Consultant for Climate Change and Emergency Preparedness

Consultant for Climate Change and Emergency Preparedness

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

March 2, 2026February 26, 2026LusakaZambia
Job Description
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 is known for its inclusive culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, aiming to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the children it serves.

Job Overview:
The consultancy role is designed to provide technical, coordination, and advisory support to the UNICEF Zambia Country Office, specifically focusing on Climate Change and Emergency Preparedness, Planning, and Response. The consultant will play a crucial role in integrating climate change and environmental risk considerations into program planning, implementation, and monitoring. This position aims to enhance emergency preparedness and response coordination for climate-induced shocks, ensuring timely and effective multi-sectoral humanitarian action. The consultant will also work on strengthening the connections between humanitarian response, disaster risk reduction, and long-term resilience building, thereby contributing to the overall mission of UNICEF in Zambia.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Provide technical support in the integration of climate change considerations into UNICEF's program planning and implementation.
  • Coordinate with various stakeholders to enhance emergency preparedness and response strategies.
  • Develop and implement frameworks for monitoring and evaluating climate-related interventions.
  • Facilitate training and capacity-building initiatives for UNICEF staff and partners on climate change and emergency preparedness.
  • Collaborate with government agencies and NGOs to ensure a cohesive approach to disaster risk management.
  • Prepare reports and documentation on climate change impacts and emergency response efforts.
  • Engage in advocacy efforts to promote climate resilience and emergency preparedness at local and national levels.
  • Support the development of contingency plans and response strategies for climate-induced emergencies.
  • Monitor and analyze trends in climate change and humanitarian needs to inform program adjustments.

Required Qualifications:
  • Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in Climate Change, Environmental Studies, Public Health, Development Studies, or a related field.
  • A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s) in the above fields combined with additional years of relevant professional experience in public health, climate adaptation, humanitarian emergencies, or resilience programming.
  • Demonstrated experience in emergency preparedness, coordination, and response.
  • Adequate understanding of government systems, humanitarian architecture, and multi-sectoral programming at the country level.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Climate Change, Environmental Studies, Public Health, or Development Studies. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s) in these fields is acceptable if combined with significant professional experience in related areas.

Experience:
A minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in climate adaptation, disaster risk management, or humanitarian response is required. Experience working with UNICEF, the UN system, or international NGOs is essential, along with demonstrated experience in emergency preparedness and response coordination.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Zambia would be an asset, enhancing communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is a consultancy role, and candidates are expected to demonstrate UNICEF’s core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability. The role may involve travel within Zambia and requires adherence to UNICEF's policies on safeguarding and child protection. The organization promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from underrepresented groups. UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process and ensures reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities.
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