Climate Change and Environment Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of children and adolescents. Its mission is to ensure that every child survives, thrives, and fulfills their potential, focusing on the most disadvantaged and excluded populations. UNICEF is the world's largest provider of vaccines and is committed to child health, nutrition, education, and protection from violence and exploitation. The organization operates with a non-political and impartial stance, especially during humanitarian emergencies, providing lifesaving support to children and families.

Job Overview:
The Climate Change and Environment Specialist will play a crucial role in mainstreaming climate change, environmental, and resilience approaches across key sectors such as nutrition, health, education, WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene), social protection, and child protection. This position involves capacity building, developing tools and approaches, and integrating these considerations into country program planning and monitoring processes. The specialist will actively monitor UNICEF-supported activities through field visits and surveys, engaging with various stakeholders, including government counterparts and partners, to assess progress and identify challenges. The role also includes representing UNICEF at relevant meetings, supporting the documentation of climate and environment activities, and developing proposals for funding, particularly in relation to the Green Climate Fund. The specialist will also organize workshops and meetings focused on climate change initiatives, ensuring that the voices of youth and children are amplified in high-level discussions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the integration of climate change and environmental considerations into UNICEF's key sectors by developing tools and approaches for capacity building.
• Monitor UNICEF-supported activities through field visits and surveys to assess progress and identify challenges.
• Collaborate with Social Behavior Change colleagues and youth networks to promote child-centered climate change initiatives.
• Assist in implementing national policies and plans related to climate change and environmental resilience.
• Represent UNICEF at Climate and Environment Working Group meetings and other relevant external engagements.
• Document and manage knowledge related to climate and environment activities, preparing progress reports for management and donors.
• Develop concept notes and donor proposals, particularly for the Green Climate Fund.
• Organize national and international workshops on climate change within the framework of ongoing projects.
• Perform any other related tasks to support the climate change and environment portfolio effectively.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. They should have a deep understanding of climate change issues, particularly as they relate to children and vulnerable populations. The candidate must demonstrate excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and be able to engage effectively with government officials, NGOs, and community organizations. A proactive approach to identifying challenges and proposing solutions is essential, along with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a dynamic environment.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in environmental science, climate change, public health, social sciences, or a related field is required. Additional certifications or training in climate change adaptation, environmental policy, or related areas would be advantageous. Knowledge of UNICEF's mission and programs, as well as familiarity with international climate agreements and frameworks, is also beneficial.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of professional experience in climate change, environmental management, or related fields, preferably within the context of child rights and development. Experience working with international organizations, government agencies, or NGOs on climate-related projects is highly desirable. Proven experience in project management, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while proficiency in French is highly desirable. Knowledge of other languages spoken in Senegal or the region would be an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is a national UN Volunteer assignment, meaning the selected candidate will need to arrange their own accommodation and living arrangements. The role is full-time, and while the living conditions in Dakar are generally good, candidates should be prepared for potential challenges such as traffic congestion and high living costs. The security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security situation is stable, but adherence to UN security guidance is required at all times.