Oxfam is recruiting Research Expert(s) and Facilitator(s) to support evidence-based citizen engagement and planning under the GIZ-funded Iraq Climate Change Adaptation Initiative (ICCA) in Anbar, Iraq. Deadline: 5 March 2026 (16:00 Baghdad time).
Overview
Oxfam is hiring Research Expert(s) and Facilitator(s) to deliver research, data collection, analysis, and participatory facilitation for citizen engagement and climate adaptation planning processes under the GIZ-funded Iraq Climate Change Adaptation Initiative (ICCA).
The consultancy is primarily field-based in Al-Anbar Governorate (focus: Heet District), with some remote work possible for analysis and reporting by agreement. The work combines community-based Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) hazard mapping, water quality sampling and laboratory testing, and technical assessment of Water Treatment Plant (WTP) capacity, alongside validation of existing research on natural tar springs in Heet.
Important note on salary: The Terms of Reference state “Salary: As per Oxfam Salary Scale.” Applicants should confirm fees and total compensation through their financial proposal and Oxfam’s selection process.
About Oxfam and the Project
Oxfam works globally to end the injustice of poverty and inequality. In Iraq—particularly in Anbar—Oxfam supports communities affected by conflict, displacement, and escalating climate and environmental risks.
Under ICCA, Oxfam is implementing “Strengthening Community Engagement and Citizen–Government Relations in Local Development Planning” in Ramadi, Heet, and Fallujah, aiming to strengthen inclusive participation, evidence-based planning, and accountability in local development and climate adaptation.
Consultancy Summary
Role Title
Research Expert(s) and Facilitator(s) for Evidence-Based Citizen Engagement and Planning Processes
Location and Modality
- Primary location: Iraq – Anbar (focus: Heet District)
- Workplace type: On-site (fieldwork required); remote work possible for analysis/reporting by agreement
- Contract type: Consultancy (deliverable-driven; intermittent over 7 months)
Duration
- Implemented over 7 months on an intermittent basis, aligned to an agreed workplan.
- The ToR indicates an anticipated start date of 1 February 2026 (subject to procurement and signing). (Some versions of the ToR may reference different start timing; the confirmed date will be in the signed contract.)
Closing Date
5 March 2026, 16:00 Baghdad time
Scope of Work
This consultancy supports selected evidence-based measures under ICCA, specifically linked to:
- Climate Perception Survey and Consultation
- Validation of research findings on Tar Springs in Heet
- Hazard Vulnerability and Risk Mapping
Component 1: Community-Based DRR Hazard Mapping Workshop
- Design a participatory hazard mapping methodology appropriate to Heet
- Organize and facilitate one local government–led DRR hazard mapping workshop
- Ensure inclusive participation (women, youth, vulnerable groups)
- Produce a validated hazard map and prioritized risk list
Component 2: Validation of Research on Natural Tar Springs (Heet)
- Conduct technical review and validation of existing research findings
- Support stakeholder consultations (as needed)
- Integrate validated insights into overall environmental and public health risk analysis
Component 3: Technical Assessment of Water Treatment Plant (WTP) Capacity
- Review documentation on WTP design, treatment processes, and operational characteristics
- Design and implement a water sampling and analysis plan with local authorities
- Coordinate/undertake water sample collection and laboratory testing (agreed parameters)
- Compare pollutant levels against WTP capacity and applicable drinking-water standards
- Identify treatment gaps and recommend practical improvement options (non-engineering design level)
Component 4: Reporting and Planning-Relevant Outputs
- Synthesize findings from DRR mapping, tar springs validation, and WTP/water quality assessment
- Produce a final technical report (submitted in Arabic and English)
- Present findings to Oxfam and relevant local stakeholders and incorporate feedback
Expected Deliverables and Payment Schedule
Oxfam indicates payment is tied to deliverables (100% total), typically structured as:
- Inception + DRR Workshop Deliverable (hazard map + brief workshop report) – 20%
- Water Quality + WTP Capacity Assessment Deliverable (sampling results + lab analysis + technical assessment + recommendations) – 50%
- Final Technical Report (incorporating feedback; evidence-based conclusions and planning recommendations) – 30%
Applicants must include professional fees, level of effort, and a full cost breakdown (including field costs, lab testing, travel, taxes, etc.) in the financial proposal.
