International Climate Policy Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF employs a large workforce dedicated to serving children and communities globally, fostering a culture of belonging and growth, and providing an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The International Climate Policy Consultant position at UNICEF Papua New Guinea involves providing technical expertise to support the Climate Action for the Last Mile program, which aims to enhance the climate resilience of children and communities through climate-smart social services and infrastructure. The consultant will work closely with the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) and relevant government sectors to strengthen the understanding and application of global climate change frameworks and their implications for national climate policy. This role includes capacity building for CCDA and technical support for Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), ensuring that youth perspectives are integrated into national climate policy frameworks. The consultant will be expected to engage with various stakeholders to promote climate resilience and adaptation strategies that align with national priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for providing technical expertise in climate change adaptation and policy development, supporting the implementation of climate resilience strategies, and facilitating capacity-building initiatives for government sectors. Key duties include conducting technical reviews of NDCs and NAPs, aligning policies with international climate frameworks, and providing guidance on integrating climate resilience into social-sector policies and programs. The consultant will also be tasked with developing training materials, conducting workshops, and engaging with youth to ensure their perspectives are represented in climate policy discussions. Additionally, the consultant will monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented strategies and provide recommendations for improvement.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as climate change, environmental sciences, environmental policy, or international development. A minimum of ten years of relevant professional experience in climate change adaptation and policy is required, along with extensive knowledge of international climate change frameworks, including the Paris Agreement and UNFCCC processes. Demonstrated experience in supporting NAPs and NDCs, as well as providing technical advice to governments and UN agencies, is essential. Strong analytical, technical writing, facilitation, and communication skills are also necessary for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as climate change, environmental sciences, environmental policy, water resources, international development, or public policy. This advanced degree is crucial for understanding the complexities of climate policy and adaptation strategies.

Experience:
The position requires at least ten years of relevant professional experience in climate change adaptation, climate policy, and sustainable development. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with national and international climate policy processes and should be familiar with the specific challenges and opportunities related to climate resilience in Papua New Guinea.

Languages:
Excellent English communication skills, both written and spoken, are mandatory for this position. Familiarity with additional languages relevant to the region or international climate discussions would be considered an advantage, although not required.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is part of a collaborative effort between UNICEF and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and focuses on enhancing climate resilience in Papua New Guinea. The role may involve a contract duration of six months, and candidates are encouraged to submit their applications through the online recruitment portal. UNICEF promotes diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities. The organization adheres to a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct and is committed to safeguarding the rights of children.