Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA) Consultant

Location: Remote

Grade: Individual Consultant 5

Deadline: 31 May 2026

Job Description

INTRODUCTION TO GGGI

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is a treaty-based international, inter-governmental organization dedicated to supporting and promoting strong, inclusive and sustainable economic growth in developing countries and emerging economies. To learn more please visit about GGGI web page.

The UAE is one of the founding member countries of GGGI. Since 2012, GGGI has been supporting and collaborating with the UAE on its transition towards a green economy. Through the development of the National Green Growth Strategy, National Climate Change Plan, National Air Quality Strategy, and UAE’s Circular Economy Policy, among others, GGGI has had the opportunity to collaborate with the Government and other in-country stakeholders on numerous initiatives that aim to strengthen and accelerate the achievement of targets under SDGs, as well as various workstreams to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance the climate resilience of the UAE’s people, economy, and environment.

Currently, GGGI is supporting UAE for the development of its National Adaptation Plan (NAP), which will serve as a broad-ranging and strategic document outlining adaptation priorities and projects, including both short- and long-term measures, aligned with the country’s sustainable development needs as well as its national development planning frameworks and aspirations. Underpinned by the enhancement of climate science and its translation into accessible tools and measures that benefit all economic and social actors, the NAP process aims to balance scientific and evidence-based decision-making with broad participation from relevant stakeholders and beneficiaries.

As a key milestone in the NAP process, GGGI has delivered a National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Roadmap for the United Arab Emirates, which was successfully launched by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment during the COP28 under the UNFCCC. The roadmap sets out the vision, rationale, and delivery approach for the UAE’s NAP Development.

In 2026 GGGI will accelerate and complete the delivery of the NAP. This will be centered around a sector-led CRVA that builds on the 2019 vulnerability assessments and will focus on the agreed NAP priority sectors (to be confirmed during the inception phase).

Objectives of the assignment

Under the guidance of the Government of the UAE, the overall objective of this consultancy is to support the delivery of a Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA) that will serve as an analytical foundation for the NAP by identifying climate risks, assessing vulnerabilities, and informing evidence-based prioritization of adaptation actions across priority sectors and geographies. Specific objectives of this consultancy include:

Methodology Implementation Support: Support the Government of the UAE and GGGI to operationalize and apply an agreed high-level CRVA methodology for the NAP, ensuring it is feasible and fit-for-purpose for UAE decision-making.

Climate Data and Model Application: Apply available UAE datasets and relevant regional climate models (RCMs) to assess current and projected climate hazards, exposure and vulnerability across agreed priority sectors.

High-Level Sector Profiling: Produce high-level climate risk and vulnerability profiles for the NAP priority sectors, using a consistent data approach and common terminology aligned with UAE institutions.

Capacity and Usability: Document assumptions, limitations, and practical guidance so that UAE stakeholders can replicate and update the assessment over time using available national/regional data sources.

Recommendations for NAP Prioritization: Provide evidence-based recommendations and inputs to support prioritization of adaptation actions under the NAP process, based on the outputs of the high-level CRVA.

Deliverables and Payment schedule

The Consultant will report directly to Lilibeth Acosta and will be supported by GGGI’s UAE Country Office and its Headquarter staff.

The assignment will be implemented through a structured, stepwise approach, with deliverables defined for each step. The Consultant may recommend amendments to this scope in their proposal to ensure the most effective delivery of the assignment; however, any changes must remain fully aligned with the original scope and obligations that GGGI has committed to under its agreement with the Government of UAE.

The final deliverable of this consultancy is a CRVA report (50+ pages including annexes) for UAE validated by GGGI and Government of UAE, including a methodological note and guidance for Emirate-level extrapolations, and a prioritization methodology.

Step 1: Methodological Development and Data Collection

Activities (proposed for guidance, the consultant will be asked to present a brief methodological and inception note for validation by GGGI Staff)
Conduct a rapid data readiness and gap assessment of regional and UAE-available datasets (hazards, exposure, vulnerability, socio-economic and sector data), including metadata, quality, spatial/temporal coverage, and access constraints.
Identify and confirm the regional climate model outputs and scenarios to be used (as available to UAE institutions), and define how they will be applied (downscaling assumptions, time horizons, and key climate indices).
Define the assessment scope (priority sectors and geographies) and an implementation workplan aligned with the NAP timeline, including validation points and stakeholder touchpoints.
Taking into consideration the approach developed by GGGI, prepare and submit a concise inception note documenting the datasets/models to be used, processing steps, and draft outline of outputs.
Deliver a half-day workshop presenting the recommended methodology for the CRVA, and presenting the approach for the prioritization.

