National Climate, Environment, DRR Specialist, national professional level NOC on Temporary Appointment, Dushanbe, Tajikistan (for Tajik nationals only), 364 d

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. 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 personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package. Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop, and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

For every child, safe environment, 

Tajikistan has historically been affected by climate shocks and stresses of distinct nature, intensity, and range. Flooding, drought, mudflows, landslides, and avalanches are examples of climate-related episodes that have a strong impact across multiple economic and social sectors, affecting almost all regions and the general population. Tajikistan is recognized as vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to its particularly high dependence on climate-sensitive natural resources and the country’s low adaptive capacity. As a result, families face loss of livelihoods; children experience disruptions in education and have limited access to safe water, sanitation, hygiene, health, nutrition, and child protection services. Moreover, environmental degradation and climate change exacerbate the occurrence and impact of natural hazards.

The Children’s Climate Risk Index (CCRI) places Tajikistan’s risk level at 5.4, marking it as the most susceptible in the Central Asia region. It notably holds the highest risk score for droughts- 7.6 – in the Europe and Central Asia region (ECAR), alongside high exposure to other climatic hazards like heatwaves, and additional vulnerabilities to environmental and man-made crises. The Children’s Climate Risk Index highlights that 1.6 million children are at high risk, the greatest number in the ECAR, based on a blend of shock susceptibility and child-specific vulnerabilities. The economic toll of weather-related disasters in Tajikistan fluctuates between 0.4% to 1.3% of its GDP annually, underscoring the critical need for focused interventions. In the past year, UNICEF Tajikistan has embarked on a transformative journey to integrate climate and environmental considerations into the heart of its programmatic activities, aligning with the global UNICEF Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (SCAP), regional frameworks, and Country Programme Document (CPD). This strategic shift towards mainstreaming climate and environmental issues aims to ensure that the pressing challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation are consistently addressed across all levels of programme planning, execution, and evaluation. Central to these efforts are two pioneering initiatives: the Climate Landscape Analysis for Children (CLAC) and the Children’s Climate Risk Index – Disaster Risk Model (CCRI-DRM). The CLAC is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of how climate change uniquely impacts children in Tajikistan, identifying specific vulnerabilities and the types of interventions that could mitigate these risks. Similarly, the CCRI-DRM initiative seeks to quantify the risks faced by children due to various climate and disaster-related threats, employing an innovative model that combines data on climate hazards with insights into the specific vulnerabilities of children. These initiatives are instrumental in painting a detailed picture of the climate-related challenges facing the country’s younger population and laying the groundwork for targeted, effective interventions. To advance climate-related initiatives and efforts, UNICEF Tajikistan seeks a Programme Specialist in Climate, Environment, Energy, and Disaster Risk Reduction (CEED) to offer both technical guidance and advisory services. This role is crucial for strategizing future plans and ensuring the effective implementation of existing projects related to climate and environmental issues.

How can you make a difference? CEED Specialist will lead the strategic development and coordination of the Climate, Energy, Environment, and Disaster Risk Reduction (CEED) initiatives with a primary focus on climate change. Based in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, and reporting to the Emergency Specialist with a secondary line to the Deputy Representative for Programmes, this crucial position is aimed at guiding the organization towards bolstering climate resilience and fostering sustainable environmental practices. The Specialist will play a crucial role in the development and operationalization of the UNICEF Tajikistan CEED Strategy, as well as in the implementation of the work plan with the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of Tajikistan (CoEP). Following these strategic frameworks, the Specialist will be instrumental in integrating climate considerations into UNICEF’s operational fabric and programming.

Key function, accountabilities and related duties/tasks: 

