Consultant - Environmental Sustainability and Management and Climate Action Review

ChildFund Australia seeks a Consultant for Environmental Sustainability and Management and Climate Action Review to enhance its environmental practices. The role involves assessing existing policies, ensuring compliance with DFAT standards, and informing future strategic planning. ChildFund Australia, an international development organization, aims to improve environmental outcomes in its operations and programs across various countries. The position is based in Surry Hills, NSW, Australia.
Terms of Reference for

Environmental Sustainability and Management and Climate Action Review

1. Organisational
context

ChildFund Australia is an independent international development organisation that works to reduce poverty for children in developing communities. We partner to create community and systems change which enables children and young people in vulnerable situations, to assert and realise their rights. At ChildFund Australia, we want every child and young person to be able to say: “I am safe. I am educated. I contribute. I have a future.” At ChildFund Australia we directly manage and implement programs with a range of local partners in Cambodia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, Vietnam, and other countries in the Pacific. We also manage projects delivered by partner organisations throughout Asia, Africa, and the Americas. ChildFund Australia is a member of the ChildFund Alliance – a global network of 11 organisations which assists almost 36 million children and their families in 70 countries. ChildFund Australia is a registered charity, a member of the Australian Council for International Development, and fully accredited by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade which manages the Australian Government’s overseas aid program.

2. Background

ChildFund Australia is committed to embedding environmental sustainability and climate action across its organisational operations and development programs. Recognising the urgent, global need for responsible environmental management, ChildFund aims to ensure its policies and practices align with international best practices and contribute to improved environmental outcomes.

To ensure ongoing alignment with emerging practice and in compliance with standards set by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), ChildFund Australia is undertaking a comprehensive review of its environmental management practices at both the organisational and programmatic levels.

This review will assess compliance with the following DFAT accreditation standards:
• A1.6 – Demonstrating an organisational commitment to environmental sustainability, climate action, and improved environmental outcomes.
• B2.3 – Integrating environmental sustainability, climate action, and improved environmental outcomes into program design and implementation.
B2.5 – Conducting periodic reviews of environmental sustainability policies and practices to ensure continuous improvement.
• The review also coincides with the development of the next ChildFund Australia Strategic Plan, and findings will inform how we prioritise and address climate action and environmental protection in this next phase.

3. Purpose

The primary objective of this review is to assess, strengthen, and enhance ChildFund Australia’s

approach to environmental sustainability and climate action. Specifically, this assessment aims to:
• Evaluate the effectiveness of ChildFund Australia’s existing environmental and climate change policies, strategies, and practices.
• Assess the implementation of environmental and climate change policies and procedures across organisational and programmatic operations.
• Identify gaps and areas for improvement to enhance environmental sustainability and climate action efforts.
• Analyse the impact of environmental sustainability and climate action measures within ChildFund’s development programs.
• Provide actionable recommendations to strengthen environmental sustainability and climate action integration at all levels, with consideration for strategic entry points for climate action within ChildFund’s core programming and advocacy.

The findings will inform strategic improvements, ensuring that ChildFund Australia continues to uphold sector standards, enhance environmental performance, and drive positive environmental outcomes into the next phase of organisational strategy.

4. Scope of the Review

This review will encompass three key areas:
1. Organisational Environmental and Climate Action Practices

o Assessment of ChildFund Australia’s environmental and climate change policies, strategies, and leadership commitment.

o Evaluation of workplace culture, operational sustainability initiatives, and internal capacity for climate action.

2. Programmatic Environmental and Climate Change Integration

o Review of how environmental sustainability and climate action are embedded in

ChildFund’s development programs.

o Examination of program design, implementation, monitoring, and reporting mechanisms.

o Analysis of how ChildFund collaborates with local communities, government bodies, and other organisations on climate and sustainability initiatives, including advocacy activities.

