Individual Contractor/ Climate Change Consultant

Background

The international consultant will work toward strengthening OHCHR ROP capacity-building, awareness raising and information sharing on human rights, the environment and climate change and with the overall goal to empower people to protect and enjoy the environment through increased awareness of the human rights-environment nexus.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the OHCHR Regional Representative for the Pacific and as delegated by the OHCHR regional focal point on human rights and climate change, the international consultant will undertake the following tasks:

• Support the Regional Office in the design and implementation of engagement strategies with regional stakeholders for the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change, including economic, social and cultural rights and environmental rights and the implementation of a human rights-based approach and gender mainstreaming perspective in the overall strategic planning in these areas.
• Help strengthen the capacity of National Human Rights Institutions, strengthen other partnerships for the integration of human rights in climate change and environmental actions, including efforts to implement multilateral agreements.
• Enhance support and advocacy for access of civil society to climate change fora decision-making process information, justice and effective remedies.
• Enhance the ability of the UN system, including the UN Country Team and relevant human rights mechanisms, to respond to the protection needs of environmental human rights defenders.
• Conduct research, produce reports, and advocacy to address human rights harms caused by the impact of climate change, particularly in relation to groups in vulnerable situations, and to promote good practices.
• Support OHCHR's work and partnerships related to capacity-building on human rights and climate change, including related initiatives under the UN Secretary-General's Call to Action for Human Rights. 
• Supporting the organization of regional climate change events and other engagements, including meetings on environmental human rights defenders, judges and lawyers, business and human rights, indigenous peoples, UN Pacific strategies, and National Human Rights Institutions.

Competencies

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities skills;
• Ability to plan, organize, implement and report on work;
• Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines;
• Comprehensiveness knowledge of climate change and human rights
• Proficiency in the use of office IT applications and the internet in conducting research;
• Outstanding communication, project management and organizational skills;
• Demonstrates integrity and ethical standards;
• Positive, constructive attitude to work;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Required Skills and Experience

• An advanced degree in International Human Rights Law, Environmental Policy, Development, either of the two related area is required.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.