Environment and Climate Change Advisor (short term position) / Радник/ця з питань навколишнього середовища та зміни клімату (короткострокова позиція)

Background

The Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine (PFRU) is a multi-year, multi-donor funded program managed by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and governed in collaboration with the Government of Ukraine.  

The PFRU’s aim is to set improved conditions for the Ukrainian state, in partnership with civil society and the private sector, to lead on inclusive national recovery and revitalization in the context of Russia’s aggression. This outcome is designed to facilitate the rebuilding of a more resilient, socially cohesive, inclusive, democratic, and prosperous Ukraine. The PFRU provides funds to Ukrainian and international delivery partners and implements projects based on research and evidence.

The overall objective of the Environment and Climate Change Advisor is to advise PFRU during development and implementation of projects to mitigate negative environmental impacts and address climate change risks. This includes screening all projects for potential environment and climate change risks, and developing environmental assessments and environmental mitigation and monitoring plans for projects with high risk of negative environmental or climate change impact. 

The original PFRU business case had adopted a relatively ambitious approach to climate change. Since the full-scale invasion, the context has changed radically and the ability to avoid use of fossil fuel (such as generators) is no longer applicable, as the emergency dictates a modification to this level of ambition. In accordance with the PFRU Inception Report, this level of ambition has now been officially adapted to this context. Irrespective of this reality, opportunities for PFRU to promote measures to mitigate climate change should be explored and promoted with the technical team by the consultant as and when appropriate.

Responsibilities:   

• Review existing PFRU environmental policies, procedures, guidance and templates and make recommendations to improve them to better align with PFRU’s project lifecycle
• Review all concept notes and project documents prior to submission for donor approval to evaluate environmental and climate change risks using Environmental Screening Checklist, Provide programming recommendations to mitigate identified risks and improve PFRU’s approach to environmental sustainability in projects.
• For projects assessed with a high risk of negative impact on the environment and climate change, conduct an Environmental Assessment and develop an Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan in coordination with the project team.
• Undertake field environmental risk monitoring visits to review and assess high risk project compliance with the Mitigation Plan.
• Provide advisory support to PFRU renovation and construction activities to ensure they are fully compliant with all Ukrainian environmental regulations as well as FCDO environment policies and expectations
• Identify relevant environment and climate change legislation and policy that will impact the design and implementation of PFRU projects
• Provide more detailed technical input to any projects that are designed to deliver direct impact on climate change mitigation, such as potential renewable energy projects that may be identified by the technical team.
• When requested, develop trainings and provide capacity building for PFRU staff on the programme’s environmental policies and procedures, and how to incorporate environmental and climate change considerations throughout project design
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Project Implementation Director to achieve the programme’s goals and objectives

Qualifications: 

The Environment and Climate Change Advisor will have the following qualifications and experience requirements: 

• Minimum bachelor degree in related environmental or climate field, ideally a postgraduate degree in related field.
• Demonstrated experience in climate change, environmental science and sustainability research and implementation of relevant projects and other technically relevant work experience.  
• An understanding of the dynamics of full-scale invasion and war dynamics in Ukraine and how it relates to the environment
• Experience working in international organisations or on donor-funded programmes preferred
• Experience in developing environmental mitigation plans for renovation and construction work preferred 
• Demonstrated ability in working independently and as part of a team both in-person and remotely
• Strong organisational and work prioritisation skills. 
• Fluent in Ukrainian and English

Duration of Assignment:

20 working days, with a potential to extend upon successful performance to provide ongoing support for up to 10-15 working days a month.

Location of Assignment:

The Environment and Climate Change Advisor can work remotely, but will be expected to travel to PFRU’s office in Kyiv as well as project activity areas, including potentially to war-affected areas of Ukraine. The Consultant will be required to follow Chemonics security protocols during any business travel.

Supervision of Consultant:

The Environment and Climate Change Advisor will report to the PFRU Project Implementation Director, and coordinate with other members of the PFRU team as required.

Application Details 

Apply using the following link by October 2nd. For roles requiring English language skills, English language CVs are preferred (but not required). Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. No telephone inquiries, please. Chemonics will contact finalists.

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/a44f8791237c4df2a2c0d3d2ad86b2ca