Background 

The European Disability Forum (EDF) seeks to engage a consultant to produce a series of concise policy briefs and communication materials exploring the intersection between disability and international climate policy. 

Persons with disabilities are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change and are often excluded from climate decision-making processes. Ensuring that international climate negotiations, frameworks, and mechanisms are disability-inclusive is essential for achieving both climate justice and human rights. 

We aim to strengthen advocacy for disability inclusion across major international climate frameworks, particularly within the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) processes and the Conference of the Parties (COPs). 

This consultancy will support our contribution to international climate advocacy by developing accessible and evidence-based materials on disability inclusion within five key policy areas of the UNFCCC negotiations: 

• Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) 
• Just Transition 
• Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) 
• Gender Action Plan (GAP) 
• The role and mechanisms of the UNFCCC 

Objective 

The objective of this consultancy is to conduct desk-based research and produce a short policy brief for each of the five policy areas listed above, along with concise communication materials (e.g. visuals/infographics or social media content) to support our advocacy work leading up to and following COP30. 

The outputs will: 

• Identify key entry points and advocacy targets for disability inclusion; 
• Provide clear, concrete and actionable recommendations; 

Scope of Work and Tasks 

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

Desk Research and Analysis 

• Conduct desk-based research on the intersection of disability and each of the five policy areas (NDCs, Just Transition, Global Goal on Adaptation, Gender Action Plan, and UNFCCC institutional mechanisms). 
• Identify relevant frameworks, decisions, and commitments related to these policy areas, and identify where the disability perspective is included or should be included.  
• Map out key advocacy targets, negotiation tracks, and stakeholder spaces relevant for engagement. 

Policy Briefs Development 

Draft five concise policy briefs (approx. 3 pages each) covering: 

• Basic definitions and context; 
• Current status, gaps and challenges for disability inclusion; 
• Key international advocacy entry points; 
• Recommendations. 

Communication Materials 

• Develop simple, accessible communication outputs to accompany the policy briefs (e.g. infographics, short key message summaries, or social media cards). 
• Ensure all materials align with EDF’s communication and accessibility standards. 

Deliverables 

• Five policy briefs (one for each policy area) 
• Communication materials (infographics with short key message summaries for each brief, to use in social media) 

Timeline 

The consultancy is expected to commence in 1st December 2025 and to conclude by 15th January 2026. 

Indicative timeline: 

• Early December – Kick-off meeting and research plan 
• December – Drafting and submission of policy briefs 
• Mid January – Delivery of final, revised briefs and communication materials 

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 climate policy, especially international climate negotiations, human rights and disability rights 
• Demonstrated knowledge of UNFCCC processes and related frameworks 
• Strong research, analytical, and policy-writing skills 
• Experience in developing advocacy or communication materials 
• Excellent command of English (written and spoken) 
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and work independently 

Application Process 

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