Consultant for Climate Security Mechanism Policy Brief

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. Established in 1972, UNEP has grown to become a pivotal organization in addressing environmental issues globally, with a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices. UNEP operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees, collaborating with various stakeholders to deliver high-quality environmental expertise and solutions to complex global challenges.

Job Overview:
The position involves leading the development of a policy brief on urban Climate, Peace, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security (CPS) as part of the Climate Security Mechanism (CSM). The consultant will be responsible for conducting tailored research to ensure the quality of the content in the policy brief, which aims to address the conceptual gaps in urban CPS. This role requires fostering a multidisciplinary conversation around urban CPS through workshops and collaboration with academic partners and practitioners. The consultant will synthesize findings from peer exchanges and literature reviews to create a structured policy brief that highlights how nature-based solutions can contribute to climate adaptation and social cohesion in urban settings. The final draft of the policy brief is expected to be presented at the EnPAx Ottawa conference in June 2026, and the consultant will report to the Climate Security Mechanism Project Manager based in New York.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop an outline for the CSM urban CPS policy brief document, ensuring a solutions-oriented structure based on peer exchanges and relevant publications.
• Conduct background research to identify diagnostic knowledge gaps, focusing on urban fragility and resilience factors, climate-related drivers of urban conflict, and the conditions that lead to violence.
• Compile evidence on successful integrated urban policy approaches, including case studies of nature-based solutions and their peace co-benefits.
• Assist in preparing peer learning workshop sessions, including conceptual development and documentation of discussions.
• Prepare a draft of the Urban Climate, Peace, and Security policy brief, synthesizing research findings and workshop outcomes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international relations, environmental sciences, development studies, or a related field. They should demonstrate the ability to collect, analyze, and synthesize information from diverse sources and present it clearly. Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team. A critical lens combined with a solution-driven approach is highly valued.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as international relations, environmental sciences, or development studies is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of climate security and urban development.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of experience in areas related to peace and security, human security, urban safety, or violence reduction is required. Experience with climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and conflict prevention, particularly within the context of UN, government, or international organizations in Central America, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and oral, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based and expected to last for eight months, from December to August. The position does not involve any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants for applications, interviews, or training.