserves the right to cancel/reduce the scope of planned activities or to introduce new/broaden the scope of the existing activities. Selected Implementing partner needs to be ready to develop a detailed budget based on submitted proposal in two weeks upon receiving the notification from IOM.

All applicants will receive written notification, within the two weeks after the deadline for the submission of Concept Note, of the outcome of the selection process. Should an applicant request further clarification, IOM will provide a response explaining the transparency and integrity of the selection process undertaken.

IOM reserves the right to decline disclosure of the specificity of decision derived by the IOM mission due to reasons related to confidentiality.

IOM reserves the right to accept or reject any Expression of Interest, and to annul the selection process and reject all Expression of Interest at any time, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected Implementing Partners