Risk and Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Expert, Lead Author (Global North)

Lead development of guidelines on loss and damage strategies for climate change

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UNEP - United Nations Environment Programme

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Wednesday 18 Jun 2025 at 03:59 UTC

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Overview

Lead development of guidelines on loss and damage strategies for climate change

You have:

  • Master or equivalent in Climate Science, Environmental Policy, Climate Risk Assessment or related field
  • Minimum 2-5 years of experience in climate change adaptation and loss and damage research
  • Strong background in both quantitative and qualitative risk assessment methodologies
  • Experience in developing country contexts and with vulnerable populations
  • Excellent writing and editing skills in English

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

Result of Service

Expected Outputs and Deliverables a) final drafts for: * Ch 3 ‘Key Elements of a National Loss and Damage Framework’ by integrating inputs from other lead authors * writing particularly sections on ‘3.1 Comprehensive Risk Assessment’ and ‘3.2 Definitions and Limitations in Current Adaptation Strategies’. * Ch 5. ‘Data Collection and Monitoring’. * Ch ‘3.4 Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building’ * providing case studies b) inputs to final draft of: * contribute to compiling a short summary/policy brief of the guide with support of all lead authors

Work Location

Remote, Global North

Expected duration

5.5 months

Duties and Responsibilities

To provide overall leadership and coordination for the development of comprehensive guidelines on implementing loss and damage strategies related to climate change, with a focus on practical steps for developing countries. Background Climate change impacts are increasingly affecting developing countries, leading to significant losses and damage. There is a growing need for comprehensive guidelines to help these countries implement effective loss and damage strategies. The UNEPCCC/UNEP aims to develop a guideline, which offer detailed guidance for countries, especially developing nations, on the issues listed above, to support loss and damage reporting in NDCs as well helping countries to structure and articulate their capacity building needs on this agenda It will cover key areas such as definitions, national frameworks, policy integration, access to international support, implementation, data monitoring, and funding strategies. The report will include practical advice, case studies, and best practices, addressing both economic and non-economic impacts, with a focus on stakeholder engagement, cross-sectoral coordination, and meeting the needs of vulnerable populations. Objectives of the Assignment The main objective is to lead the development of comprehensive guidelines on implementing loss and damage strategies related to climate change, with a focus on practical steps for developing countries. Specific objectives include: * Ensure alignment with international climate goals and frameworks * Provide input on cross-cutting issues throughout the guidelines * Deliver a high-quality, coherent, and practical document that can be used by developing countries Objectives The main objective for the Risk Assessment and Adaptation Planning Expert (Lead Author) is to lead the development of chapters focusing on comprehensive risk assessment, adaptation planning, and implementation strategies for developing countries. Specific objectives include: c) Leading chapters and final drafts for: d) final drafts for: * Ch 3 ‘Key Elements of a National Loss and Damage Framework’ by integrating inputs from other lead authors * writing particularly sections on ‘3.1 Comprehensive Risk Assessment’ and ‘3.2 Definitions and Limitations in Current Adaptation Strategies’. * Ch 5. ‘Data Collection and Monitoring’. * Ch ‘3.4 Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building’ * providing case studies e) Contribute to: * contribute to compiling a short summary/policy brief of the guide with support of all lead authors Performance indicators * Timely Delivery of Outputs: Focuses on meeting deadlines for chapter drafts and revisions * Quality and Comprehensiveness: Evaluates the depth, accuracy, and coherence of risk assessment and adaptation planning content * Methodological Rigor: Assesses the effectiveness and applicability of proposed risk assessment and adaptation planning methodologies * Stakeholder Engagement: Measures the incorporation of diverse stakeholder perspectives in risk assessment and adaptation planning chapters * Clarity and Usability: Evaluates the practicality and applicability of risk assessment and adaptation planning recommendations * Innovation in Approaches: Assesses the incorporation of cutting-edge risk assessment tools and adaptation strategies * Alignment with International Frameworks: Ensures accurate representation of relevant climate risk assessment and adaptation planning frameworks * Technical Accuracy: Focuses on correct use of risk assessment and adaptation planning terminology, data accuracy, and proper citations * Adaptability: Evaluates the flexibility of risk assessment and adaptation planning recommendations for different national contexts * Overall Impact: Assesses the potential contribution to strengthening risk assessment and adaptation planning for loss and damage strategies in developing countries Task 1- Submission of Draft Chapter Task 2- Submission of final Chapter and a short summary of the chapter to be used for a policy brief International travel will not be required for this consultancy.

Qualifications/special skills

Master or equivalent in Climate Science, Environmental Policy, Climate Risk Assessment or related field * Minimum 2-5 years of experience in climate change adaptation and loss and damage research * Strong background in both quantitative and qualitative risk assessment methodologies * Experience in developing country contexts and with vulnerable populations

Languages

  • Excellent writing and editing skills in English

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

Potential interview questions

Can you describe your experience in developing risk assessment methodologies for climate change? This question assesses your practical experience and understanding of risk assessment. Provide specific examples of methodologies you have implemented.
How do you approach stakeholder engagement in climate policy development? The interviewer wants to understand your strategies for involving stakeholders. Pro members can see the explanation.
What are the key elements you see in a national loss and damage framework? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you provide an example of a successful adaptation strategy you have developed? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you integrate diverse stakeholder perspectives in your work? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What challenges have you faced in climate research and how did you overcome them? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you stay updated with the latest trends in climate change and risk assessment? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What impact do you hope your guidelines will have on developing countries? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: careers.un.org