IISD Policy Advisors on Climate and Health (part-time consultants)

About

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an award-winning independent think tank working to accelerate solutions for a stable climate, sustainable resource management, and fair economies. Our work inspires better decisions and sparks meaningful action to help people and the planet thrive. We shine a light on what can be achieved when governments, businesses, non-profits, and communities come together. IISD’s staff of over 270 includes experts from across the globe and from many disciplines. With offices in Canada and Geneva, our work affects lives in some 100 countries.

Background

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an independent think tank that delivers the knowledge to act. IISD hosts the Secretariat to the Friends of Climate and Health, an informal group of countries fostering international collaboration at the intersection of climate and health.

Many countries have expressed strong interest in meaningfully engaging with health in climate policy forums, including in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This follows growing political momentum to increase action on climate and health, with the first-ever Health Day at the UNFCCC Climate Change Conference (COP 28) and the endorsement of the COP 28 declaration on climate and health by more than 150 countries.

In response to requests from members, the Friends of Climate and Health Secretariat will focus on supporting governments in (1) building a community of countries that are actively engaged in dialogue on climate change and health, (2) fostering the development of a common understanding among UNFCCC delegations of the role of health and well-being in the UN climate negotiations, and (3) serving as a platform for countries to informally discuss opportunities to integrate health within UNFCCC processes and advance action toward those opportunities.

The Secretariat of the Friends of Climate and Health is run by a small but diverse team composed of IISD staff, Secretariat Leads, and Policy Advisors (consultants) with deep knowledge of climate policy, multilateral environmental negotiations, and the UNFCCC.

Scope and Deliverables

The Policy Advisors will support the Friends of Climate and Health Secretariat by nurturing relationships with country delegates and providing countries with technical support on climate change and health.

IISD Policy Advisors on Climate and Health will be expected to:

• Develop relationships with countries—and in particular, country negotiators in the UNFCCC—to build a network of engaged countries in the Friends dialogues and activities.
• Support countries with onboarding, technical support, and advice, as well as monitoring and understanding country priorities and positions.
• Support the Secretariat with Friends meetings (e.g., advise on meeting agendas, facilitate strategic planning).
• Provide the Secretariat and countries with technical support on UNFCCC processes and consult with technical experts and institutions as and when needed.
• Regularly communicate with the Secretariat and countries to share updates and views.
• Ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion are considered in all engagement on climate and health, including by providing support to low- and middle-income countries where appropriate.
• Attend UNFCCC sessions, including COP 29 and COP 30.

Knowledge and Qualifications

Applicants should:

• Currently or have previously worked on projects or processes related to the UNFCCC.
• Demonstrate a good understanding of multilateral negotiations and the UN system.
• Have established relationships and experience working with national governments (please specify regional focus, if any, in your cover letter).
• Demonstrate complete fluency in understanding and speaking English and have recent experience in writing in English. Strong written and conversational language skills in other UN languages are a plus.
• Work well in small, highly collaborative groups.
• Have the flexibility to travel to international meetings for periods of up to 2 weeks at a time.

Please note that work with IISD will require flexible working times, given the geographical spread of staff and stakeholders. It might also require occasional travel, including to UN climate conferences. All applicants should be able to work well in small group situations, handle stress well, and show the highest respect for coworkers while completing meticulous, time-sensitive work.

IISD is an international non-governmental organization. Qualified applicants from all countries are encouraged to apply. Successful applicants will be hired on a consulting basis for meetings held in locations all over the world. We do not relocate or provide work permits for consultants who are successful candidates for these freelance positions.

Candidates should demonstrate how freelance work with the IISD team will fit into their other work or studies.

Contractual Arrangement

This is a part-time and remote consultancy. The consultant will be contracted and paid according to IISD’s consultancy policies.

Remuneration: Commensurate with skills, experience, and location.

Location: Africa, Asia or Latin America

Estimated Start Date: September 1, 2024

Closing Date: August 31, 2024

The candidates will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will be closed once filled.

All submissions must be in English. 

Applicants should submit a copy of their resume (Curriculum Vitae), together with a cover letter (one page) detailing how they meet the requirements set out above. Applicants should fully articulate their depth of background, experience in multilateral negotiations, and countries/regions of expertise. List details of two professional referees.

We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted

The deadline for applications is 6:00 p.m. GMT on Saturday, August 31, 2024.

IISD is committed to fostering a more equitable and sustainable world and welcomes candidates who uphold our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, to correct the conditions of social injustice and disadvantage in employment around the world, we encourage candidates from historically marginalized groups, including women, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, and those who identify themselves as 2SLGBTQIA+, to apply for this position. We offer reasonable accommodations in our recruitment process and seek applicants' advice on how best to accommodate their needs. 

IISD does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, caste, ethnicity, religion, colour, disability, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

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