Deliverable 1: Inception note, including (i) confirmed high-level CRVA approach and minimum analytical requirements, (ii) data readiness and gap assessment of UAE-available datasets, (iii) confirmation of regional climate model outputs/scenarios to be used, and (iv) an implementation workplan, timeline, validation plan and draft structure of the CRVA outputs [in agreement with GGGI] v) Design and host a workshop in the UAE together with UAE staff to validate the data approach.

Step 2: Sector data collection and analysis (Consultant); index-based CRVA development (GGGI)

Activities:

Compile, clean, and harmonize UAE-available datasets required to apply the agreed high-level CRVA methodology (hazards, exposure, sensitivity, adaptive capacity, socio-economic and sector data), documenting metadata, processing steps, and key assumptions.
Coordinate with relevant UAE stakeholders and data custodians (with support from GGGI) to request/confirm datasets, permissions, and any data-sharing constraints.
Apply the selected regional climate model outputs and scenarios to generate hazard characterizations (as relevant and feasible), and prepare sector-relevant hazard indicators aligned with the agreed time horizons and indices.
Prepare and deliver to GGGI a structured, quality-checked “data package” for each priority sector (datasets, code/scripts where applicable, processing logs, and summary tables) to enable GGGI staff to run and validate the index-based CRVA.
Develop draft high-level climate risk and vulnerability profiles for each priority sector using the agreed templates, and identify key cross-sectoral linkages, cascading risks, and compounding vulnerabilities for integration into the CRVA report.

Deliverable 2: Draft high-level CRVA sector profiles for the agreed NAP priority sectors, including a brief cross-sectoral analysis of interlinkages and cascading/compounding risks, and a documented summary of datasets and regional climate model outputs used.

Step 3: Compilation, stakeholder validation, and finalization support (Consultant) for the CRVA report (GGGI-led)

Activities:

Consolidate the sector data packages and analyses developed in Step 2 into a complete, well-documented set of inputs (datasets, indicators, and narratives) for GGGI staff to develop and run the index-based CRVA.
Support GGGI in preparing validation materials (slides, sector briefs, maps/figures as available) and organize validation workshops/consultations with key stakeholders to present findings and gather feedback.
Document stakeholder feedback, proposed resolutions, and any implications for data/method choices; support GGGI to agree revisions with the Government of the UAE.
Support incorporation of agreed feedback and finalize contributions to the CRVA report, ensuring consistency across sectors, traceability of data sources, and clear documentation of assumptions and limitations.

Deliverable 3: Final CRVA report package, incorporating validated findings and inputs from GGGI, the Government of the UAE, and other relevant stakeholders, including records of validation consultations and a consolidated set of documented datasets/assumptions supporting the final report.

Step 4: Project pipeline development and prioritisation support (Consultant, with GGGI/Government)

Translate key CRVA findings into NAP-relevant “priority risks/” and adaptation needs statements to inform pipeline discussions (e.g., priority hazards, vulnerable groups/areas, and sector-specific risk drivers).
Support GGGI and the Government of the UAE to design and run a structured pipeline development process, including compiling existing adaptation initiatives, policies, and concepts and organizing a pipeline workshop to generate/refresh project concept notes.
Develop and propose a practical project prioritisation methodology and criteria set (e.g., risk reduction potential, feasibility/implementability, co-benefits, alignment with national strategies, equity considerations, readiness, and potential for financing), for review and validation by GGGI/Government.
Apply the prioritisation methodology (in collaboration with GGGI and Government counterparts) to generate an initial ranked/clustered list of priority adaptation concepts and a short rationale for the ranking.
Provide early-stage project structuring support for a shortlist of concepts (e.g., problem statement, theory of change, indicative components/cost categories, implementation arrangements, and M&E indicators), without undertaking detailed feasibility studies or full project design.
Prepare a short methodological guidance note describing how to replicate/update the CRVA using UAE-available datasets and regional climate model outputs, including limitations and recommended update cycles.
Engage with GGGI, the Government of the UAE, and relevant experts to validate the integration and prioritisation approach and finalize recommendations for inclusion in the NAP process.

Deliverable 4: Integration and prioritisation support package, including: (i) translation of CRVA findings into NAP-relevant priority risks and vulnerabilities; (ii) an agreed project prioritisation methodology and criteria with a documented application to generate an initial ranked/clustered list of priority adaptation concepts; (iii) a shortlist of early-stage project concept notes/structuring inputs; and (iv) a short methodological guidance note on updating the CRVA.

Payment Schedule

Output / Deliverable	Description	Payment Due Date	Percentage	Amount
Deliverable 1	Inception note confirming the application of the agreed high‑level CRVA methodology, UAE data readiness and gaps, selected regional climate model outputs and scenarios, and a detailed implementation and validation workplan aligned with the NAP timeline.	20 June ‘26	10%	2,200.00
Deliverable 2	Draft high‑level CRVA sector profiles for the agreed NAP priority sectors, supported by structured, quality‑checked sector “data packages” (datasets, metadata, processing notes, and assumptions) and sector‑relevant hazard indicators derived from the selected regional climate model outputs/scenarios, including a brief cross‑sectoral analysis of interlinkages and cascading/compounding risks.	20 July ‘26	50%	11,000.00
Deliverable 3	Final CRVA report package validated by GGGI and the Government of the UAE, incorporating stakeholder consultation/validation records and a consolidated, documented set of datasets, indicators, assumptions and limitations supporting the final report.	20 August	20%	4,400.00
Deliverable 4	Integration and prioritisation support package, including: (i) translation of CRVA findings into NAP‑relevant priority risks, hotspots and vulnerabilities; (ii) an agreed project prioritisation methodology and criteria, with documented application to produce an initial ranked/clustered list of priority adaptation concepts (with rationale); (iii) early‑stage structuring inputs / concept notes for a shortlist of priority concepts (without detailed feasibility studies or full project design); and (iv) a short methodological guidance note on updating the CRVA using UAE‑available datasets and regional climate model outputs.	31 August	20%	4,400.00
Total			100%	22,000.00

Additional Information

The Consultant shall submit the Final Report which should reflect the outcome of all activities prepared by the consultant.

All relevant technical papers, reports, and other documents prepared from the start to the end of the assignment shall be shared with GGGI.

The Consultant shall submit the report in an electronic version readable by a Microsoft Office application, i.e., Microsoft Word.

All outputs must be in English.

Other Notes

Expected start date of the consultancy: 15 June 2026 at the latest.

All outputs must be in English unless otherwise agreed with Supervising Officer.

Unless otherwise agreed with the Supervising Officer, payment will be made on acceptance of timesheet and above deliverables.

All relevant technical papers, reports, and other documents prepared from the start to the end of the assignment shall be attached to the Final Report.

The Consultant shall submit the report in both hard copies and electronic versions readable by a Microsoft Office application. All outputs must be in English. In addition, the Consultant may be required to submit the outputs in other languages.

Expertise required

Postgraduate degree (Master’s or PhD) in climate science, environmental science, meteorology, climate risk, water/resources, or a closely related field.

Demonstrated experience (8-15years) supporting the development and implementation of Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessments (CRVAs) and/or adaptation planning in the EMEA region, with strong preference for GCC/MENA experience.

Technical experience applying regional climate model outputs and climate datasets in arid and hyper-arid contexts (e.g., temperature extremes, drought, flooding/flash flooding, sea level rise/coastal hazards), including interpretation of scenarios and uncertainty.

Experience working with government counterparts and translating climate science into decision-useful outputs (high-level risk profiles, briefs, and presentations) to inform adaptation prioritization.

Familiarity with UAE and/or GCC-relevant data landscapes and institutions (e.g., national meteorological, environmental, coastal, water, and statistics datasets) is a strong advantage.

Prior experience supporting National Adaptation Plan (NAP) processes and/or mainstreaming climate risk into sector planning is an advantage.

Excellent English written and oral communication skills.

The following competencies are required:

Sound communication skills are both written and spoken.

Experience in teamworking and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.

Administrative information

Interested consultants shall submit following documentations:  

Cover Letter and CV must be sent in English

A consortium, or a firm may not be engaged for the individual consultant assignment.

Date to close is Korean Standard Time (KST). Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered Application.

Child protection – GGGI is committed to child protection, irrespective of whether any specific area of work involves direct contact with children. GGGI’s Child Protection Policy is written in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.