Consultant on Sea Level Rise and Human Rights

About the role

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) seeks a consultant to develop practical tools addressing the human‑rights implications of sea‑level rise. Working remotely from your home country, you will support OHCHR staff in delivering technical assistance and capacity‑building for adaptation measures, including planned relocations and the integration of Indigenous and local knowledge.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare a detailed workplan and timeline for the consultancy.
• Review and map existing OHCHR, UN and other relevant resources on sea‑level rise and human rights, identifying gaps.
• Produce a human‑rights‑based checklist for assessing laws, policies, plans and programmes related to sea‑level rise adaptation.
• Draft key messages and a concise briefing package (slides and talking points) for use by OHCHR staff.
• Conduct targeted consultations with UN agencies (e.g., UNDRR, WMO) and external partners, incorporating feedback into final deliverables.

Required profile

• Advanced knowledge of human‑rights law and climate‑change adaptation, especially sea‑level rise impacts.
• Experience working with UN bodies, governments or NGOs on policy or programme development.
• Proven ability to produce clear, user‑friendly guidance documents and briefing materials.
• Strong analytical and writing skills, with attention to Indigenous peoples’ rights and local knowledge systems.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to influence global human‑rights responses to climate change.
• Collaboration with leading UN experts and external stakeholders.
• Flexible remote work arrangement for the contract period (15 Sept 2024 – 31 Dec 2026).