Consultant - Enhanced Capacity for Advocacy

1. Introduction

Climate justice advocacy and policy engagement is a key priority in the new Strategy of the Lutheran World Federation (2025 – 2031): “Address the climate emergency by advocating for climate justice and policy change and implementing sustainable practices within LWF member churches, country programs, the Communion Office, and communities we work with, while supporting those most affected by the impacts of climate change”.

LWF is committed to and in solidarity with the most vulnerable, forging new bi- and plurilateral alliances of the willing in international climate diplomacy. Climate change endangers not only some but all of us, our common security and our future well-being.

The LWF therefore advocates that climate multilateralism be resolutely defended against all hostilities and that its instruments, procedures and institutions be developed in such a way that the Paris Agreement can be successfully implemented.

The LWF also advocates that governments in countries where the LWF is active enter into new bilateral and plurilateral partnerships, including South-South partnerships in coalitions of the willing, to promote innovative climate action through financial partnerships, technology exchange and joint capacity development. LWF, as a civil society actor, also want to get involved in this.

The Action for Justice Unit is the advocacy hub of the LWF and accompanies member churches, World Service Country Programmes, and collaborates closely with ecumenical and faith-based organizations, civil society, as well as communities affected by climate change impacts. The LWF advocacy methodology is essential to accelerate actions needed to set up a pathway for a sustainable and resilient society and economy where we protect the environment as the foundation for all life.

Local to Global Action for Climate Justice Phase 2, is a global project in 21 countries that includes

Africa: Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Madagascar, South Africa, Ghana, Namibia.

Asia and Pacific: Philippines, Bangladesh, Nepal, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea. Latin America and the Caribbean: Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, El Salvador, Cuba, Honduras, Guatemala

The overarching project goal is to implement the goals of the Paris Agreement based on the principles of climate justice, peace, care of creation, the realization of human rights and the SDGs.

Target group for the project include churches, faith-based leaders, and faith-based organizations, their congregations, and the communities where they live and indirectly, local, District and National Government officials and policy makers. The project also targets and influences interfaith and civil society actors from local to global.

LWF member churches in 21 focus countries represent more than 36 million people according to the LWF 2023 membership figures1 and engage with many more in their diverse communities.

A particular focus is placed on youth, women and vulnerable people most impacted by climate change. The project aims for equal participation of women and men when possible and when not, at least will ensure 40% participation whether male or female.

Key stakeholders in civil society such as environmental and climate justice organizations are important allies and critical to reach and impact of the project, as are academia and the scientific community to ensure science-based actions are taken and evidence-based advocacy is employed for effective influencing and results.

Engaging with Conference of the Parties - COP /UNFCCC

During the LWF strategy period 2019-2024, more than 160 delegates, mostly youth, participated in COPs either in person or virtually. They were highly engaged in climate action, actively participating in online sessions and meetings, or following the negotiations in person.

LWF will invite former COP delegates to participate in strategic sessions to strengthen their capacity to follow, understand and engage nationally and globally in climate negotiations before and during COP30 in Baku, Brazil.

Detailed Terms of Reference are provided below with instructions and deadline for application.

2. Objective of the assignment

Support and enhance capacity for LWF advocacy during and after COP30

3. Working methodology

A high level of technical expertise in the matter is equally important as a participatory methodology, engaging, involving participants in an active way in the learning journey.

The assignment is coordinated by the Program Executive for Climate Justice, Elena Cedillo.

The methodology will be determined by the consultant in cooperation and under leadership of the Program Executive for Climate Justice.

4. Expected deliverables

The expected deliverables are the following:

- Facilitate a series of up to 4 participatory hybrid workshops to enhance participants capacity to engage with the climate negotiations, including role-play of the UNFCCC climate negotiations and sessions to enhance the capacity to analyse COP30 negotiation progress and processes.

The sessions could take place in a hybrid format preferably on

- Nov 14: Looking back on week 1 of the COP. What was achieved so far and preparing for week 2

- Nov 20: Looking back on week 2, with result scenarios, stocktake of COP30 expectations

- Nov 27: COP-Debriefing: Presentation, assessment and discussion of COP30 results

- December 2025 (date to be confirmed) Next steps what COP30 results imply for the LWF climate justice work program in 2026

- Provide guidance on a brochure that includes policy demands based on the technical themes for COP30 that serve as a handout in meetings with governments delegations.

- Support the preparation of meetings with policy makers and climate negotiators during COP

5. Qualifications and Experience of the consultant

- Proven experience in climate justice related work.

- Excellent writing skills in English. Ability to communicate in Spanish as some of the LWF youth initiatives are in LAC

- In depth understanding of climate risks management in the context of projects, climate proofing, and climate programming

- Experienced facilitator

- Partisan of inclusive participatory approaches when developing training materials.

Knowledge of LWF and the ACT Alliance members an advantage

6. Time frame and period of the assignment

The assignment will take place from November 1- December 30, 2025.

How to apply

Interested candidates who fulfil the above qualifications shall submit the following:

- A technical and financial offer according to the present terms of reference;

- The technical offer shall contain a summary presentation of the proposed approach and the suggested methodology to be used.

- The financial offer shall contain the costs for honorarium (including taxes) based on a daily rate as well as any other costs.

- CV(s) of all consultants involved.

Offers shall be submitted by email to: action.justice@lutheranworld.org under the subject: “Climate Justice” no later than Oct 24th 2025.