1. Support to programme development and planning:• Assist in the design, preparation, and regular updates of the situation analysis for Climate, Energy, Environment, and Disaster Risk Reduction (CEED) to lay down a strategic foundation for CEED programming.• Determine UNICEF’s role in mitigating the impacts of climate change, energy, environment, and disaster risk reduction on children by raising awareness and designing programmes that advocate for children’s rights and enhance risk-informed programming.• F • Lead the planning, development, and implementation of the TCO CEED Strategy. This includes the formulation of outcomes and output results, related indicators, baselines, targets, and means of verification, to align with the global UNICEF Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (SCAP), regional frameworks, Country Programme Document (CPD), annual plans, and government plans and priorities.
2. Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results:• Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual sectoral reviews with government and other counterparts and prepare reports on results for required action/ interventions at the higher level of programme management.• Prepare/ assess monitoring and evaluation reports to identify gaps, strengths /weaknesses in programmes and management, identify and document lessons learned.• Monitor and report on the use of sectoral programme resources (financial, administrative and other assets), verify compliance with approved allocations, organizational rules, regulations/ procedures and donor commitments, standards of accountability and integrity. Report on issues identified to enable timely resolution by management/ stakeholders. • Prepare sectoral progress reports for management, donors and partners. • In coordination with the ECARO Climate, Energy, Environment and Disaster Risk Reduction specialists, strengthen internal capacity and ability to collaborate and with partners on climate change adaptation for vulnerable communities. • Technical and operational support to programme implementation • Provide technical guidance and operational support to government counterparts, NGO partners, UN system partners and other country office partners/ donors on the interpretation, application and understanding of UNICEF policies, strategies, processes, and best practices and approaches on health-related issues to support programme development planning, management, implementation and delivery of results.
3. Networking and partnership building
• Cultivate and strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders including the DCC Environment and Climate Change Working Group (WG), United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) outcome partners, and the Committee for Environmental Protection (COEP)/Committee of Emergency Situations (CoES), enhancing collaborative efforts in the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative. Support and participate in major climate-related platforms such as COP29 and other global, regional, and sub-regional CEED-related conferences and events, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and promoting UNICEF’s climate and environmental agenda. • Build, strengthen and sustain close working and strategic partnerships with government counterparts, UN agencies, donor agencies, climate centres and institutions, NGOs, research institutes and the private sector to stimulate coordination and collaboration in the areas of climate resilience and sustainable energy; including active sharing of information and knowledge to facilitate programme implementation and build capacity of stakeholders to achieve results sensitive to climate, energy, environment and disaster risk reduction. • Develop strategic partnerships with financing and development partners, International Financial Institutions (IFI)and the private sector to enhance, climate, energy and environment programming. • Identify and work with donors, the private sector and regional partners on climate, energy, environment and disaster risk reduction strategic engagement and programming with government. • Ensure that UNICEF engagement in the area of climate, energy, environment and disaster risk reduction is well coordinated with other UN agencies. 
4. Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building: • Initiate and contribute to the systematic assessment of climate, energy, environment and disaster risk reduction capacity gap analysis, in collaboration with government and other stakeholders, and support the design of initiatives to strengthen capacities systematically. • Enhance UNICEF’s internal capacity and collaboration with partners on climate change, energy, and environmental adaptation, as well as disaster risk reduction and resilience building for vulnerable communities. • Develop a comprehensive learning and capacity-building plan for the Tajikistan Country Office (CO) and conduct targeted climate change training sessions to ensure the team’s expertise remains current with the latest advancements. This includes a focus on Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) and adhering to the latest industry standards for energy. • Support knowledge management and sharing in the areas of including development of policy papers, briefs and other strategic materials for internal and external use, in the areas climate, energy, environment and disaster risk reduction. • Oversee the implementation, monitoring, and documentation of action research and innovation (technical or systems) related to climate, energy, environment, and disaster risk reduction. This includes ensuring rigorous monitoring and broad dissemination of results. • Evaluate, institutionalize, and disseminate best practices and knowledge acquired.

5. Advocacy, evidence generation, policy and positioning of UNICEF in climate change and children: • Provide support in planning, implementing, and monitoring evidence-based interventions related to the CEED strategy, ensuring their effectiveness and alignment with organizational goals. Additionally, assist with budget management and resource allocation for these interventions.• Provide up-to-date and comprehensive data to guide the development of policies and programs related to climate, energy, environment, and disaster risk reduction. This data aids in the planning, management, and implementation of climate-adapted and resilient social services and infrastructure. • Assist with the collection, management, and assessment of vulnerability data, including mapping, to bolster child-focused climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and climate resilience building. • Enhance communication and policy advocacy concerning climate change, environmental degradation, disaster risk reduction, and child rights in Tajikistan. Contribute to national climate and environmental policy discussions and the formulation of related policies, strategies, and plans. • Support UNICEF’s Education Team and the Ministry of Education and Science of Tajikistan in mainstreaming climate considerations into subject standards and curriculum.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Education:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree) in environmental sciences, climatology, geology, earth sciences, climate change, social science, disaster risk reduction, social and economic development, international cooperation, or another relevant technical field is required. Additional relevant post-graduate courses that complement/supplement the main degree are desirable.
* A Bachelor’s degree in combination with 2 additional relevant years of experience may also be considered in Lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional work experience at the national and/ or international levels in programme/ project development, focused on developing countries in areas related to development cooperation in climate change adaptation and mitigation, environment, and socio-economic development. Familiarity with children’s rights and gender in the context of climate, energy, environment, and disaster risk reduction is required. Knowledge and experience of applying gender equality principles and gender-responsive and transformative programming, including GBViE, is an asset. Demonstrated experience in applying results-based management is required. Excellent analytical and writing skills, advocacy and presentational skills are required. Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious & effective working relationships both within and outside an organization is required. Previous experience within UNICEF and experience in renewable energy are assets. 

Language Requirements: Fluency in English, Russian and/or Tajik.

Application: The candidates, who are interested in applying for the position, should follow the electronic application’s instructions. It requires the applicant to upload a detailed CV, and academic degrees/diplomas. UN candidates should upload at least two latest performance evaluation reports.

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

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are:(1) Builds and maintains partnerships; (2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness; (3) Drive to achieve results for impact (4) Innovates and embraces change; (5) Manages ambiguity and complexity; (6) Thinks and acts strategically; (7) Works collaboratively with others.  

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels. UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. 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. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will 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. UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks: As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. 

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates. Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.