Contractor for Refugee Environmental Protection Fund

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established in 195

• Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to promote lasting solutions for those who have been forcibly displaced. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 employees dedicated to helping millions of people worldwide. The organization focuses on providing protection, assistance, and solutions for refugees and displaced persons, working closely with governments, NGOs, and other partners to address the challenges faced by these vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The position of Contractor for the Refugee Environmental Protection (REP) Fund involves supporting the governance, coordination, and operational effectiveness of the Fund, which is an innovative financing mechanism launched by UNHCR. The REP Fund aims to scale up reforestation and clean cooking programs in displacement settings, linking these interventions to carbon markets to generate verified carbon credits. The contractor will report directly to the REP Fund Manager and will be responsible for enhancing collaboration with key stakeholders, ensuring strong country-level execution of the Fund's initiatives in Uganda and Rwanda. The role requires a proactive approach to governance and coordination, as well as the ability to engage with national and local authorities to align the Fund's activities with national policies and priorities. The contractor will also support monitoring and evaluation efforts to ensure the effectiveness of the Fund's projects and contribute to knowledge-sharing activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The contractor will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the operationalization of the REP Fund governance model in Uganda and Rwanda, clarifying roles and responsibilities among Project Proponents, Carbon Developers, and Implementation Partners.
• Providing secretariat and coordination support to the country-level REP Fund Steering Committee, including agenda setting, minutes, and follow-up on action points.
• Facilitating effective communication between UNHCR HQ, country offices, and project consortia to ensure alignment and problem-solving.
• Serving as a REP Fund focal point with national and local authorities, tracking alignment of REP Fund pilots with national policies.
• Supporting the establishment and documentation of Benefit Sharing Agreements (BSAs) and other participatory governance mechanisms.
• Providing operational follow-up for pilot activities, liaising with consortia and country offices to resolve bottlenecks.
• Supporting monitoring of timelines, deliverables, and budget execution, escalating risks to the REP Fund Manager.
• Reviewing financial progress reports and liaising with the REP Fund Manager to ensure expenditures and forecasts remain consistent with project workplans.
• Documenting community consultations and ensuring feedback loops are integrated into project decisions. 1
• Contributing to the implementation of the REP Fund M&E framework at the country level, supporting baseline studies, data collection, and reporting. 1
• Liaising with consortia to ensure quality and consistency of data submitted for environmental, social, and protection indicators. 1
• Preparing quarterly progress notes on governance, implementation, and government engagement for submission to UNHCR HQ. 1
• Documenting lessons learned from governance, BSA processes, and pilot implementation. 1
• Developing local communication strategies and contributing to knowledge-sharing activities with governments, research institutions, and regional platforms. 1
• Ensuring integration of local insights into global REP Fund learning.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for this position include an advanced degree in environmental policy, natural resource management, development studies, or a related field. Candidates must have a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in project governance, project management, environmental or climate programs, or refugee-hosting contexts. Proven experience working with national and local government authorities in Uganda and/or Rwanda is essential. Familiarity with carbon markets, reforestation, or clean cooking projects is considered an asset. Candidates should also possess a good understanding of financial modeling and project budgeting, including the ability to interpret and track multi-year implementation budgets. Strong coordination, facilitation, and reporting skills are necessary for success in this role.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced degree in a relevant field such as environmental policy, natural resource management, or development studies. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of environmental protection and governance in the context of refugee assistance and climate resilience.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in relevant fields, including project governance, project management, and environmental or climate programs. Candidates should have a proven track record of working effectively with national and local government authorities, particularly in Uganda and Rwanda, and should be familiar with the challenges and opportunities present in refugee-hosting contexts. Experience in managing projects that involve carbon markets, reforestation, or clean cooking initiatives will be highly regarded.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UNHCR and with stakeholders. Knowledge of French is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with local authorities and partners in Rwanda, where French is widely spoken. Candidates who possess additional language skills relevant to the regions of operation may also have an advantage.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an Individual Contractor role, which is full-time and requires 100% commitment. The contractor will be based in either Kampala, Uganda, or Kigali, Rwanda, with travel between the two countries as required. The contract is set to run until December 31, 2026, with the potential for extension based on performance and project needs. The position does not require a functional clearance and is not remote, as it involves on-the-ground engagement with stakeholders in the respective countries.