Consultancy to support LWF advocacy prior, during and after UNFCCC/COP31

**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 figures 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.

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 prior, during and after COP31.

**3. Expected deliverables**
The expected deliverables are the following:
Facilitate a series of up to 7 participatory hybrid workshops to enhance participants capacity to engage with the climate negotiations on the following topics:

1. Sep 25, 2-4pm CEST: Climate policy year 2026 and stocktake ahead of COP31
2. Sep 28, 2-4pm CEST: The agenda of COP 31, the strategy of the COP presidency, expectations and positioning of key players
3. Sep 30, 2-4pm CEST: Deep dive on Adaptation & Loss and damage, what we can expect from COP31 and LWF lobby priorities
4. Oct 5, 2-4pm CEST: Deep dive on Mitigation, NDC and Just Transition, what we can expect from COP31 and LWF lobby priorities
5. OCT 7, 2-4pm CET: Deep five on climate finances and NCQG. What we can expect from COP31 and LWF lobby priorities
6. Nov 13: Looking back on week 1 of the COP31. What was achieved so far and preparing for week 2
7. Nov 19: Looking back on week 2, with result scenarios, stocktake of COP31 expectations

Provide guidance on a brochure that includes policy demands based on the technical themes for COP31 that serve as a handout in meetings with governments delegations.

**4. Suggested time frame and period of the assignment**
The assignment will take place from Mid-September – November 20, 2026.

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

**6. Qualifications and Experience of the consultant(s)**

- Proven experience in climate justice related work.
- Excellent writing skills in English.
- 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.