Regional Carbon and Environmental Impact Consultant

Hardship Level: B

Family Type: Family

Staff Member / Affiliate Type: CONS Local

Target Start Date: 2025-03-01

Deadline for Applications: January 23, 2025

Terms of Reference

Purpose of project: The individual consultant will support the Refugee Environmental Protection (REP) Fund initiative in Brazil. Reporting jointly to the Brazilian Deputy Representative and the REP Fund Manager, the consultant will focus on developing actionable frameworks for carbon-financed projects, facilitating collaboration with key stakeholders, and ensuring the feasibility studies and project strategies are tailored to Brazil’s unique context. The consultant’s contributions will also position the REP Fund strategically for the upcoming COP30 in Belem, driving innovative and sustainable climate solutions in displacement settings.

Background:

UNHCR seeks a dedicated Regional Carbon and Environmental Impact Consultant to support the Refugee Environmental Protection (REP) Fund and related initiatives. Reporting jointly to the REP Fund Project Manager and the Deputy Representative in Brazil, the consultant will oversee and coordinate key activities, including managing REP feasibility studies, extracting lessons learned, and supporting strategic initiatives within Brazil and at the regional level.

The REP Fund is an innovative financing mechanism designed to scale up impactful reforestation and clean cooking programs in climate-vulnerable refugee-hosting communities worldwide. By investing in these programs, the Fund aims to mitigate environmental degradation, enhance resilience to climate change, and create sustainable economic opportunities for forcibly displaced persons (FDPs) and host communities.

In Brazil, the REP Fund focuses on high-priority areas severely impacted by deforestation, illegal mining, and environmental degradation. The state hosts large numbers of refugees and migrants, including Indigenous Peoples displaced by environmental and socio-economic challenges.

As Brazil prepares to host COP30, this role also involves contributing to broader climate and environmental initiatives at the national and regional levels, supporting the Brazil Country Office and the Regional Bureau in advancing UNHCR’s climate action agenda.

Scope of assignment

The Consultant will be responsible for:

• REP Fund coordination: Monitor and enable the feasibility study process with external partners, ensuring alignment with project objectives and compliance with relevant standards; Provide regular updates on the progress of the feasibility study to the REP Fund Project Manager and the Deputy Representative in Brazil; Synthesize findings and produce reports to inform strategy and decision-making.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Maintain culturally sensitive communication channels with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs); Facilitate consultations with IPLCs, ensuring their active participation; Build partnerships with local and international stakeholders.
• Support for broader initiatives: Collaborate with the Brazil Country Office and Regional Bureau to support additional climate and environmental initiatives.
• Capacity building and knowledge sharing: Develop training materials and deliver workshops for staff and IPLCs on environmental resilience and carbon credit-financed programs.

Support Brazil Country Office staff in integrating climate and environmental considerations into broader UNHCR programs.

Deliverables and Timeline:

• Support to the consultancy team on the feasibility of carbon credit projects in dialogue with IPLCs and other key actors.
• Regular progress reports summarizing key findings and recommendations from the REP feasibility study.
• Final synthesis report on REP Fund outcomes, including lessons learned and scalability opportunities.
• Returning the results of the feasibility study to the IPLCs and advising on project design.
• Capacity-building materials and training tools for UNHCR staff.
• Contributions to other environmental initiatives as required.

CANDIDATE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Education: Master's degree in Environmental Science, Climate Studies, International Development, Anthropology, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum 6 years of professional experience in environmental management, reforestation programs, or carbon credit projects; Proven experience working with IPLCs in Brazil or similar contexts.
• Languages: Required: Portuguese and English; Desirable: Spanish.
• Skills: Strong project management and coordination abilities; Expertise in stakeholder engagement; Effective analytical skills.
• Competences: Demonstrated ability to engage with IPLCs in culturally sensitive ways; Strong understanding of climate resilience strategies; Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Terms of the contract:

The consultancy is located in the state of Roraima (Brazil), for an initial period of 11 months with the possibility of extension based on performance and project needs.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Eligibility: This position is advertised to internal and external applicants. Candidates must be legally present in Brazil at the time of application, recruitment and hire.

UNHCR is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates to apply.

UNHCR has a zero-tolerance policy against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA).