Work from Home AS A Research Consultant – Climate Action AND Digital Solutions AT UNHCR

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is seeking a highly qualified Research Consultant to support its Innovation Service in advancing digital and climate-focused solutions within humanitarian contexts. This role aims to bridge the gap between digital innovation and climate action, enhancing resilience for refugees, internally displaced, and stateless populations affected by climate-related challenges.

The selected consultant will lead a comprehensive desk-based study to explore how digital technologies can accelerate climate adaptation, strengthen resilience, and improve environmental sustainability in displacement settings. The outcome of this research will inform UNHCR’s strategic direction and operational programming, identifying actionable pathways for integrating technology into climate-related interventions.

Position Title: Research Consultant – Climate Action and Digital Solutions
Duty Station: Home-Based (Flexible within a compatible time zone)
Duration: Three-month consultancy (Approximately 60 working days, December 2025 – February 2026)
Organizational Unit: Innovation Service, UNHCR Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland

Key Responsibilities

The Research Consultant will design and execute a detailed research plan focusing on digital innovations that support climate action in humanitarian operations. Specific tasks will include:

• Research Design and Planning: Develop a robust methodology outlining data collection strategies, stakeholder engagement approaches, and analytical frameworks to assess the intersection of digital technologies and climate resilience.
• Landscape Mapping: Conduct a comprehensive review of existing and emerging digital solutions contributing to environmental sustainability and climate adaptation, with particular relevance to displacement and low-resource contexts.
• Barriers and Opportunities Analysis: Identify key challenges technical, financial, institutional, and ethical that hinder the implementation and scaling of digital climate solutions within humanitarian settings.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Consult with a diverse range of actors, including UNHCR country offices, refugee-led organizations, development agencies, private-sector innovators, and academic institutions to gather insights and case examples.
• Deliverables:
  • Inception Report: Detailing the research framework, scope, and work plan.
  • Landscape Analysis Report: Summarizing current initiatives, trends, and innovation gaps.
  • Strategic Recommendations: Outlining actionable steps for UNHCR and partners to enhance climate-digital integration.
  • Case Studies: Documenting real-world examples of digital innovations supporting climate resilience in humanitarian or low-resource settings.
  • Presentation Materials: Synthesizing findings into a professional presentation and executive summary for internal and external dissemination.

Throughout the consultancy, the researcher will work under the supervision of UNHCR’s Innovation Service, ensuring that all outputs align with the organization’s climate action strategy and global digital transformation agenda.

Qualifications and Experience

Education:

• A bachelor’s degree in development studies, climate change, environmental science, digital innovation, or a related discipline is required.
• A master’s degree or higher in a relevant field is strongly preferred.

Professional Experience:

• At least five years of progressive experience in research, policy analysis, or program development in the fields of climate action, digital transformation, or humanitarian innovation.
• Demonstrated expertise in conducting high-quality research, including data synthesis, stakeholder consultation, and preparation of analytical reports.
• Strong understanding of displacement, statelessness, and humanitarian operations.
• Experience working with or within international organizations, NGOs, or technology-focused initiatives is an asset.

Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent analytical, writing, and presentation skills with the ability to translate complex findings into clear, actionable insights.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for engaging a wide range of stakeholders.
• Familiarity with emerging digital technologies, innovation methodologies, and climate adaptation frameworks.
• Fluency in English is essential; proficiency in another UN language (especially French or Spanish) is desirable.

Why This Role Matters

This consultancy presents a unique opportunity to contribute to UNHCR’s mission of protecting people forced to flee by identifying innovative, technology-driven responses to climate change. As the impacts of climate crises intensify, displaced populations face heightened risks, including food insecurity, loss of livelihoods, and exposure to natural hazards. Through this research, UNHCR aims to better understand how digital tools—ranging from data analytics and remote sensing to mobile finance and early warning systems—can enhance resilience and adaptive capacity.

The consultant’s findings will shape future programmatic decisions, partnerships, and advocacy efforts at both global and field levels. This role is ideal for a professional passionate about leveraging digital innovation for sustainable humanitarian outcomes and advancing global climate resilience.

Application Deadline: 11 November 2025

Interested candidates with a strong research background, proven analytical expertise, and a commitment to humanitarian innovation are encouraged to apply for this position.

APPLY HERE