Climate Change Adaptation, Environment & Resilience Specialist

Organizational Context

UNICEF operates in challenging environments globally, dedicated to protecting children's rights and ensuring their survival, development, and potential fulfillment. The organization prioritizes equity, focusing on the most disadvantaged children. In response to the climate crisis, UNICEF's Sustainability and Climate Change Action Plan 2023-2030 aims to shield children and services from environmental shocks, empower youth as sustainability champions, and reduce its own environmental footprint. This involves integrating climate and environmental considerations across all sectors and fostering partnerships.

Job Purpose

This role supports UNICEF's mandate to uphold child rights by integrating climate change adaptation, environmental sustainability, and resilience into key development sectors in Senegal. The specialist will contribute to protecting children and climate-resilient social services from environmental shocks and empowering young people to advocate for sustainability. Key contributions include mainstreaming climate considerations into UNICEF's programming and government counterparts' plans, monitoring progress, and supporting the development of climate-related initiatives and proposals. The aim is to safeguard children's rights and ensure a liveable planet through strategic action and partnerships.

Responsibilities

The specialist will support the integration of climate change, environment, and resilience strategies into UNICEF's core sectors (nutrition, health, education, WASH, social protection, child protection) through capacity building and tool development. Responsibilities include monitoring UNICEF-supported activities via field visits and partner engagement to identify challenges and ensure progress. The role involves collaborating with internal teams and youth networks on child-centered climate initiatives, amplifying youth voices in climate adaptation forums. Support will be provided for implementing national climate policies, representing UNICEF in relevant working groups, and managing knowledge through documentation and reporting of climate and environment activities. Additionally, the specialist will assist in developing concept notes and donor proposals, organizing climate-related workshops, and performing other tasks to support the climate and environment portfolio.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience is required, specifically in climate change adaptation, environmental sustainability, disaster risk reduction, or resilience programming. Experience integrating climate considerations into development programs or social sectors (health, WASH, education, social protection) is an asset. Familiarity with climate policy processes (NAP, NDC) and experience with government institutions or international organizations are beneficial. Skills in program implementation, monitoring, reporting, and knowledge of climate risk analysis are also valued.

Skills

Key competencies include collaboration, partnership building, driving for results, managing ambiguity and complexity, innovation, professionalism, and self-management. Technical skills encompass climate change adaptation, environmental sustainability, disaster risk reduction, and integrating climate considerations into development programs. Proficiency in communication, reporting, and computer literacy (Microsoft Office) is essential. Interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work inclusively in diverse teams are also important.

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