Policy Officer (Climate Action), P3 (TA), Geneva

Terms of Reference
Policy Officer (Climate Action)

Duty station: UNHCR Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland
Level: P3
Type of Appointment: Temporary Appointment (TA)
Duration: until 31 December 2022
Start date: as soon as possible

Background

Climate change is already triggering humanitarian crises or amplifying its consequences. From drought to famine to health to more frequent extreme weather events, the impacts of climate change are being most acutely experienced by the world’s most vulnerable and marginalised, including refugees, returnees, stateless persons and those internally displaced.

UNHCR is stepping up climate action to better protect refugees and host communities, reduce the environmental footprint of its operations around the world, and better fulfil its commitments for a greener organization. The Special Advisor to the High Commissioner for Climate Action is responsible for providing strategic guidance, oversight and expertise to shape UNHCR’s climate change agenda. The Policy Officer will report directly to the Special Advisor on Climate Action, as part of a small support team.

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The Policy Officer will work in a team that supports the Special Advisor to drive UNHCR’s engagement on climate action, coordinate relevant initiatives across the organization, and serve as a global advocate for UNHCR’s work in this area.

The incumbent will support the coordination and preparation of guidance, positions, strategic policies, and advocacy on matters related to climate action for UNHCR. They will provide advice and assist in drafting UNHCR positions on climate-related issues and areas, coordinating closely with other HQs Services, Regional Bureaux, field offices and operations.

The incumbent is expected to have regular contact with staff throughout HQ, Regional Bureaux and operations on thematic and situational issues related to climate action. They are responsible for staying abreast of protection and solutions developments related to climate action, supporting strengthened and coordinated responses of UNHCR in the provision of related advice and implementation of external advocacy.

Duties:

• Support the development of a global climate action plan for UNHCR, and work closely with Regional Bureaux to develop regional climate action plans

• Ensure that UNHCR’s position, policies, strategies and guidance on climate action are coherent and in line with existing commitments related to climate change, disasters and environmental degradation

• Contribute towards the preparation of UNHCR strategies, positions and public papers on topics related to climate action

• Organize and prepare studies on key climate action policy issues to inform management decision making

• Assist in the preparations for high level events, including regional meetings, ExCom, Standing Committee, NGO Consultations, Protection Dialogues and others, by contributing to the preparation, drafting, and editing of various positions and policy papers

• Draft inputs for oral and written briefings and background notes, talking points, reports and other documents as required

• Respond to queries and requests for assistance and guidance from the field, and follow-up where needed, in close coordination with other concerned focal points of the Regional Bureaux

• Perform other related duties as required

Essential minimum requirements and professional experience

• 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

• Demonstrated experience in drafting and editing, in particular on climate action, disaster risk reduction, protection and solutions strategies, advocacy strategies, or partnership building

• Previous work experience or proven interest in climate action and/or environmental issues

• Strong writing and communication skills

• Fluency in English is required

Desirable qualifications and competencies

• Good knowledge of key UNCHR policies and guidelines

• Previous experience working with UNHCR in field and HQ is highly desirable

• Fluency (oral, written) in other UN language, especially French

• Experience in coordination of UN interventions with other actors, in a refugee or humanitarian context

• Ability to work in a self-driven, detail- and solutions-oriented manner with limited supervision