National Climate Change Adaptation Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF is a global organization that works in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential from early childhood through adolescence. Established in 1946, UNICEF has grown to become a leading advocate for children's rights and welfare, employing thousands of staff worldwide. The organization is dedicated to promoting the rights of every child, ensuring that they have access to quality education, healthcare, and protection from harm. UNICEF's commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in its workforce, which aims to represent the children it serves. The organization offers various opportunities for professional and personal development, fostering a culture of belonging and growth among its employees. With a strong focus on collaboration and partnerships, UNICEF works with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to achieve its goals and improve the lives of children globally.

Job Overview:
The National Climate Change Adaptation Consultant position at UNICEF is focused on developing a comprehensive national climate change adaptation plan specifically for the education sector in the Solomon Islands. This role is crucial in ensuring that the education sector aligns with national climate adaptation goals while promoting quality and equitable education for all. The consultant will be responsible for conducting a thorough literature review and context analysis, performing climate risk analysis, and facilitating stakeholder consultations at both national and provincial levels. The consultant will also develop the National Education Sector Adaptation Plan and oversee validation processes, ensuring that the plan is effectively communicated and that knowledge products are created to support its implementation. This position requires a deep understanding of climate change issues, particularly as they relate to education, and the ability to integrate child rights and gender considerations into policy frameworks. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders to ensure that the plan is comprehensive and actionable, ultimately contributing to building climate resilience and restoring environmental integrity within the education sector.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct inception planning to outline the project scope and objectives.
• Perform a literature review and context analysis to gather relevant information on climate change impacts on the education sector.
• Undertake climate risk analysis to identify vulnerabilities and risks associated with climate change in the education sector.
• Facilitate stakeholder consultations at national and provincial levels to gather input and feedback on the adaptation plan.
• Develop the National Education Sector Adaptation Plan, ensuring alignment with the National Education Action Plan 2027-2031 and the National Adaptation Plan for the Solomon Islands.
• Oversee validation processes to ensure stakeholder buy-in and support for the adaptation plan.
• Create communication and knowledge products to disseminate information about the adaptation plan and its objectives.
• Collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the adaptation plan.
• Monitor and evaluate the progress of the adaptation plan and make necessary adjustments based on feedback and changing circumstances.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced (Master's) university degree in development studies, social sciences, public policy, public health, or a related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of climate change and environmental issues, particularly as they relate to education.
• Experience in integrating child rights, gender equality, and social inclusion into climate or development policy frameworks.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable recommendations.
• Excellent facilitation, coordination, and communication skills, with experience engaging diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
• Familiarity with government-led planning processes, particularly in the education and climate sectors.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced (Master's) university degree in development studies, social sciences, public policy, public health, or a related field. 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 at least 8 years of experience in developing national climate change adaptation plans or climate strategies. Candidates should have a proven track record of integrating child rights, gender equality, and social inclusion into climate or development policy frameworks. Experience in conducting climate risk and impact assessments, particularly with a social-sensitive lens, is essential. Additionally, candidates should have experience working with or supporting government-led planning processes, ideally in collaboration with education, climate, and WASH sectors. Experience facilitating multi-stakeholder consultations, including with adolescents and youth, is highly desirable. Previous experience working in developing countries, particularly in the Pacific Islands or similar contexts, is also preferred, along with any prior experience with UNICEF or other UN system agencies.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Candidates should possess strong communication skills, including the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders at national and subnational levels. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in the context of stakeholder engagement in the Solomon Islands.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is focused on developing a national climate change adaptation plan for the education sector in the Solomon Islands. The contract duration and specific terms of employment will be outlined in the Terms of Reference. The position is expected to be full-time, and candidates are encouraged to submit a financial proposal along with their application. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities. The organization adheres to a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF.