Climate, energy and environment issues and child rights

Consultancy for a Research on climate, energy and environment issues and child rights

 Terms of Reference

Consultancy for a Research on climate, energy and environment issues and child rights

Country Office:                              Guyana

Duty station:                                 Georgetown

Section:                                         Emergency

Consultancy title:                          Climate, energy and environment issues and child rights

Supervisor:                                    Emergency Officer

Duration of Contract:                    July - August, 2017

Background  

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you. For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. 

Climate change, energy access and environmental degradation are equity issues, with children and young people often being the most vulnerable and affected. Addressing climate change, energy access and environmental degradation is therefore vital for building a more sustainable future for children. In addition, it is imperative that we integrate our actions on the SDGs and our humanitarian responses. Each of the seven Outcomes Areas of the UNICEF Strategic Plan 2014 – 2017 – health, nutrition, HIV, water and sanitation, child protection, social inclusion and education - is affected in some way by climate change and/or environmental degradation. Fortunately, each stream of UNICEF work also presents opportunities to take action on climate, energy and/or the environment in order to deliver more sustainable results. There are major implications of climate change, lack of energy access and environmental degradation for children and UNICEF has strong potential to strengthen the response to these issues. Climate and environment issues have also been integrated in one of the five main outcome areas of the draft of the new strategic plan (2018-21). This decision has been solidified by the Executive Board members in February 2017 by their adoption of the roadmap for the new strategic plan which uses the SDGs as a long-term framework.  

UNICEF Guyana is planning to conduct a Climate Landscape Analysis for Children, examining the baseline situation of climate, energy and environment-related issues affecting children and how they relate to UNICEF’s priorities. The report looks at stakeholders, government policies and relevant programmes in Guyana. It will also provide recommendations on how UNICEF Guyana could further incorporate and strengthen work on climate, energy and environment-related issues in its country programme.  

Purpose 

The national consultant supports the Emergency Officer in producing a Climate Landscape Analysis for Children (CLAC) for Guyana.  S/he will be responsible for collecting, compiling and reviewing key resources, facilitating the information gathering and review processes, and preparing the final report. In addition, the incumbent will also provide overall support in finalising the study by researching specific issues and drafting individual sections. The national consultant will also liaise with the climate, energy and environment team in HQ/NY. 

Expected results: (measurable results) 

1. Compile and systematize evidence and research related to energy, environment and climate change issues in Guyana  

• Review guidance materials and previous CLACs prepared in other UNICEF offices
• Compile and systematize literature related to climate change, energy and environment issues affecting children in Guyana
• Compile and systematize key policy documents related to climate, energy and environment and UNICEF’s corporate priorities
• Identify and compile information on ongoing programmes and active stakeholders related to energy, environment and climate change in Guyana
• Collect information and reports from different sections in UNICEF Guyana about the office’s work and linkages to climate, energy and environment
• Collect available information and reports from development partners
• Identify and collect data and information gaps related to children, environment and energy issues to be filled through interviews and/or in subsequent studies

 Methodology and Scope of Work   

2. Research and writing  

•  Undertake the desk review of the collected information
• Summarize research and draft individual sections of the CLAC
•  Facilitate and undertake interviews and meetings with stakeholders by drafting and finalising with the CO questions and presentations as needed
• Conduct additional research to fill data gaps and answer specific questions as needed
•  In coordination with the Emergency and DRR officer ensure that the quality of the documents meets that of previous CLACs

3. Overall  Drafting of Report

• Fact checking, editing and checking of references as needed
• Coordinate the internal and external review process and the incorporation of comments
• Submission of final draft of report

4.  Administrative and planning

• Facilitate the organization of stakeholder meetings as needed
• Support the facilitation of a mission from HQ if required 

 The anticipated duration of the consultancy is 2 months, in the period of July to August, 2017 

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced university degree in journalism, development studies, communications, environment, climate change, social and economic development, international cooperation or related areas.
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in Research  and expertise in child rights and/or environment-related issues desirable:
  • Previous experience with the UN/UNICEF; Sound understanding of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)
  • Strong analytical and English report writing and presentation skills;
  • Strong communication, coordination and negotiation skills;

Conditions:

• Prior to commencing the contract, the consultant will be required to sign a Health Statement and to document that s/he has appropriate health insurance, if applicable. The consultant will be responsible for the accuracy of that statement
• The consultant is expected to work with the Office of Climate Change for day to day issues, logistical arrangements. The assignment will be supervised by the Emergency Officer of UNICEF Guyana, and closely work with the steering committee.  

Method of Payment:

• Travel will be reimbursed upon submission of receipts
• The consultant will be responsible for his/her DSA
• The fee will be paid in tranches as follows; all fees will be paid in local currency at the current bank rate.
  • Upon acceptance of inception report 20% of the total sum will be paid
  • Upon acceptance of draft report 30% of the total sum will be paid
  • Upon approval and acceptance of final report 50% of the total sum will be paid

      

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.

 Final CLAC TOR national consultant Guyana HQ climate.docx 

 UN_P_11_Form.doc