Individual Consultant: Climate Funds Expert, MENARO

Contract

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UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

LOCATION/DURATION:

Duration: 10 months, part time (160 work days)

Location: Home-based or MENARO office based (Amman). Travel to select Country Offices/Amman, if feasible.

BACKGROUND:

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is reported to be the most water scarce region in the world, with 11 of the world’s 17 most water stressed countries in the region. In MENA, nearly 9 out of 10 children live in areas of high or extremely high water stress. While the MENA region has faced water challenges for thousands of years, numerous factors have combined to exacerbate water scarcity, including increased population, increased demand for water for agriculture, deteriorating infrastructure, high levels of non-revenue water, and urbanisation.

These factors are further compounded climate change due to increasing temperatures, reduced rain-fed growing periods, reduced surface water availability and contamination of fresh water reserves due to salinisation and pollution. According to the World Bank ‘Beyond Scarcity’ report, MENA has the greatest expected economic losses from climate-related water scarcity, estimated at 6 to 14 per cent of GDP.

UNICEF MENA Regional Office intends to support Country Offices in the region to increase UNICEF CO programming focus on the climate change crisis, including the impact on water scarcity, with the clear perception that this is a key priority limiting children’s health and their ability to reach their potential. UNICEF aims to ensure that communities vulnerable to climate change are reached through the development and implementation of climate action targeted at resilience and adaptation activities for the benefit of children, both through upstream and downstream interventions.

This consultancy tasks outlined below are part of the larger climate change response efforts in the region. The Climate Specialist will report to the WASH Regional Advisor and work within all UNICEF programming areas.

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this consultancy is to give additional support to programmes in country offices to identify the impact of climate change and water insecurity on their current and future programmes and to identify opportunities to integrate solutions into their programmes, as well as identifying opportunities for programmes to support the development of key national climate priorities and financing opportunities.

DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENT:

Under the supervision of the WASH Regional Adviser and in coordination with UNICEF HQ, the consultant will provide expert guidance and direct support to COs and the RO for the following key deliverables:

KEY DELIVERABLES:

Deliverables

Estimated timeframe

1

Approved workplan detailing below deliverables and timeframes

1 day

2

Mapping of key climate and water security stakeholders is undertaken for MENA countries.

9 days

3

Analysis undertaken for MENA countries of how UNICEF programming areas are represented (or not) in key national Climate documents such as (National Adaptation Plans (NAPs); National Adaptation Plans for Action (NAPAs) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), national strategies, etc.

13 days

4

Research undertaken on the key stakeholders and timeframes for the development/revision of these key climate documents in MENA countries and support provided to MENA Country Offices to ensure UNICEF concerns integrated into revisions.

14 days

5

Analysis undertaken of the key available projections for climate change for MENA countries under the different RCP scenarios.

9 days

6

National workshops are facilitated (remotely or in person, if travel permitted) with stakeholders in climate and water security in four countries to identify the focus areas for UNICEF support and to establish the climate rationale.

20 days

7

Mapping undertaken of the main climate projects financed from main climate funds to date for MENA countries (national and regional) over the last 10 years and which are under development.

5 days

8

Support provided to develop basic project ideas, concept notes and/or full proposals for climate funding in at least six countries.

60 days

9

Information is gathered and analysed for MENA region on the impact of environmental degradation, climate change and water insecurity on children, and a summary report prepared.

28 days

160 days

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

• Written monthly updates (max. 2 pages) on progress against the approved workplan, including updated calendar, workplan revisions, and agreed upon deliverables (mapping/papers/reports/etc. as per details above).

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Advanced university degree in relevant area such environment, climate change, public health, water resources, or other related field.
• A minimum of five years of relevant work experience in areas related to climate change adaptation and mitigation, environment.
• At least five years of experience undertaking climate risk and vulnerability assessments required.
• Advanced knowledge of climate change adaptation and water security solutions required.
• Specific expertise in developing climate rationale, programme/project formulation, implementation and monitoring related to climate change adaptation is required.
• Demonstrated success in developing climate adaptation proposals for any of the major climate funds or bilateral donors.
• Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously in a multi-cultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationship both within and outside an organization.
• Excellent analytical and writing skills, advocacy and presentational skills an asset.
• Knowledge on climate change impacts, climate risk assessments, and adaptation solutions required.
• Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of Arabic considered a strong asset.
• Prior experience in the MENA Region considered a strong an asset.
• Prior experience or familiarity with UNICEF programming a considered advantage.

Payment Schedule:

Monthly Payments: Lump sum payment will be made monthly linked to satisfactory submission of the monthly progress reports, inclusive of all professional fees, daily allowances, living allowances, and other administrative costs. Overtime, weekend and official holidays will not be compensated, nor will any holiday/leave time be granted.

EVALUATION PROCESS:

Qualified candidates are requested to submit:

1. Cover letter/application.
2. Financial quote as lump sum for professional fees, and lump sum for travel/administrative/subsistence, if applicable.
3. CV.
4. Examples of previous, relevant work as applicable
5. Proposed methodology/approach to managing the project.
6. At least 3 Referees
7. P 11 form (which can be downloaded from our website at http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index_53129.html ).

UNICEF is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Incomplete submissions will not be considered.

“UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.”