Gender and Environmental and Social Safeguards Assessment consultant

The purpose of the assignment is to assess gender and ESS integration over the first five years of GEbAF implementation and develop a Gender Action Plan for 2026–2030).

Home-Based

2.5 month

Organizational Setting UN Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP's Climate Change Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and capacity building support for the development and implementation of climate change policy and action, and strengthening the capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition to respond to climate change. Background UNEP promotes increased knowledge, investment and action in climate change adaptation, with a focus on incorporating ecosystem based approaches, through three main areas of work: i) catalysing country level action by accessing international finance for adaptation on behalf of developing country governments and supporting governments to execute EbA projects, ii) distilling evidence for normative policy and programming guidance to catalyse more action on climate change and iii) by strengthening networks and dialogue processes between people and groups engaged in adaptation, in particular on EbA. In so doing, UNEP promotes actions to improve the scientific basis of policy and planning processes particularly in relation to finding solutions to adaptation through the natural environment. Under the Medium-Term Strategy (MTS) 2026-2029, Climate Action is one of UNEP’s three strategic objectives. The Climate Action thematic subprogramme advances the transition of countries to low-emission economic development and increases their adaptation and resilience to climate change. The Global EbA Fund (GEbAF) is an initiative implemented by UNEP in partnership with IUCN and funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN). The Fund is a mechanism for catalytic, innovative, and inclusive projects that aim to create an enabling environment for the implementation of Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) to enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities and ecosystems to the impacts of climate change. The Global EbA Fund has been operational since 2020, supporting innovative ecosystem-based adaptation initiatives globally. As the Fund transitions into its next phase, there is a need to take stock of progress on gender and Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) integration and strengthen approaches to ensure more systematic, results-oriented gender mainstreaming. The recently completed Mid-Term Review (MTR) found that GEbAF aligns with established human rights and gender equality standards, including those of UNEP, IUCN, and the IKI. Under the Fund, grantee funded projects are required to meet key gender and Environmental and Social Safeguard (ESS) criteria and considerations. However, the review highlighted the Fund’s need to facilitate better understanding and application of various requirements including environmental and social safeguards, and gender integration. In this context, UNEP will undertake a gender and ESS assessment in line with the provisions of its agreement with BMUKN/IKI , which stipulates that UNEP will conduct gender analyses and integrate diversity considerations across its projects. Ultimate result of service. Key tasks and responsibilities include: • Reviewing and analysing progress, gaps, and lessons learned regarding efforts to ensure a gender-responsive approach is integrated into the Global EbA Fund’s operations (i.e., procedures across the Fund’s cycle) and implementation within the portfolio. • Assessing alignment with UNEP, IUCN, and IKI gender frameworks and ESS requirements, including UNEP’s Policy and Strategy for Gender Equality and the Environment; IUCN’s: Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Policy and Environment and Social Management System (ESMS); IKI’s Gender Strategy; and the Global EbA Fund ESMS among others. • Analysing how gender safeguarding considerations are integrated into environmental and social risk management, including stakeholder engagement, inclusion of vulnerable groups, and grievance mechanisms. • Conducting analysis of the portfolio, stakeholder consultations, and case studies. • Identifying key gender considerations, risks, and opportunities. • Developing an actionable Gender and ESS Action Plan with recommended actions, indicators, and accountability measures to be implemented throughout the project in order to strengthen gender-responsive outcomes across Fund operations. The consultant will report to the UNEP Task Manager for this project and receive overall supervision from the UNEP Adaptation Portfolio Manager.

Advanced degree in gender studies, social sciences, environmental management, or related field is required. Minimum 7 years of experience in gender mainstreaming in climate/environment programs or related area is required. Demonstrated experience in conducting gender assessments and developing action plans is required Experience with environmental and social safeguards frameworks is required. Familiarity with UNEP, IUCN, and IKI gender frameworks is desirable. Strong analytical, facilitation, and report-writing skills is required.

Fluency in oral and written English is required. Working knowledge of Spanish and/or French is desirable. Knowledge of other UN official languages is desirable.

Not available.

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.