Research Consultant – Climate Action and Digital Solutions at UNHCR

Location: Home-based (working hours compatible with GMT+7 to GMT+1 time zones)
Duration: 1 December 2025 – 28 February 2026 (60 working days, possible extension)
Application Deadline: 11 November 2025
Type of Contract: Consultancy
Duty Station: Remote
Organization: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Innovation Service

Background

Digital technologies are transforming how communities respond to climate and environmental challenges. From early warning systems and environmental monitoring to renewable energy optimization, digital tools are redefining how data and innovation can improve lives and promote sustainability.

In humanitarian and displacement settings, these technologies can be lifelines — providing access to vital information, supporting sustainable agriculture, and enabling informed responses to environmental risks. However, digitalization also poses challenges: increased resource consumption, electronic waste, and unequal access to digital tools among displaced populations.

As climate change increasingly intersects with displacement, understanding how digitally enabled climate solutions can strengthen resilience for refugees and stateless people has become a pressing need. Yet, this area remains underexplored. Limited digital infrastructure, low digital literacy, financing barriers, and restrictive regulations often prevent displaced populations from benefiting from digital innovation.

To address this gap, UNHCR’s Innovation Service is launching a short-term research consultancy to explore opportunities and barriers in this emerging field. The consultant will conduct a global scoping study to identify promising innovations, assess enabling conditions, and provide actionable recommendations for integrating digital climate action in displacement contexts.

Purpose and Scope of the Assignment

The Research Consultant will lead a three-month scoping study on Digitally Enabled Solutions for Environment and Climate Action in Displacement Settings. The study aims to:

  1. Map existing initiatives and opportunities in digital climate action relevant to refugees and stateless populations.
  2. Identify barriers preventing displaced people from accessing or leading such innovations.
  3. Highlight practical pathways to scale effective solutions that enhance climate resilience and adaptation.
  4. Generate evidence-based recommendations to inform UNHCR’s future strategy and partnerships.

This work will combine desk research, stakeholder consultations, and strategic analysis to produce an operationally relevant report and complementary communication materials.

Key Research Questions

The consultant’s analysis will be guided by several overarching questions, including:

  • How are digital solutions currently supporting climate adaptation and resilience for displaced and stateless people?
  • What factors — including access, financing, and regulatory barriers — limit their uptake and effectiveness?
  • How can UNHCR, in collaboration with local organizations and refugee-led groups, ensure these solutions are relevant, inclusive, and sustainable?
  • What enabling conditions are necessary to successfully develop, finance, and scale these solutions?

Main Responsibilities

  • Conduct comprehensive desk-based research and analysis on digital and climate innovation relevant to humanitarian and displacement contexts.
  • Identify key case studies that demonstrate how digital tools can support environmental resilience and adaptation among displaced populations.
  • Engage with UNHCR teams, refugee-led organizations, and other stakeholders to gather insights and validate findings.
  • Develop strategic recommendations outlining actionable steps for advancing digital climate solutions within UNHCR programming.
  • Collaborate closely with the UNHCR Innovation Service and contribute to communications outputs that present findings in accessible formats.

Expected Deliverables

  1. Inception Report – A detailed work plan outlining methodology, timeline, and stakeholder mapping.
  2. Draft Report – Including:
    • A comprehensive landscape analysis addressing key research questions.
    • Identification of barriers and enabling factors affecting uptake of digital climate solutions.
    • Three illustrative case studies of promising initiatives or technologies.
    • Strategic recommendations on stakeholder engagement, investment priorities, and advocacy.
  3. Final Report – Revised and finalized version of the main report based on feedback.
  4. Communication Materials – A summary report and presentation deck for dissemination in webinars, stakeholder engagements, and briefings.

Deliverables are expected to be completed over 60 working days within a maximum five-month period. Payments will be linked to completion of deliverables.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

  • A Bachelor’s degree (essential) or Master’s degree (preferred) in development studies, climate change, sustainable development, environmental policy, or a related field.

Professional Experience

  • Minimum five years of relevant experience in the humanitarian or development sector.
  • Proven expertise in climate resilience and adaptation, digital innovation, or technology for development.
  • Demonstrated experience leading research or evaluation projects in climate-tech, digital inclusion, or environmental sustainability.
  • Familiarity with quantitative and qualitative research methods, including participatory approaches and stakeholder consultations.
  • Strong analytical capacity to interpret complex data and communicate findings in accessible formats.
  • Previous experience working in displacement or humanitarian contexts is highly desirable.
  • Experience collaborating with UN agencies, NGOs, or international organizations is an asset.

Technical and Digital Skills

  • Awareness of current trends and risks in digital technology, particularly within humanitarian applications.
  • Ability to synthesize technical insights into strategic recommendations.
  • Competence in using digital collaboration tools and managing remote workflows across time zones.

Language Requirements

  • Fluency in English (written and spoken) required.
  • Knowledge of additional UN languages is an advantage.

Competencies

  • Strong writing, research, and analytical abilities with meticulous attention to detail.
  • Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
  • Ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines under limited supervision.
  • Collaborative mindset with sensitivity to diverse perspectives and contexts.
  • Flexibility to accommodate coordination across Asia-Pacific and European time zones.

Why This Role Matters

This consultancy provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of climate action and digital innovation in humanitarian response. By identifying practical ways to integrate technology into adaptation and resilience-building efforts, the research will directly inform UNHCR’s strategy and partnerships at the intersection of climate change, digital transformation, and forced displacement.

The consultant’s findings will contribute to a growing evidence base that supports inclusive, sustainable innovation — ensuring that displaced and stateless people are not left behind in the global transition to climate resilience.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application through the UNHCR recruitment portal (Job Requisition ID: JR2560983) by 11 November 2025. Applications must include:

  • An updated CV highlighting relevant experience.
  • A short cover letter outlining motivation and suitability for the consultancy.
  • Examples of prior research or publications, if available.

Start Date: 1 December 2025
Contract Duration: Approximately 60 days (with potential extension based on project needs)
Duty Station: Home-based

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