Consultant for Solomon Islands National Adaptation Plan

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 advocating for children's rights and providing essential services, particularly in vulnerable regions such as the Pacific Islands. The organization emphasizes a culture of inclusion and growth, welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds to contribute to its mission.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for the Solomon Islands National Adaptation Plan (NAP) will play a crucial role in integrating child-sensitive approaches into climate change adaptation strategies. This position involves close collaboration with UNICEF, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI). The consultant will ensure that the specific vulnerabilities of children are addressed in the NAP, which is essential for building resilience in social services affected by climate change. The consultant will utilize various assessments, including the Children's Climate Risk Index (CCRI), to provide evidence-based analyses and recommendations for adaptation measures that prioritize children's needs. This role requires strong facilitation skills to engage stakeholders, including adolescents and young people, ensuring their perspectives are included in the planning process. The consultant will also be responsible for preparing progress reports and maintaining communication with all partners involved in the NAP development.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Integrate child rights approaches into the NAP, focusing on the vulnerabilities of children and the social services they depend on, such as health, education, and protection.
• Conduct evidence-based analyses of climate change impacts on children, utilizing the CCRI and other relevant assessments.
• Identify sector-specific adaptation measures that are responsive to children's needs, including defining indicators and targets for the NAP.
• Review and provide recommendations for the draft NAP and national financing strategies to ensure child-sensitive approaches are integrated.
• Facilitate coordination among relevant ministries to promote an inclusive approach to adaptation planning.
• Organize consultations with adolescents and young people to gather their inputs for the NAP.
• Prepare and submit regular progress reports detailing key meetings and consultation outcomes.
• Maintain close collaboration with UNICEF, MECDM, GGGI, and other stakeholders throughout the consultancy.
• Undertake additional tasks as directed by UNICEF Pacific.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in development studies, social sciences, public policy, public health, or a related field.
• Knowledge of children's rights, gender, or social inclusion is an asset.
• Demonstrated understanding of climate change and environmental issues.
• At least 6 years of progressively responsible experience in national planning or policy development, particularly in integrating child rights and gender equality into climate or development frameworks.
• Experience in conducting climate risk assessments with a focus on social sensitivity.
• Proven ability to facilitate multi-stakeholder consultations, especially with youth.
• Experience in developing countries, particularly in the Pacific Islands, is preferred.
• Previous experience with UNICEF or UN agencies is advantageous.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as development studies, social sciences, public policy, or public health. A focus on children's rights, gender, or social inclusion is considered an asset, as is demonstrated knowledge of climate change and environmental issues.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible experience in areas related to national planning and policy development. Candidates should have experience in integrating child rights and gender equality into climate or development policies, as well as conducting climate risk assessments with a social-sensitive lens. Experience in facilitating consultations with diverse stakeholders, particularly adolescents and youth, is highly desirable. Familiarity with the Pacific Islands context or similar developing regions is preferred, along with any previous experience working with UNICEF or other UN agencies.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory. Knowledge of a local language in the Solomon Islands is considered an asset, enhancing communication and engagement with local communities.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is open to both national and international applicants. The position is not classified as a staff member under UNICEF regulations, meaning consultants will not receive benefits typically afforded to staff, such as leave entitlements or medical insurance. The consultancy may require the selected candidate to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19, depending on the nature of their work and interactions with UNICEF operations. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct incompatible with its aims, including discrimination and abuse. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks.