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National Individual Climate Consultant to conduct Climate Landscape Analysis and Develop Climate and Environment Strategy for Children
How can you make a difference?
Purpose of Activity:
Globally, UNICEF analysis reveals that over 1 billion children live in countries that are at ‘extremely high-risk’ from the impacts of climate change. This means that half the world’s children face possible irreparable harm as our planet continues to warm up. Right now, children are losing their homes and schools to increasingly violent storms, they are suffering from severe wasting when local crops fail due to drought, and they are losing their lives to pneumonia brought on by air pollution.
Bhutan is now experiencing more frequent extreme climate events with episodes of high rainfall over short periods. Flash floods, landslides, forest fires and windstorms are also increasingly damaging property, crops, and essential services linking to children like WASH, education, health care facilities. Climate change is causing a surge in high-water scarcities, floods, and landslides in Bhutan. Additionally, its repercussions on agriculture, including heightened pest and disease pressures, exposure to drought and soil erosion are becoming more apparent. Forest fires and introduction of invasive species are also posing threats to the country’s forests and biodiversity. Furthermore, shifts in disease patterns, such as vector-borne, airborne, and waterborne illnesses, are affecting public health determinants in noticeable ways. (National Adaptation Plan of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2023)
In 2021, Bhutan was ranked 38th among the countries most vulnerable to climate change and 62nd in terms of readiness to handle it (global climate change adaptation index). Rainfall variability, seasonality and extreme weather events are projected to increase as a result of climate change, costing Bhutan 6.3 per cent of GDP due to impacts on hydropower generation, agriculture and forests, tourism and household access to clean water, especially in rural areas (World Bank, 2021. Climate Change Knowledge Portal).
Water insecurity is now frequently reported by schools, health centres, monastic institutions and at community level in both rural and urban areas. Also, Bhutan’s strategic location in the young Himalayas, has made the country vulnerable to the moods of climate change. Between 1996 and 2017, there was significant land cover change in the country—decreasing land cover cases such as in the glaciers, rock bare land, grassland, pastureland, forest, and agricultural land. For example, glacier area in 1996 was 23.8 percent, 15.0 in 2010, and 11.6 in 2017 ( Climate change impacts become more pronounced Kuensel Online). Recent research indicates a significant rise in temperatures in the Himalayan region, including Bhutan, with an average increase of 0.8 degrees Celsius over the past century ( Need to achieve climate resilience through green financing Kuensel Online).
The effects of climate change exacerbate these challenges, with a 2022 study revealing that 35% of water sources in Bhutan are drying up, including 147 sources that have already dried up (Watershed Management Division (WMD), Ministry Agriculture, 2021).
Extreme weather events further expose children to vector, and water borne diseases, poor hygiene and social services which includes education, health care, nutrition, child protection, social protection and water and sanitation. Further, high consumption of traditional fuel has impacted on indoor air pollution and ultimately affecting the child and maternal health.
In alignment with our commitment to protect children and young people worldwide, UNICEF has launched its Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (SCAP) 2023 – 2030. The SCAP prioritizes urgent climate action through systematic change in partnership with public and private sectors to prioritize the needs of children and young people and build their resilience to the climate crises. The SCAP strives to mainstream sustainability and climate action both internally and externally, through protecting the lives, health and well-being of children and their communities; empowering children with developmental opportunities and skills; and reducing emissions and the environmental footprint within UNICEF.
Climate action is a priority across UNICEF. Together with our partners, we are working to make the essential social services that children rely on – such as water, healthcare, education, protection and nutrition – more resilient to the effects of climate change. We need to work in communities to support mitigation and adaptation strategies, and to address loss and damage. And we need to help equip children and young people with the education and skills needed to play a leading role in the just transition to a more sustainable world. Within our office we need to assess operation, supply chain, waste, energy, water management and more to reduce carbon footprint.
As such UNICEF Bhutan in partnership with government has identified climate action as a priority in the new UNICEF CPD 2024-28. However, there is limited evidence to understand the climate and environment action needs of the children and young people in the country. UNICEF Bhutan country office is planning to conduct (a) Climate Landscape Analysis for Children, (b) Climate Change and Environment Strategy to examine the baseline situation of climate, energy and environment-related issues affecting children and how they relate to UNICEF’s priorities. This study will facilitate and provide recommendations on how UNICEF Bhutan could further incorporate and strengthen work on climate energy and environment related issues in its sectoral programmes. The technical support of a national climate and environment consultant in conducting the assessment and situational analysis and development of Strategy for Climate and Environment for Children and young people is a part of the UNICEF Global SCAP implementation.