Eligibility and Profile Requirements
Essential
- Advanced degree in environmental engineering, water resources, environmental sciences, civil engineering, public health, hydrology, or related field
- 7–10 years relevant experience in applied environmental/water research, water quality, or drinking water systems
- Demonstrated experience in:
- Water sampling and lab analysis coordination/interpretation
- Assessing WTP performance/capacity against pollutant loads and standards
- Participatory DRR/risk assessment/hazard mapping facilitation
- Ability to translate technical findings into planning-relevant recommendations for non-technical decision-makers
- Experience working with government institutions/local authorities in Anbar
- Fluency in Arabic (English is a strong asset)
Desired
- Specialized training in water treatment, drinking water safety, environmental risk assessment, or climate adaptation
- Experience with INGOs and donors (e.g., Oxfam, GIZ, UN agencies)
- Familiarity with Iraqi (or comparable) environmental/water/public health standards
- Experience validating research on contamination sources (e.g., tar springs, industrial/diffuse pollution)
- Experience in fragile/post-conflict/climate-vulnerable contexts
What You Will Gain
- High-impact assignment supporting climate adaptation, DRR, and safe drinking water planning
- Collaboration with local authorities, water directorates, and community stakeholders
- Opportunity to deliver evidence-based outputs that can influence local investment, planning, and accountability processes
- Professional exposure within a major international NGO programme portfolio in Iraq
How to Apply
Submit in English or Arabic by 5 March 2026 (16:00 Baghdad time) to:
irqconsultancy@oxfam.org.uk
Email subject line:
RFQ-IQRMD-26-0006 – Proposal Submission + [Name of bidder]
Required documents (Mandatory)
- Technical proposal outlining:
- Understanding of the assignment (DRR hazard mapping + WTP technical assessment)
- Relevant DRR, water quality, WTP/environmental research experience
- Proposed methodology for community engagement, sampling, analysis, and reporting
- Financial proposal including:
- Professional fees and level of effort
- Clear cost breakdown (fees, fieldwork costs, lab testing, travel, taxes, other costs)
- CV(s) of proposed expert(s)
- Evidence of previous work + at least two references
- Samples (reports/studies) relevant to DRR, water quality, WTP assessments, etc.
Clarifications
Questions can be submitted up to 7 days before the deadline (in writing). Responses are shared with applicants (anonymized).
Selection Criteria Summary
- Technical evaluation: 70%
- Expertise in DRR mapping, water quality monitoring, WTP assessment
- Facilitation of participatory/community validation processes
- Experience in Iraq/Anbar and stakeholder engagement
- Methodology quality and understanding of the assignment
- Integration of climate resilience, environmental, and gender-sensitive approaches
- Financial evaluation: 30%
- Ethical/safeguarding requirements: Pass/Fail (alignment with Oxfam standards)
Only proposals meeting the technical threshold proceed to financial assessment.
Summary Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Oxfam |
| Role | Research Expert(s) and Facilitator(s) (Consultancy) |
| Project | GIZ-funded Iraq Climate Change Adaptation Initiative (ICCA) |
| Location | Iraq – Anbar (Heet District focus; Ramadi & Fallujah engagement) |
| Workplace Type | On-site (fieldwork required); limited remote work possible for analysis/reporting |
| Contract | Deliverable-driven consultancy (intermittent over 7 months) |
| Key Focus | DRR hazard mapping, water sampling/lab analysis, WTP capacity assessment, tar springs research validation |
| Closing Date | 5 March 2026, 16:00 Baghdad time |
| Application Email | irqconsultancy@oxfam.org.uk |
| Subject Line | RFQ-IQRMD-26-0006 – Proposal Submission + [Name] |
Conclusion
This Oxfam consultancy is designed for experienced environmental and water professionals who can combine technical research with participatory facilitation to strengthen climate adaptation planning and safe drinking water decision-making in Heet District, Anbar. Strong proposals will demonstrate proven WTP and water quality expertise, inclusive DRR facilitation experience, and the ability to deliver clear, policy-relevant recommendations for local authorities.
FAQ
Is this consultancy fully remote?
No. Field activities are on-site in Anbar, including a DRR hazard mapping workshop and water sampling related tasks. Data analysis and reporting may be done remotely if agreed with Oxfam Iraq.
What is the salary for this role?
The ToR lists compensation as “As per Oxfam Salary Scale.” Applicants must submit a financial proposal with fees and cost breakdown. Any public salary estimates should be treated as indicative and not guaranteed.
What is the deadline?
5 March 2026 at 16:00 (Baghdad time). Late submissions are not considered.
What languages are required?
Arabic fluency is essential. English is a strong asset (and reports are required in both Arabic and English).
Can a team apply?
Yes. The ToR allows for individual experts or small teams, depending on technical needs.
Does the consultancy include engineering design or procurement for WTP upgrades?
No. The consultancy provides analytical and advisory outputs only—not detailed engineering designs, BoQs, procurement, or infrastructure implementation.
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