Result of Service
Consultant to work from 15 September to 31 December 2026. Outputs should roughly follow the timeline below (subject to revision by agreement of the parties).
30 September – workplan finalized (will include updated timeline with interim milestones, consultations, etc.)
October – preparatory consultations undertaken
15 October – draft mapping and gap analysis shared
31 October – mapping and gap analysis finalized
November – consultations / feedback on draft checklist and KMs
7 November - draft checklist shared
22 November – draft KMs shared
30 November - checklist finalized
15 December
KMs finalized
31 December – briefing package finalized
Expected duration
15 Sept. to 31 Dec.
Duties and Responsibilities
Sea-level rise poses serious and growing risks to the full and effective enjoyment of human rights, particularly in small island developing States, low-lying coastal States and coastal communities.
The purpose of this consultancy is to develop an initial package of practical tools to support OHCHR staff in providing technical assistance and capacity-building on the human rights implications of sea-level rise, with a particular focus on adaptation responses, including planned relocations and the respect/integration of the knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and local knowledge systems, in line with the ICJ AO on climate change.
The consultancy will identify OHCHR's comparative advantage in this area and translate existing human rights standards and guidance into practical resources for technical cooperation, policy engagement and programme development. The consultant shall:
1. Prepare a workplan
2. Review and map existing OHCHR, UN and other relevant materials on sea-level rise and human rights, identifying available resources, gaps and areas where additional practical guidance is needed.
3. Develop a practical human rights-based checklist for reviewing or advising on sea-level rise-related laws, policies, plans and programmes, with a focus on adaptation measures.
4. Prepare key messages on sea-level rise and human rights, with a focus on adaptation
5. Develop a short briefing package, including slides and suggested talking points, to support OHCHR staff in technical cooperation, capacity-building and engagement with partners.
6. Conduct targeted consultations with relevant OHCHR and other UN agencies (UNDRR, WMO, etc), and selected external actors (e.g. UNU, PDD, human rights and climate change working group, etc.), as feasible within the timeframe, and incorporate relevant feedback into the final products. Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment
Workplan
Mapping and gap analysis note
Practical human rights-based checklist for reviewing or advising on sea-level rise-related laws, policies, plans and programmes, with a focus on adaptation measures, including planned relocations and the respect/integration of the knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and local knowledge systems.
Key messages on human rights and sea-level rise.
Briefing package including slides and suggested talking points
Qualifications/special skills
At least 5 years of professional experience related to human rights and the environment. Previous work on human rights, human mobility, disaster risk reduction climate change, and/or sea-level rise, including in relation to rights of Indigenous Peoples is desired. Previous experience on matters related to the UNFCCC would be an advantage. Work experience in a multilateral environment is an asset.
Languages
Fluency in English is required.