Consultant will assess the impacts of climate change on children and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) services and assist local authorities in developing local climate policies, strategies, methodology and solutions regarding drinking water, and develop actionable recommendations for improving climate resilience.

Contract Duration - 11 months

Working arrangement - Home based

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

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.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built. We offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

PURPOSE OF ACTIVITY/ASSIGNMENT

The purpose of this assignment is to assess the impacts of climate change on children and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) services in selected local self-governments, and to develop actionable recommendations for improving climate resilience. The consultant will design a methodology for mapping public water sources (fountains and wells) with active involvement of young people and to assist local authorities in developing local climate policies, strategies, and solutions that prioritize access to safe drinking water, particularly during extreme weather conditions such as droughts and heatwaves.

SCOPE OF WORK

Task 1: Climate Change Impact Assessment on Children and WASH 

1.1 Adapt Methodology and Plan the Assessment - Adapt the global UNICEF methodology1 to the local context and define the scope, framework, and approach for the assessment, considering local climate risks and WASH conditions. 

1.2 Data Collection, Analysis, and Risk Assessment - Collect and analyze data on climate risks and WASH conditions to assess the impact of climate change on children’s access to water, sanitation, and hygiene, identifying vulnerable areas and infrastructure. 

1.3 Develop and Validate Recommendations - Develop tailored recommendations for improving WASH services and climate resilience. Share the draft with local authorities for feedback and refine them based on their input. 

1.4 Prepare Final Report and Presentation - Prepare the final report with findings, risk assessments, and recommendations. Present the findings to local authorities and stakeholders on public event organized by LSG and UNICEF 

UNICEF will provide technical support to the consultant, offering feedback throughout the report preparation process, and help with communication with local authorities to ensure the report is validated. UNICEF jointly with LSG will also organize the presentation event, invite relevant stakeholders, and ensure their active participation. Finally, UNICEF will approve the final version of the presentation before it is publicly presented, ensuring it is clear, effective, and aligned with local priorities. 

Task 2: Mapping Public Water Sources and Wells

2.1 Develop Methodology for Mapping Public Water Sources and Wells - The consultant will develop the methodology for mapping public water taps and sources, including defining parameters, criteria, and any local-specific. This step includes specifying the data that needs to be collected, such as the condition, accessibility, location, and capacity of the water sources.  

2.2 Training of Young Volunteers - The consultant will be responsible for preparing and training the young volunteers (app 30) who will be engaged for the mapping on the field by the local authorities. The consultant will provide training on the methodology, tools, and data collection techniques. This includes instructing them on how to document and report the data accurately. 

2.3 Data Analysis and Report Preparation with Recommendations- After the data has been collected, the consultant will analyze it and prepare a detailed report on the condition of the public water taps and sources and needs. The consultant will provide recommendations for improving water access, infrastructure, and sustainability of  water systems. This report will be accompanied and presented together with Impact assessment during the public event.

If you would like to know more about this consultancy, please review the complete Terms of Reference here: [Download File TMC0001074 External ToR WASH Climate Resilience.pdf]

Minimum requirements:

  • A master’s degree in environmental science, environmental health, public health, public policy, or similar.

Years of Experience/ Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required: 

  • At least 8 years of experience in the WASH sector, as well as focusing on climate change, water quality monitoring, infrastructure sustainability, and access to essential services. 
  • Strong background in developing environmental and public health policies, drafting legislation, and collaborating with local authorities on WASH including climate resilience. 
  • Proven expertise in water governance and policy frameworks, including water quality monitoring, local water registers. 
  • Extensive experience in conducting risk and vulnerability assessments related to environmental hazards impact on water resources, sanitation, and hygiene and health of vulnerable population. 
  • Previous experience with UNICEF, with understanding of children’s environmental rights (UN CRC) and rights-based approaches is asset. 
  • Detailed knowledge of the Serbian context, including local climate impacts, governance structures, and national water management policies. 
  • Experience in training and capacity building on WASH and climate change resilience, with a preference for candidates experienced in educating youth and local stakeholders. 
  • Exceptional analytical and communication skills in both English and Serbian, with the ability to translate technical data into actionable policy recommendations and public presentations. 
  • Proven capacity to deliver high-quality, actionable reports focused on improving water access and sanitation systems for children.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status. 

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit the following documents via the online recruitment portal (Talent Management System):

Remarks:  

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.