Individual Consultant for Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) Implementation

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 durable solutions for those who are recognized as refugees. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members. The organization is dedicated to protecting the rights of refugees and displaced persons, providing them with assistance and support, and advocating for their needs on a global scale.

Job Overview:
The position of Individual Consultant for Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) Implementation is focused on operationalizing the recommendations from UNHCR’s ESS Feasibility Study into actionable steps. The consultant will coordinate the pilot phase of ESS implementation, which is crucial for ensuring compliance and quality in environmental and social practices across UNHCR’s projects. This role involves engaging with global financing negotiations and accreditation processes with major development and climate donors, including the World Bank, IADB, ADB, and GCF. The consultant will also be responsible for providing technical oversight and building operational capacity within the organization, ensuring that ESS packages are effectively integrated into pilot operations while documenting best practices for future reference.

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

• Supporting global financing negotiations and accreditation processes, which involves providing technical input and assisting in negotiations on financing agreements with major funding sources.
• Overseeing project-specific ESS packages, ensuring quality assurance and advising on Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) for pilot projects.
• Engaging in knowledge management and operational capacity building, which includes documenting good practices, maintaining a repository for ESS tools, and developing training materials for prioritized operations.
• Conducting remote capacity-building sessions for pilot country teams as needed.
• Drafting suggestions or standard operating procedures (SOPs) for ESS considerations in various sectors, including community accountability and risk management.
• Preparing project-specific ESS documentation and revised standard agreements, as well as field guidance and presentations for training purposes.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a strong background in environmental and social safeguards, with specific qualifications including expertise in risk management, stakeholder engagement, and compliance with international standards. The consultant should possess excellent analytical and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across diverse teams and stakeholders. Familiarity with the operations of multilateral finance institutions and experience in project management are also essential. The consultant should demonstrate a commitment to the principles of humanitarian assistance and sustainable development.

Educational Background:
Candidates for this position should have a relevant educational background, typically including a degree in environmental science, social sciences, international development, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in environmental management or social safeguards would be advantageous and demonstrate a higher level of expertise in the subject matter.

Experience:
The role requires significant experience in environmental and social safeguards, ideally with at least 5-7 years of relevant work experience in international development or humanitarian contexts. Experience working with UN agencies or similar organizations, particularly in the areas of project management and compliance with environmental and social standards, is highly desirable. The consultant should have a proven track record of successfully managing complex projects and engaging with multiple stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UNHCR. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly French or Spanish, is considered an asset and would enhance the consultant's ability to engage with diverse teams and stakeholders across different regions.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as part-time, with payment based on deliverables. The total fees for the consultancy are set at 30,000.00 USD, with a structured payment schedule based on the completion of specific milestones. The consultant will not require a functional clearance and will not be working remotely, as the position is based in Geneva. The assignment is expected to start on January 15, 2026, following the application deadline.