Consultant for Climate Smart Education System Initiative

Job Posting Organization:
Save the Children is a global organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and ensuring their rights are upheld. Established in 1919, Save the Children operates in over 100 countries, employing thousands of staff and working with numerous partners to deliver programs that address the needs of children in various contexts. The organization focuses on health, education, protection, and emergency response, striving to create a world where every child has the opportunity to grow up healthy, educated, and safe. Save the Children is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, where all employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to the mission of the organization.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the Climate Smart Education System Initiative (CSESI), which aims to integrate climate adaptation and resilience into education systems across five Caribbean countries. This position involves working closely with Ministries of Education to develop and operationalize contingency plans that ensure educational continuity during climate-related emergencies. The consultant will engage in both in-country and remote work, tailoring their approach to meet the specific needs and priorities of each country. The role requires a deep understanding of disaster risk reduction (DRR) protocols, educational frameworks, and the ability to provide technical assistance that enhances the capacity of educational institutions to respond effectively to climate challenges. The consultant will also document progress and share knowledge to inform regional learning and best practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key tasks, including:

• Engaging with Ministries of Education and relevant stakeholders to establish a collaborative approach for contingency planning.
• Reviewing existing policies, plans, and tools to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement in preparedness for climate-related emergencies.
• Providing technical support to develop or update contingency plans that align with national disaster management frameworks, ensuring the inclusion of education continuity modalities and vulnerable groups.
• Offering ongoing technical assistance during the plan finalization and initial rollout phases, as well as responding to ad hoc requests for guidance.
• Documenting progress, lessons learned, and good practices across the participating countries, and providing recommendations for regional learning.
• Initial priorities include developing a National School Contingency Plan for Grenada, updating education continuity management protocols for Guyana, revising the Emergency Management Plan for Saint Lucia, and creating sector and school-level contingency plans for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in education, disaster risk reduction, or a related field. They should have proven experience in developing contingency plans and working with governmental or educational institutions. Strong analytical skills, the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, and a commitment to child safeguarding are essential. The consultant should also demonstrate excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
A minimum of a Master's degree in Education, Disaster Risk Management, Environmental Science, or a related field is required. Additional certifications or training in emergency management or climate adaptation strategies will be considered an asset. Candidates should have a solid understanding of educational policies and frameworks, particularly in the context of climate resilience and disaster preparedness.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years of relevant experience in consultancy roles focused on education, disaster risk reduction, or climate adaptation. Experience working with government agencies, particularly Ministries of Education, is highly desirable. Familiarity with the Caribbean context and previous work in the region will be an advantage. The consultant should also have a track record of successfully implementing projects that involve capacity building and stakeholder engagement.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication in the region. Proficiency in additional languages, such as Spanish or French, would be considered a valuable asset, particularly given the diverse linguistic landscape of the Caribbean.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is a short-term assignment, commencing in May/June 2026 and concluding in September 202

• The work will be conducted both in-country and remotely, depending on the specific needs of each country. The consultant will be required to submit a financial proposal that includes all costs associated with the consultancy, including travel and workshop expenses. Save the Children Australia emphasizes child safety and requires all consultants to undergo necessary background checks and adhere to the organization's Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct.