UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion and gender parity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified candidates, irrespective of nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, gender identity and sexual orientation, as well as persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. UNICEF’s office is accessible to a certain extent, and employees are entitled to reasonable accommodations that are needed for ensuring equitable working conditions.

The purpose of this assignment is to strengthen the integration of climate-resilient Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services into national climate policies, ensuring that children's rights and needs are prioritized. The consultant will conduct a comprehensive analysis of national strategies, provide policy recommendations, and develop a targeted policy brief on WASH within the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0. The findings will support UNICEF’s advocacy efforts, informing decision-makers on the necessity of child-sensitive, climate-resilient WASH services to protect children's health, well-being, and development in the face of climate change.

Work Assignment Overview:

• Analysis of National Climate Policies and Strategies – Reviewing and assessing how the WASH sector is addressed in relevant national frameworks, with a particular emphasis on resilience and child protection and well-being.
• Identifying Links Between Climate Change, WASH, and Children's Rights – Examining the impact of climate change on access to water, sanitation, and hygiene, particularly for the most vulnerable children and communities, in line with UNICEF priorities.
• Providing Policy Recommendations for Stronger WASH Integration – Developing actionable proposals to enhance national plans and policies to better reflect children's needs and resilience to climate change.
• Local Presentation of Findings – Preparing and delivering key findings and recommendations to relevant stakeholders, including policymakers, civil society, and local communities, to maximize policy impact.
• Development of a Policy Brief for NDC 3.0 – Analyzing the draft Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) and proposing concrete measures to strengthen WASH sector integration into national climate commitments, with a particular focus on children’s rights and needs.

The consultant will work in alignment with UNICEF’s mandate and priorities, utilizing national climate frameworks, available strategies, and best practices in climate resilience and child rights.

Duration of the assignment: April – December 2025 (part-time, remote)

Task description:

1. Conduct a Comprehensive Analysis of National Strategies and Frameworks.
2. Prepare a presentation and share the findings with a broad audience at 2 local events.
3. Develop of a Policy Brief on Child sensitive NDC 3.0 and climate resilient WASH services for children.

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:

• A bachelor's degree in climate change, environmental science, environmental health, public policy, law, or social sciences with a focus on sustainable development.
• At least five years of relevant professional experience in climate change policy, environmental governance, or sustainable development, with a strong focus on policy analysis, climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, and the integration of environmental considerations into national and sectoral policies, particularly in relation to vulnerable groups.
• Extensive knowledge of climate change frameworks at both global and national levels, with a focus on climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, including climate-resilient infrastructure and services.
• Knowledge of SDGs.
• Strong understanding of national climate and environmental policies and regulations, particularly NDCs, NAP, Low Carbon Strategy.
• Familiarity with water governance and policy frameworks.
• Familiarity with children’s environmental rights, particularly as outlined in international agreements like the UN CRC and how they apply in the context of environmental protection, climate change and WASH, children social services.
• Proven experience in policy analysis and the preparation of policy briefs, with a focus on environmental protection and climate change.
• Understanding of the Serbian context, including local climate change impacts, governance structures, and relevant policies.
• Strong analytical skills for synthesizing complex information and formulating actionable policy recommendations.
• Excellent writing and communication skills, with a proven ability to translate technical content into clear, concise, and accessible formats for diverse audiences.
• Ability to meet strict deadlines and deliver high-quality outputs in a timely manner.
• Proficiency in English and fluency in Serbian, both in writing and speaking, to facilitate effective communication with various stakeholders.

How to apply:

The application must include a financial proposal in RSD as a separate document, providing a separate all-inclusive fee for each of the three tasks:

1. Deliverable 1
2. Deliverable 2
3. Deliverable 3

Important notes:

• Please do not forget to specify your name in the financial proposal file while saving (to be uploaded online under the “Financial Proposal” tab).  
• Please do not indicate financials anywhere else in the online application form, please mark "n/a” or “00" under the fee-related questions in the online application form.
• Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

For every child, you must demonstrate UNICEF's core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability.

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, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.