Scope and Purpose of the Work
The purpose of the assignment is to support UNICEF Bhutan gather evidence on the situation of climate change and environment and to develop a costed Strategy for Climate and Environment for Children and young people.
The specific scope and objectives of the consultancy are:
• To conduct an in-depth analysis and assessment to identify the most pressing climate and environmental threats to children and young people.
To develop a costed country level climate and environmental strategy to address the risk of climate change and environment health to children and young people.
In consultation with the Government agencies such as Ministry of Energy and Natural resources, National Environment Commission, Ministry of Finance (National Designated Authority for Green Climate Fund) and Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD), UNICEF Sections and relevant partners, the national consultant is expected to undertake an in-depth analysis and assessment to identify the most pressing climate and environmental threats to children and young people and develop strategy to address the climate and environmental health challenges.
The detailed tasks will include:
• Analysis of existing data on climate change, energy and environment issues affecting Bhutan and its impact on children and young people (primary and secondary sources).
• Review key policy documents related to climate energy and environment and UNICEF’s corporate priorities with a view of assessing child rights and climate, energy and environment (CEE) linkages.
• Conduct key informant interview (KII) and stakeholder consultations (both internal and external). The expected result of the KII and stakeholder consultations and meetings will be to:
o Get an overview of the child –CEE nexus and its implication for UNICEF sectors (health, education, nutrition, child protection and WASH)
o Identify funding opportunities to support CEE – child nexus activities.
• Identify national priorities on child responsive climate, energy and environment issues.
• Conduct Stakeholders and partnership mapping and analysis for climate action for children in a coordinated multi sectoral approach, including private sector, academia, research institutions, NGO’s / CSOs and children and young people.
• Review of existing climate and environmental initiatives implemented in schools, youth centres, monastic institutions, healthcare facilities and community settings by various agencies.
• Identify challenges and gaps in implementation of climate and environmental actions to address the risks to children and young people.
• Develop a Climate landscape Analysis for Children (CLAC) and provide programmatic recommendation to Bhutan country office. (Template for CLAC is provided in Annex 1)
• Formulate recommendations to develop a costed climate and environmental strategy which also includes threats to children and young people due to inaction. Specific recommendations could be on the following:
(a) How do the CEE related issues identify affect planned UNICEF initiatives?
(b) How can UNICEF support inclusion of child need in government strategies/priorities/commitments on CEE?
(c) How can UNICEF address gaps in CEE programming to benefit children?
Develop a costed Climate and Environmental Strategy to address the threats to children and young people from climate change and environmental threats. (Template for CEE strategy is provided in Annex 2)
Expected Results
• A detailed CLAC report covering CEE issues and its impact on children and young people; programmatic recommendation to UNICEF Bhutan country to support the integration of CEE in the UNICEF sectoral and annual plan.
• A comprehensive Climate and Environmental Strategy and costed action plan with a set of tangible activities to be executed by all programme section during the implementation period.
Approaches and Methodology
The assignment will be carried out by a national consultant using the most current information/data available. Data and information gathering could be both primary and secondary methods. Primary through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, stakeholders’ consultation with the identified stakeholders, field visits and secondary through literature review, desk review of the previous relevant studies and projects in the past five years.
The national consultant will be required to develop a work plan outlining their detailed individual and joint responsibilities, including reporting timeline and deliverables, in the Inception report.
Progress will be reported periodically based on deliverables to the focal official of Health & Wellbeing Division, MoESD, UNICEF WASH Officer, Section Chief Health, Nutrition & WASH and UNICEF Dy. Representative who will monitor the progress, provide further directives and endorsement of the assessment report and strategy document.
| Supervisor | Start date | End Date | Number of days |
| The consultant will work with the focal official of the Health & Wellbeing Division of Ministry of Education & Skills Development and WASH Officer UNICEF and HNW team under the leadership and guidance of the Dy. Representative, UNICEF. Formats for reporting will be discussed further with the focal officials upon recruitment. Apart from this, the consultant will work closely with the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources and National environment Commission. | 1 May 2024 | 30 Sept 2024 | 5 months (estimate 110 working days) |
General Conditions: Procedures and Logistics
The consultant is expected to use his/her computer and internet, and work from their own workstation. He/she will be expected to use his/her own transport means for travel within Thimphu. For travel outside of Thimphu, the terms and conditions should be specified in the proposal.
Work Assignment Overview:
| Task/milestone | Deliverables | Timeline (estimated date) |
| Development of inception report and presentation, including study framework, methodology and detailed work plan, timeline and outline of methodology | Draft Inception Report (with timeline) submitted. | Week 2 after awarding |
| Finalized Inception Report incorporating feedbacks and comments | Inception Report finalized | Week 3 |
| Coordinate and conduct stakeholder consultation meetings including government focal points, children and young people and other key partners identified. And conduct desk review of existing reports and studies. | Draft summary report on desk review and stakeholder’s consultation meetings | Week 5 |
| Data gathering – coordinate and conduct Key informant interviews and FGDs | Draft summary trip report | Week 7 |
| analysis and drafting the assessment and analysis report | Draft report that identifies the most pressing climate and environmental threats across all sectors to children and young people in Bhutan, | Week 10 |
| Presentation of the findings and recommendations – Findings that identifies the most pressing climate and environmental threats across all sectors to children and young people in Bhutan. Report should contain analysis and key recommendations for climate and environmental action. | Presentation and draft copy of findings including recommendations submitted for review | Week 12 |
| Finalize CLAC report incorporating feedback and comments (copy edited and print version) | Final report in soft copy including the presentation of summary findings, response matrix for the comments and feedback received during report sharing and validation workshop. | Week 14 |
| Drafting a costed country level climate and environment strategy based on the findings | Presentation of draft Strategy Document | Week 16 |
| Finalize country level climate and environment strategy incorporating feedbacks and comments (copy edited and print version) | Final soft copy of Country Level Climate and Environment Strategy | Week 19 |
| Travel Local (please include travel plan) | Travel beyond Thimphu is expected, the proposal must specify the details and the cost must be incorporated in the financial proposal. | |
| DSA (if applicable) | Should be specified by consultant in financial proposal | |
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
- An advanced university degree in climate change, environmental science or related engineering is required.
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In-depth expertise on climate and environment, together with specific experience in programme/project development, implementation and monitoring on climate, environment and energy in a developing country context is required.
• Familiarity with children’s rights/issues in the context of climate change, environmental degradation and disaster risk reduction.
• Prior experience on climate finance proposal development, risks and vulnerability assessments, environment and social safeguards is an asset.
• Knowledge of international and national climate policies and activities is an asset.
• Professional relation and network with key governmental agencies and climate partners in the country is an asset.
• Solid knowledge of UNICEF policies and procedures or other international development agencies is considered an asset.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills.
• Ability to manage diverse viewpoints and work in demanding situations.
• Ability to organize and plan complex work following the established timeframes.
• Proven ability to work in teams, past work experience in similar capacity of working with multiple agencies will be an asset.
• Past work experience with Government, UNICEF or sister UN agencies in undertaking similar assignments will be an added value.
• Excellent Communication and Presentation skills.
• Drive for results, Works collaboratively with others.
• Manages ambiguity and complexity.
• Builds and maintains partnerships.
- Fluency in English is required and a local language is an asset.
Submission of Proposals and Evaluation Criteria:
Proposal should include the following:
✓ Consultant’s qualification and experience with detailed CV.
✓ Approach and methodology that will be followed in executing the assignment.
✓ A lump sum fee in local currency indicating a breakdown of professional fee for the anticipated number of working days/months, including fee for travel outside of Thimphu.
✓ Name(s) of collaborator(s) with CVs (if applicable) with their full curriculum vitae.
✓ Consultancy License
✓ Reference to similar work (final products or links to previous work can be shared along with the proposal)
Contact Person: Sonam Gyaltshen @ sgyaltshen@unicef.org for Technical clarification
Laxmi Narayan Upreti @ lupreti@unicef.org for detail ToR
For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS).
To view our competency framework, please visit here.
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.
UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment.
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 also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 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.
Remarks:
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.
The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.