Consultant in Sea Level Rise and Human Rights

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally. Established in 1993, OHCHR operates in various countries, working to ensure that human rights are upheld and respected. The organization employs a diverse workforce of professionals committed to addressing human rights issues and advocating for the rights of individuals and communities. OHCHR's mission includes providing technical assistance, capacity-building, and policy engagement to support the realization of human rights for all, particularly in the context of climate change and its impacts on vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position focuses on addressing the human rights implications of sea-level rise, which poses significant risks to the enjoyment of human rights, especially in small island developing states and low-lying coastal areas. The consultant will be responsible for developing practical tools and resources to assist OHCHR staff in providing technical assistance and capacity-building efforts. This includes creating a workplan, conducting consultations, and producing a mapping and gap analysis of existing resources related to sea-level rise and human rights. The consultant will also develop a human rights-based checklist for evaluating laws and policies related to sea-level rise, ensuring that adaptation measures respect the rights of Indigenous Peoples and incorporate local knowledge systems. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including UN agencies and external partners, to gather feedback and refine the outputs of the consultancy.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare a comprehensive workplan outlining the consultancy's objectives and timelines.
• Review and map existing materials from OHCHR, UN, and other relevant organizations concerning sea-level rise and human rights, identifying gaps and areas needing further guidance.
• Develop a practical human rights-based checklist for assessing laws, policies, and programs related to sea-level rise, focusing on adaptation measures.
• Create key messages that highlight the intersection of human rights and sea-level rise, particularly in the context of adaptation strategies.
• Prepare a briefing package that includes presentation slides and talking points to aid OHCHR staff in their technical cooperation and engagement efforts.
• Conduct targeted consultations with OHCHR, other UN agencies, and selected external actors to gather insights and incorporate feedback into the final deliverables.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess at least 5 years of professional experience in areas related to human rights and environmental issues. Experience in human mobility, disaster risk reduction, climate change, and sea-level rise, particularly concerning the rights of Indigenous Peoples, is highly desirable. Familiarity with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and previous work in a multilateral environment will be considered advantageous. The consultant should demonstrate a strong understanding of human rights standards and their application in the context of climate change.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is essential for this consultancy position. Candidates should ideally hold a degree in human rights, environmental studies, international relations, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in human rights law or climate change policy will be viewed favorably, as they provide a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in addressing human rights issues in the context of environmental challenges.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in fields related to human rights and environmental issues. Candidates should have a proven track record of working on human rights, human mobility, disaster risk reduction, and climate change, with specific experience related to sea-level rise and its implications for vulnerable populations. Experience working within the United Nations system or in a multilateral context is considered an asset, as it demonstrates familiarity with international human rights frameworks and collaborative approaches to addressing global challenges.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the UN system and for the documentation produced. Proficiency in additional languages, particularly those relevant to the regions affected by sea-level rise, would be considered a valuable asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to run from 15 September to 31 December 2026, with specific outputs due at various stages throughout this period. The position is home-based, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not required to provide financial information or pay for participation in the hiring process.