Terms of Reference – Consultant for Mapping of OPDs and other Organisations Constituting the UNFCCC Disability Caucus 

Background 

The European Disability Forum (EDF) seeks to engage a consultant to conduct a comprehensive mapping of the Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and other organisations that constitute the UNFCCC Disability Caucus. 

The Disability Caucus plays a critical role in ensuring that the rights and perspectives of persons with disabilities are represented within the processes of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Since its establishment, a growing number of organisations have endorsed the new Terms of Reference of the Disability Caucus and joined its network. However, to date, there has not been a consolidated overview of these organisations, their areas of work, geographic coverage, advocacy efforts, and specific contributions to climate policies, as well as other related policies, such as disaster risk reduction (DRR). 

This mapping will provide a structured understanding of the composition of the Disability Caucus, its members’ strengths, thematic and regional focus areas, and potential for collaboration and advocacy in climate action and disability-inclusive policies. 

Objective 

The objective of this consultancy is to produce a comprehensive mapping and analysis of all OPDs and organisations that have endorsed the Terms of Reference of the UNFCCC Disability Caucus and are part of the network.  

The consultant will identify who the members are, what they do, where they are located, and how they engage in climate policy, advocacy, and related areas such as disaster risk reduction, resilience building, sustainable development, NDCs, and other related policies. The consultant will also propose recommendations to strengthen collaboration, visibility, and advocacy impact of the Disability Caucus members. 

In addition, the consultant will prepare a communication plan to disseminate the mapping findings among EDF, Disability Caucus members, and other climate stakeholders. 

Scope of Work and Tasks 

Under the supervision of the EDF International Cooperation Manager, the consultant will carry out the following tasks:

Desk Research and Data Collection

• Collect and compile information on all OPDs and organisations that have endorsed the Terms of Reference of the UNFCCC Disability Caucus and are listed as members. 
• Review available public information (websites, reports, social media, and UNFCCC-related materials) on each organisation. 
• Develop and administer a short survey or questionnaire (if needed and time is available) to gather additional information directly from organisations. Bilateral or groups interviews are also a possibility. 
• Collect data on: 
• Organisational profile (name; type of organisation – OPD, NGO, research institution, network etc; location; contact details; accreditation or not as observers in the UNFCCC system); 
• Thematic areas of work (e.g., disability rights, climate justice, DRR, resilience, sustainable development, capacity-building); 
• Experience in inclusive climate, DRR initiatives and other related policies. 
• Examples of project, work, activities related to climate action; 
• Level and type of engagement with the UNFCCC process and national or regional climate policy (not engaged, starting to engage, engaged). 
• Other relevant advocacy activities, partnerships, and networks.

Drafting the Report

Produce a comprehensive report that includes: 

• Methodology and scope of the mapping; 
• Overview and analysis of the organisations that constitute the UNFCCC Disability Caucus; 
• Summary of their work, advocacy priorities, and networks, based on the criteria listed above;  
• Identification of strengths, synergies, and opportunities for collaboration; 
• Recommendations to strengthen coordination, visibility, and engagement of Caucus members; 
• Visual elements such as summary tables, graphs, pictures and maps (e.g., geographic distribution of members, thematic clusters, pictures if consented). 

Communication Plan

• Develop a concise communication plan to support dissemination of the report’s findings. 
• The plan should outline: 
• Target audiences (e.g., UNFCCC secretariat, governments, OPDs, civil society); 
• Proposed channels (EDF and partners’ websites, social media, internal networks); 
• Key messages and suggested visuals for communication materials. Visuals and all material should follow accessibility standards. They are crucial to disseminate the result of the mapping.  

Deliverables 

• Final report: “Mapping of Organisations and OPDs Constituting the UNFCCC Disability Caucus” 
• Communication plan with recommendations for dissemination and engagement 

Timeline 

The consultancy is expected to commence 1st December 2025 and finishes at the latest by 15th January 2026. 

Indicative timeline 

• Early December – Kick-off meeting and detailed work plan 
• December – Research, outreach to organisations, and first draft of the report 
• Mid-January – Submission of final report and communication plan, ready for publication 

Reporting and Supervision 

The consultant will report to the EDF International Cooperation Manager. 
All deliverables will be subject to at least two rounds of review and feedback. 

Required Profile 

• Proven expertise in mapping, organisational research and analysis, and presentation of results; 
• Demonstrated knowledge of climate policy, international processes (UNFCCC), and disability inclusion; 
• Familiarity with disability rights frameworks and OPD movements. 
• Strong analytical and research skills, including data collection and synthesis; 
• Excellent written and spoken English; knowledge of other UN languages is an asset.  

Application Process 

Interested candidates are invited to submit their application (CV, cover letter, and budget estimate with the number of days) by 15th November 2025, to recruitment@edf-feph.org. 
Please indicate “Consultant Application – Mapping of UNFCCC Disability Caucus Organisations” in the subject line.