Consultant for Climate Change and Water Resilience

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is a regional arm of the United Nations that focuses on promoting economic and social development in the Arab region. Established in 1973, ESCWA aims to foster cooperation among member states and provide a platform for dialogue on regional issues. The organization operates in various countries across the Middle East and North Africa, working on a range of topics including sustainable development, climate change, and social justice. ESCWA collaborates with other UN agencies, such as UN-Habitat and UNICEF, to implement projects that address pressing regional challenges, particularly those related to climate change and resource management. With a diverse team of experts, ESCWA is committed to enhancing the resilience of communities in the region, particularly vulnerable populations affected by environmental changes.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) and UN-Habitat in their joint project aimed at increasing the resilience of displaced persons and host communities to climate change-related water challenges in Lebanon and Jordan. This position involves a hybrid work environment and is expected to last for two months. The consultant will be responsible for various tasks, including the development of knowledge-sharing materials, coordination of workshops, and logistical support for project events. The overarching goal of the project is to improve the management of water resources in the face of climate change, thereby enhancing the adaptive capacity of communities. The consultant will engage with project partners and stakeholders to facilitate knowledge exchange and ensure that best practices are documented and disseminated effectively. This role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a strong commitment to sustainable development principles.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the Senior Sustainable Development Officer for Water and the Climate Change and Natural Resource Sustainability Cluster Lead, the consultant will undertake a variety of responsibilities. These include:

• Supporting the development of a closing event workshop by assisting in the creation of the agenda, preparing presentations, and organizing logistics.
• Reviewing and updating project-related webpages to ensure they reflect current information and resources.
• Coordinating content and logistical support for speakers at project-related side events, including those at the Arab Forum for Sustainable Development (AFSD) and the World Urban Forum.
• Assisting in the development of a regional inventory of projects related to urban water and climate resilience.
• Drafting media content for social media outreach to enhance visibility for workshops and project milestones.
• Supporting the drafting of the final project report, capturing key outputs, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Performing ad hoc tasks as requested by the project coordinator to ensure the smooth execution of project activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in sustainable development, environmental science, water resources management, natural resources management, agriculture, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. All applicants are required to submit a copy of their educational qualifications, as incomplete applications will not be considered. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in climate change, sustainable development, and water-related topics, with at least 1 year of experience working at the community level in the Arab region. Experience in communicating environmental issues and engaging with local stakeholder groups is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or equivalent in fields such as sustainable development, environmental science, water resources management, natural resources management, or agriculture. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by sufficient relevant experience. Candidates must provide proof of their educational qualifications as part of their application.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in areas related to climate change, sustainable development, and water management. This experience should include at least 1 year of work at the community level within the Arab region, demonstrating an understanding of local challenges and stakeholder dynamics. Candidates should also have experience in communicating environmental issues effectively and working collaboratively with diverse groups.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is mandatory for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations and ESCWA, respectively. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in all four language skills: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. Knowledge of French is considered an asset but is not mandatory. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas, while 'knowledge of' indicates a confident ability in at least two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
The position is hybrid and expected to last for a duration of two months. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Applicants should be aware that the UN does not request information regarding bank accounts during the recruitment process.