Pacific Advisor on Climate and Health (Consultant)

IISD

3d • Remote

About The Position

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an independent think tank working to accelerate solutions for a stable climate, sustainable resource management, and fair economies. Its work inspires better decisions and sparks meaningful action to help people and the planet thrive. 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 to meaningfully engage with health in climate policy fora, including in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This follows growing political momentum to increase action on climate and health, including recent health initiatives at COP23, COP26, COP28 and recently COP30.
In response to requests from members, the Friends of Climate and Health Secretariat will focus on supporting governments to (1) build a community of countries that are actively engaged in dialogue on climate change and health; (2) foster the development of a common understanding among UNFCCC delegations of the role of health and wellbeing in the UN climate negotiations; and (3) serve as a platform for countries to informally discuss opportunities to integrate health within UNFCCC processes and advance action towards those opportunities.
The secretariat of the Friends of Climate and Health is run by a small but diverse team, composed of IISD staff and Policy Advisors (consultants) with deep knowledge of climate policy, multilateral environmental negotiations and the UNFCCC.

Requirements

• Currently work, 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 in the Pacific;
• Demonstrate fluency in understanding and speaking English and have recent experience in writing in English.
• Work well in small, highly collaborative groups, handle stress well, and show the highest respect for coworkers while completing meticulous, time-sensitive work
• Have the flexibility to travel to international meetings for periods of up to two weeks at a time.
• Demonstrate how freelance work with the IISD team will fit into other work or studies they may have.

Responsibilities

• Represent Pacific interests and priorities, including by nurturing relationships with country delegates and providing countries with technical support on climate change and health.
• Provide support and coordination to Pacific-SIDS negotiators on entry points for health in the UNFCCC.
• Work in partnership with the Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (CROP), facilitated by focal points from the Pacific Community (SPC).
• Provide technical support to the Pacific Political Climate Champions on issues related to health and climate change.
• Regularly communicate with the independent Secretariat of the Friends of Climate and Health and countries to share updates and foster the sharing of views.
• Participate in UNFCCC sessions, including SB64 in June 2026.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed