Panama: Consultancy for Climate change and risk informed programming

Organization: UN Children's Fund
Country: Panama
Closing date: 08 Jun 2017

Climate change (CC) is a major global issue that impacts the wellbeing of children around the world. As an international organisation focused on protecting the rights of children, UNICEF has begun to address climate change, and in particular the impact of climate change on children, in its programming, planning, advocacy, and in the individual outcome areas. Issued shortly after the Paris Agreement on Climate Change was reached, the UNICEF Executive Directive on the impacts of climate change on children (March 2016) instructs all UNICEF Country Offices (COs) to incorporate climate change in their country programmes at the latest by 2020. Additionally, UNICEF programming supports the implementation of the Sendai framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) 2015-2030, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which address climate change as a driver of disaster risk and slow onset impacts that lead to the deprivation of basic rights and access to the resources that grant them. UNICEF will need to be firmly engaged and well informed of the potential impacts of environment-related issues, including those exacerbated by climate change, on UNICEF programming and outcome areas on a global level, regional and local levels.

Climate change has been affecting, and will continue to affect the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region as global atmospheric CO2 concentrations (currently 403.53 ppm as of November 2016, NOAA ESRL, increasing by 3.05 ppm/year in 2015) and other greenhouse gases continue to rise. This phenomenon increases climatic variability in many areas of the region, and is experienced differently throughout LAC, among countries, and even within countries. Certain regions may experience new events and conditions under climate change, while others may be subject to the exacerbation of former and current conditions.

Resilience is reflected in UNICEF’s Strategic Plan (2014-2017) which also establishes a range of risk related indicators in its result framework. In the draft new Strategic Plan (2018-2021), DRR, Climate Change and Social Cohesion are set out as organisational priorities. In delivering on these and other commitments, UNICEF has identified Risk Informed Programming (RIP) as an important strategy to improve programming and increase results that lead to more resilient children, communities and social service delivery systems. To this end, in 2016 a draft modular guidance for risk informed programming was developed; it was piloted by UNICEF in 3 countries in early 2017, while in LAC it is being introduced within the Result Based Management (RBM) training for UNICEF country offices preparing their new Country Programme Document (CPD). Meanwhile tools, guidance and initiatives including INFORM (Index for Risk Assessment tool) regionally, CLAC (climate landscape analysis for children) among others are being developed globally.

Purpose of the Assignment

Based on earlier work in 2016-17, which consisted of a literature review of the climate change impact on children in the LAC region, and proposed actions and tools that could be mainstreamed into UNICEF programming, as well as the modules for Guidance for Risk Informed Programing and INFORM tool, this assignment aims at strengthening capacity of UNICEF country offices in LAC to assist governments and partners to reduce risk and strengthen resilience.

Specifically, the consultant will provide technical assistance to UNICEF Regional Office (LACRO) and country offices in developing child focused climate change adaptation and will develop relevant guidelines and tools, supporting the undertaking of climate risk assessments as well as support the rollout, of the Guidance for Risk Informed Programming (GRIP). Limited but strategic opportunities to engage in climate change mitigation and low carbon development will also be considered. The results of the consultancy will help shaping the element of climate change in the outcome #4 of the Regional Office Management Plan (ROMP) 2018-2021.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

Advanced university degree in relevant area such as environment, climate change, social and economic development, international cooperation.

A minimum of five years of relevant work experience focused on developing countries, in areas related to development cooperation in climate change adaptation and mitigation, environment and socio-economic development.

Specific expertise in programme/project formulation, implementation, monitoring and review and evaluation related to climate change adaptation and mitigation in developing countries is required.

A track record of successfully developing, formulating and implementing adaptation and mitigation projects funded for example through the Adaptation Fund, and/or other sources of climate finance is required.

Knowledge on climate change impacts, climate risk assessments, and adaptation solutions required.

Prior experience undertaking climate risk and vulnerability assessments required.

Knowledge on greenhouse gas emissions and climate change mitigation solutions, especially related to sustainable energy.

Expertise in capacity building, developing tools and providing training

Familiar with children’s rights and gender in the context of climate change adaptation and mitigation and/or natural resources management.

Excellent analytical and writing skills, advocacy and presentational skills an asset. Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously in a multi-cultural environment and establish harmonious & effective working relationship both within and outside an organization.

Fluency in English and Spanish required. Working knowledge of French is an asset.

Individual Contrator’s Workplace

The individual contractor is required to work at UNICEF LACRO office in Panama and will travel to the region, as required.

The individual contractor may be asked to work weekends and holidays, as required.

Fees:

Qualified candidates are requested to submit a financial proposal. Proven past experience and financial proposal will be taken into consideration during selection process. Travel will be covered by UNICEF as per policy. Costs of known trips should be included in the financial proposal.

How to Apply

The deadline to receive applications is8/June/2017.

The pre-selection of candidates will be done after closing date. Please note only selected candidates will be contacted. Please indicate your ability, availability and daily/monthly rate (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference above.

For more information kindly refer to the complete Terms of Reference attached in this advertisement.

TOR CC and GRIP LACRO.docx

How to apply:

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization. To apply, click on the following link http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/?job=504922