The International Trade Centre (ITC), a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, supports the internationalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises while driving sustainable development. Within its Trade and Environment Programme, the organisation is seeking an Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) Consultant to strengthen its institutional systems and prepare for potential accreditation to the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The consultancy runs from 1 January to 15 April 2026, with approximately 30 working days, and will be home-based. H3 Background ITC’s Green and Inclusive Value Chains (GIVC) section provides technical assistance and tools to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) improve their climate competitiveness. As ITC increases its strategic engagement with climate funds, the organisation aims to align more closely with global environmental and social standards. This consultancy contributes directly to ITC’s readiness for GCF accreditation, supporting climate resilience, inclusive sustainability, and low-carbon development through trade. H3 Objective of the Consultancy The consultant will lead the development of ITC’s Environmental and Social Safeguards Policy and Management System in alignment with: GCF ESS Standards and Gender Policy The Model Approach to Environmental and Social Standards in UN Programming Requirements and good practices from other accredited agencies (UNDP, FAO, UNIDO, etc.) The purpose is to ensure that ITC’s policies, procedures and operational tools meet international benchmarks and enable the organisation to manage environmental and social risks effectively. H3 Expected Outputs and Timelines Output 1 – By 31 January 2026 Inception report outlining methodology and work plan ESS gap analysis report with findings and recommendations Output 2 – By 31 March 2026 First draft of the ESS Policy and Management System Integration of internal feedback from ITC colleagues Output 3 – By 15 April 2026 Finalised ESS policies, operational procedures and implementation tools Training and orientation materials designed and delivered for ITC staff H3 Description of Duties and Responsibilities Under the supervision of the Head of the Trade for Sustainable Development Programme and overall guidance of the Director of the Division of Sustainable and Inclusive Trade, the consultant will perform the following: Review existing ITC policies and practices related to environment, gender, and social inclusion. Conduct a comprehensive gap analysis comparing ITC frameworks with: GCF ESS Standards GCF Gender Policy Requirements used by GCF-accredited organisations such as UNDP, FAO and UNIDO Develop a full Environmental and Social Safeguards Policy and Management System, including: Screening, assessment, monitoring and reporting procedures Implementation tools such as templates, checklists and guidance notes Prepare and deliver staff orientation or training to support institutional adoption of the new ESS framework. Ensure compliance with copyright requirements, including securing permissions for any third-party materials. H3 Work Location and Duration Location: Home-based Start Date: 1 January 2026 End Date: 15 April 2026 Duration: Approximately 30 working days H3 Qualifications and Experience Education Postgraduate degree (MA, MSc, MBA, PhD) in environmental studies, social sciences, development studies or related fields. Extensive relevant experience may substitute for formal academic requirements. Professional Experience Minimum 5 years of experience in environmental and social safeguards, ideally with: GCF GEF World Bank Other international organisations Experience working in trade, climate, or business-related technical assistance is highly desirable. Skills Strong command of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and online survey tools. Analytical and strategic thinking abilities. Capacity to work independently and navigate complex problem-solving. Ability to meet tight deadlines under pressure. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Strong presentation, diplomacy, and partnership-building skills. Ability to operate in multicultural environments with sensitivity and respect for diversity. H3 Languages Full professional fluency in English is required. H3 Additional Information The UN does not charge fees at any stage of the recruitment process. ITC is committed to diversity, gender equality, disability inclusion and nondiscrimination. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.