Contract Duration -7 Months

Working arrangement - Remote work

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

The purpose of the consultancy is to support UNICEF Serbia in advancing the climate and environment agenda, with a particular focus on the impact of environmental risks on children.

UNICEF’s current Country Programme Document for Serbia (2026–2030), aligned with national priorities and the UNICEF Strategic Plan, aims to contribute to national efforts to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and the fulfilment of child rights, especially for the most vulnerable and marginalized children. Within this framework, climate change and environmental degradation are recognized as critical factors affecting child wellbeing and development.

Serbia is increasingly exposed to environmental challenges, including air and water pollution, climate change-related hazards such as floods, droughts and heatwaves, and exposure to harmful chemicals. Children are disproportionately affected by these risks due to their developmental vulnerability and higher exposure relative to adults.

Across all programmatic areas, UNICEF prioritizes addressing the effects of climate and environmental risks on children. The organization supports public institutions and decision-makers in integrating child rights into environmental protection, climate and energy policies and strategies. In addition, UNICEF promotes environmental health, climate education and green skills among health and education professionals, while empowering young people to actively participate in policy processes and lead community-based actions that enhance resilience and contribute to sustainable solutions.

Scope of Work

Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Representative, this consultancy will entail:

1. Coordinating ongoing climate change and environmental protection related projects to ensure timely implementation and completion of planned activities.

2. Supporting UNICEF engagement in local and national policy processes to advance children’s environmental rights and priorities.

3. Supporting the development of funding proposals, including for the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and other relevant donor funds, and facilitating communication with National Designated Authorities (NDAs) in Serbia.

4. Maintaining and strengthening strategic partnerships with governmental institutions, local self-governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to enhance programme outcomes.

If you would like to know more about this consultancy, please review the complete Terms of Reference here:  TMC0002183 External ToR.pdf

Minimum requirements:

Education:

• Master’s degree in environmental sciences, social sciences or a closely related discipline

Work experience:

• At least 8 years of relevant professional experience in environmental protection, climate change, or related fields, including project implementation, policy development, or research.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in integrating children’s rights, needs, and vulnerabilities into environmental and climate-related programs or policies.
• Proven ability to provide policy advice, support multi-stakeholder coordination, and contribute to strategic planning in climate and environmental sustainability.
• Familiarity with UNICEF’s Sustainability and Climate Change Action Plan (SCAP), including its priorities, objectives, and relevance to child-focused climate and environmental interventions.
• Thorough knowledge of Serbia’s and global climate change and environmental policies.
• Experience in working with UNICEF or other UN agencies is an asset.

Skills: 

• Proven capacity to work with cross-functional teams.
• Good communication and writing skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Languages:

• Fluency in Serbian and advanced knowledge of English is required.

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, TMS (Talent Management System):

• An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV)
• Cover letter
• A separate financial proposal  TMC0002183 Financial proposal.docx

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.