Writer Consultant for Developing Knowledge Management On Scap

**Job no**: 578449
**Contract type**: Consultant
**Duty Station**: Geneva
**Level**: Consultancy
**Location**: Switzerland
**Categories**: Communication

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

**For every child,**_Hope_**

**How can you make a difference?**

The overall aim of the contract is to support the ECARO Climate and Sustainability section and six Country Offices (COs) in the Western Balkans in building knowledge management and documenting the implementation of the Sustainability and Climate Change Action Plan in the Western Balkans.

**Scope of Work**:
The Western Balkans are facing a growing threat from climate change, particularly extreme weather events and pollution. According to the UNFCCC the Western Balkan region is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, highlighting the significant temperature increase in the past decades, the precipitation changes and the increased risks of floods and draughts. Children are disproportionately impacted by climate change due to their unique physiological and psychological development.

The Western Balkans have historically relied heavily on coal for electricity generation. The extensive use of coal contributes to greenhouse gases emissions but also significantly affecting air quality and children’s health[1]. The European Commission has launched initiatives to support a just transition in coal-dependent regions, including those in the Western Balkans. Documenting UNICEF's work and achievements in climate change education, green skills, and youth climate action is essential to highlight its added value in supporting the Just Transition process in the Western Balkans. Furthermore, as part of the UNFCCC non-annex countries, the governments from the Western Balkan territories are developing their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to adapt to the impacts and reduce greenhouse gases in line with the Paris Agreement. The upcoming submissions of the third round of NDCs in 2025 presents a critical opportunity for integrating mitigation and adaptation measures that protect and empower children. Documenting the progress of child-sensitive NDCs and UNICEF engagement is important to highlight UNICEF role in the climate sector.

UNICEF is implementing various programs to protect children from climate change impacts and empower them to take action. The UNICEF-Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (SwEPA) Partnership for Improved Air Quality in the Western Balkans is supporting national and local governments to improve air quality, mobilizing young people, and improving education systems, air quality data and governance to tackle levels of air pollution that are among the worst in Europe. The programme supports the harmonization of the EU acquis in the Western Balkan focusing on legislation on environment and education, and the implementation of the Western Balkans Green Agenda. This unique partnership not only aims to strengthen government capacities on air quality governance and data, but it also aims to inform, educate, and create spaces for young people to engage in advocacy and policy dialogue with key stakeholders, giving them a chance to influence policies, behavior change and social norms around air quality. UNICEF is strengthening formal education systems through curricula review, educational materials and teacher training; and mobilizing young people on this issue through youth-led community action, advocacy, internships and innovations. Beyond youth engagement and climate change education, UNICEF works to enhance social protection systems to safeguard children and families from climate risks, with notable example from Bosnia and Herzegovina. UNICEF has also engaged with the private sector to support the digital and green skills development. Documenting UNICEF work across various programs in the Western Balkans will support COs develop compelling narratives for their work and support building the knowledge management of the ECARO climate and sustainability section.

UNICEF is looking for someone with extensive experience in communication and private sector engagement to support the delivery of the following key deliverables of this consultancy work:

- To document progress on child sensitive NDCs in the Western Balkans and UNICEF contribution to the Just Transition
- To support private sector engagement on climate and environment in the Western Balkans
- To compile evidence and develop a compelling narrative for the climate change education and youth-led climate actions in the Western Balkans
- To support donor reporting for the UNICEF-SwEPA partnership programme

The consultant will work under the supervision of the UNICEF ECARO Adviser on Sust