Early Warning Systems (EWS) Consultant, GPD, CEED/Climate Resilience CoE, 19 months, Bangkok, Thailand (Remote, with travel), Req # 592976

Organizational Context

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

Job Purpose

UNICEF is scaling up efforts to protect children from the increasing impacts of climate change, environmental degradation, and disasters. Guided by UNICEF Strategic Plan (2026–2029) and the Sustainability and Climate Change Action Plan (SCAP) 2023–2030, UNICEF works across all sectors—WASH, health, education, nutrition, social protection, and child protection—to build climate resilience, reduce risks, and advance sustainable development for every child. Under Strategic Plan Impact Area 5, UNICEF aims to ensure 500 million children are better protected from disasters and climate and environmental risks, including 300 million children benefiting from climate-resilient water, sanitation, health, and education infrastructure and services, and 200 million children reached by solutions that reduce the risks of climate disasters and environmental hazards. The Climate Resilience Centre of Excellence for Children (CoE) will serve as UNICEF’s global hub for technical assistance, knowledge generation, financing, and partnerships to strengthen the resilience of services and systems for children.

Responsibilities

The Early Warning Systems (EWS) Consultant will support the Climate Resilience Centre of Excellence (CoE) in developing and implementing strategies to enhance early warning systems for climate-related disasters and environmental hazards. This includes conducting research on existing EWS, identifying gaps and best practices, and recommending improvements. The consultant will contribute to the development of tools and methodologies for risk assessment and early warning, ensuring they are child-centered and inclusive. They will also support the CoE in building capacity among UNICEF country offices and partners to effectively utilize EWS for disaster preparedness and response. This involves developing training materials, facilitating workshops, and providing technical assistance. The consultant will play a role in knowledge management, documenting lessons learned and disseminating findings to inform UNICEF's global strategy on climate resilience. They will also contribute to fostering partnerships with relevant UN agencies, governments, and non-governmental organizations to strengthen EWS coordination and effectiveness. The role requires remote work with potential travel to support field operations and engage with stakeholders.

Work Experience

A minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience in early warning systems, climate change adaptation, disaster risk management, or a related field. Experience working with international organizations or in a developing country context is an asset.

Skills

Early Warning Systems (EWS), Climate Change Adaptation, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Climate Resilience, Risk Assessment, Knowledge Management, Capacity Building, Stakeholder Engagement, Research and Analysis, Technical Assistance, Project Support, UNICEF Strategic Plan

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