[Hiring] Consultancy for Development of Local Adaptation Plans of Action (LAPAs) @International Rescue Committee

Role Description

The overall purpose of this consultancy is to lead the participatory development of two district-level Local Adaptation Plans of Action (LAPAs), one for Swat and one for Buner district that are evidence-based, community-owned, gender-responsive and ready for institutional adoption. The LAPAs will translate national and provincial climate commitments into actionable, district-level adaptation frameworks while integrating EbA principles, nature-based solutions and climate-resilient livelihood pathways.

The LAPAs will directly support the project’s overarching outcome: Communities adopt local adaptation action plans and have access to sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree in Climate Change, Environmental Sciences, Disaster Risk Reduction, Development Studies, Natural Resource Management, or related field
• 10 years of professional experience in climate resilience, EbA, climate risk assessment, or adaptation planning
• Proven track record in developing Local Adaptation Plans of Action (LAPAs) or equivalent district-level adaptation frameworks (at least 2 completed LAPAs required)
• 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)
• Excellent English report writing and Pashto/Urdu communication skills for community and government engagement

Requirements

• Conduct a comprehensive desk review and climate risk and vulnerability assessment for Swat and Buner
• Facilitate inclusive, participatory processes including KIIs, FGDs and multi-stakeholder workshops
• Integrate EbA principles, nature-based solutions and ecosystem service considerations into district adaptation planning frameworks
• Align LAPAs with Pakistan’s NAP, NDCs, SDGs, provincial climate action plans and district ADPs
• Identify actionable climate-resilient livelihood recommendations
• Support formal adoption of LAPAs by district authorities
• Ensure ESMS compliance throughout the assignment

Benefits

• Competitive consultancy fee
• Opportunity to contribute to climate resilience and sustainable ecosystems
• Engagement with diverse stakeholders and communities

Expected Deliverables

• Inception Report: methodology, analytical framework, data collection tools, sampling approach, workplan aligned with DIP
• Interim Progress Report: preliminary climate risk and vulnerability assessment; stakeholder mapping findings; emerging adaptation priorities
• Draft LAPA – Swat District (shared with IRC and Local Partner for review)
• Draft LAPA – Buner District (shared with IRC and Local Partner for review)
• Validation Workshop Facilitation (1 per district): facilitation plan, presentation, attendance records, summary of inputs received
• Final LAPA – Swat (incorporating validation feedback; print-ready and soft copy)
• Final LAPA – Buner (incorporating validation feedback; print-ready and soft copy)
• Policy Integration Support Note: guidance memo for IRC/Local Partner to facilitate LAPA embedding into ADP cycles and government notification
• Final Assignment Completion Report: summary of process, key lessons, and recommendations for LAPA implementation and upscaling

Submission Details

• Submission Deadline: 29 May 2026
• Submission Mode: [email protected]
• Queries: [email protected]
• Reference: “LAPA Consultant – IUCN-EbA Project – Swat & Buner”