International Programme 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, emphasizing a culture of belonging and growth.

Job Overview:
The International Programme Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting UNICEF Papua New Guinea's initiatives in addressing the climate crisis and its impact on children. This position involves working closely with the Programme Manager for Climate and Sustainable Environment to oversee the implementation of climate-resilient programming across social services and infrastructure. The consultant will be responsible for ensuring that climate resilience is integrated into UNICEF's programming, facilitating stakeholder coordination, and monitoring progress on various initiatives aimed at reducing climate-related vulnerabilities affecting children. The consultant will also engage with government counterparts, implementing partners, and UNICEF teams to ensure effective delivery of programme objectives, contributing to the overall mission of enhancing children's rights and well-being in Papua New Guinea.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Programme Coordination, Monitoring and Risk Management: Facilitate coordination across UNICEF programme sections for timely delivery of climate-related interventions, organize internal meetings, monitor implementation progress, and propose mitigation measures for identified risks.
• Implementing Partner and Output Oversight: Maintain communication with implementing partners, review workplans and reports, provide feedback, and support field monitoring.
• Government and Partner Coordination: Engage with national institutions, coordinate with the National Weather Service and Climate Change Development Authorities, and manage relationships with development partners and donors.
• Community Engagement Coordination: Support community engagement activities, maintain an action tracker, and document outcomes.
• Climate and Technical Contributions: Provide technical inputs on climate change and environmental sustainability, support integration across programme planning, and facilitate coordination on climate finance processes.
• Strategic and Operational Support: Prepare briefing notes and analytical inputs, support procurement processes, and follow up on action points.
• Documentation and Knowledge Management: Draft reports, document meetings, and maintain organized programme records.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master’s degree in international development, public policy, climate change, environmental studies, social sciences, or a related field. Candidates must have at least five years of relevant professional experience in programme implementation, coordination, or technical support in development or humanitarian contexts. A sound understanding of climate change and environmental sustainability is essential, along with strong drafting skills for preparing reports and documentation. Proven ability to coordinate with government counterparts and partners is necessary, as well as strong organizational and analytical skills to manage multiple priorities effectively. Experience with UN agencies or donor-funded programmes is desirable, and familiarity with Papua New Guinea or the Pacific region is an advantage.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as international development, public policy, climate change, environmental studies, social sciences, or a related discipline is required for this position. This educational background is essential to understand the complexities of climate resilience and its integration into social services and infrastructure.

Experience:
Candidates must possess a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in programme implementation, coordination, or technical support within development or humanitarian contexts. This experience should demonstrate the ability to provide strategic and operational programme coordination, management support, and technical assistance, particularly in relation to climate change and environmental sustainability.

Languages:
Excellent written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the region may be considered an advantage, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is a short-term assignment and does not lead to a long-term permanent post with UNICEF. Applicants must include a financial proposal detailing consultancy fees, local transportation, and other costs. Individuals engaged under this consultancy will not be considered staff members and will not receive benefits such as leave entitlements or medical insurance. They are responsible for their tax liabilities according to local laws. UNICEF encourages diversity and inclusion in its workforce and adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history.