Overview
Consultancy to lead the participatory development of two district-level Local Adaptation Plans of Action (LAPAs) for Swat and Buner districts, ensuring they are evidence-based, community-owned, gender-responsive, and ready for institutional adoption.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct desk review and climate risk/vulnerability assessment.
- Facilitate inclusive, participatory processes (KIIs, FGDs, workshops).
- Integrate EbA principles, nature-based solutions, and ecosystem services.
- Align LAPAs with national and provincial climate commitments.
- Identify climate-resilient livelihood recommendations.
- Support formal adoption of LAPAs by district authorities.
- Ensure ESMS compliance and adherence to IRC’s environmental and social safeguard standards.
Required Experience
- Minimum 10 years of professional experience in climate resilience, EbA, climate risk assessment, or adaptation planning.
- Proven track record in developing at least 2 Local Adaptation Plans of Action (LAPAs) or equivalent district-level adaptation frameworks.
- Demonstrated experience working with district government departments, DDMAs, and multi-stakeholder coordination bodies in Pakistan.
- Strong command of Pakistan’s NAP, NDCs, KP Climate Change Policy, NCAP, Climate Prosperity Plan, Sendai Framework and SDGs.
- Understanding of ecosystem-based adaptation, nature-based solutions, and ecosystem service valuation.
- Experience conducting gender-responsive assessments and ensuring meaningful participation of women, youth, and marginalized groups.
- Proficiency in mixed-methods research (KIIs, FGDs, participatory tools, quantitative data analysis).
- Highly desirable: Prior LAPA development experience in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, specifically Swat or Buner districts. Familiarity with IRC, IUCN, or Global EbA Fund project frameworks. Experience integrating LAPA priorities into government Annual Development Plans (ADPs). Understanding of value chain development and livelihoods programming. Knowledge of green financing mechanisms, private sector co-investment models, and climate finance options. Experience applying ESMS / environmental and social safeguard standards.
Qualifications
Postgraduate degree in Climate Change, Environmental Sciences, Disaster Risk Reduction, Development Studies, Natural Resource Management, or related field.