5. Methodology

The consultant is expected to adopt a comprehensive, mixed-methods approach, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative analysis to ensure a robust assessment. Proposed methodologies include:
• Desk review of organisational policies, reports, program documents, and relevant external frameworks.
• Key informant interviews with ChildFund staff, leadership, implementing partners, and relevant external stakeholders.
• Focus group discussions with program teams and community representatives to assess environmental integration at the field level.
• Surveys or participatory assessments to capture perspectives from a broader range of stakeholders.
• Case studies of best practices and areas requiring improvement within ChildFund programs.Comparative analysis of ChildFund Australia’s environmental sustainability approaches against similar organisations, sector standards and global good practice.

6. Deliverables and Indicative Timetable

Indicative
dates

Outputs
and
Activities

Number
of Days

Inception Report

Workplan and methodology

1

Data Collection

Interviews, document review, stakeholder consultations

5

Draft Report

Preliminary findings and recommendations

3

Validation Workshop

Presentation of key findings to ChildFund Australia

1

Final Report

Incorporating feedback, final recommendations

2

Total number of days (negotiable)

12 days

7. Management and Reporting Arrangement

The Consultant will report to Sarah Hunt, International Programs Director – Sustainable Grants & Program Effectiveness. All reports must be written in English and provided in an electronic format (Microsoft Word).
8. Confidentiality

All discussions, data and documents relating to this assignment will be treated as confidential and used solely for the purposes of this review.

9. Safeguarding

The Consultant must work in a manner consistent with the mission, vision and policies of ChildFund Australia. The Consultant must adhere to the Organisational Code of Conduct, Child Safeguarding Policy and PSEAH Policy. ChildFund Australia has a zero-tolerance policy to abuse, exploitation and harassment in all its forms. The selected consultant will be required to undergo relevant background checks (including criminal record and reference checks).

10. Counter-Terrorism and Anti-Money Laundering

ChildFund Australia acknowledges its obligation under the Australian laws relating to counter- terrorism and anti-money laundering. In order to meet its obligation, the consultant is obligated to provide information required for ChildFund to undertake counter terrorism screening before

engagement. The consultant’s name, date & place of birth and ID number will be checked against Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) consolidated list, National Security Australia list, World Banks listing and the Asian Development bank listing to ensure not engage with entities or individuals appearing on the lists.

11. Conflict of Interest

The Consultant must disclose any financial, personal, family (or close intimate relationship) interests that may affect the integrity of their work.

12. Fraud and Corruption Prevention and Awareness

ChildFund Australia has a zero-tolerance policy on fraud and corruption. The Consultant will be required to comply with ChildFund Australia’s Fraud and Corruption Prevention and Awareness Policy and act against any form of fraud or corruption and not offer, promise, give or accept any bribes.

13. Insurance

The Consultant must hold appropriate insurance coverage, including professional indemnity and travel insurance.

14. Acknowledgment and Disclaimer

ChildFund, its Board and staff make no express or implied representation or warranty as to the currency, reliability or completeness of the information contained in this ToR. Nothing in this ToR should be construed to give rise to any contractual obligations or rights, expressed or implied, by the issue of this ToR or the submission of Expression of Interest in response to it. No contract would be created until a formal written contract is executed between ChildFund and a selected consultant.

Selection Criteria for Consultant

ChildFund Australia seeks a Consultant with:
• Expertise in environmental sustainability and climate action assessments and policy evaluation.
• Experience in international development, particularly in environmental and climate action programming.
• Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills.
• Familiarity with DFAT accreditation and ACFID Code of Conduct requirements regarding the environment and climate change.
Excellent report writing and communication skills.
• Application Process

Interested consultants should submit an Expression of Interest including:
• A detailed CV.
• A proposal outlining their approach, methodology and timeline.
• A financial proposal including consultancy fees.
References from previous similar work.
• Deadline for Submission: 26 May, 2025

Submission to: Sarah Hunt - shunt@childfund.org.au