South Sudan National Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) Strategy Consultant

Result of Service 1) A comprehensive 5-month workplan outlining key steps, consultancy outputs/ deliverables and milestones, 2) In collaboration with MoEF and MAFS, organise and facilitate a national stakeholder consultative workshop, 3) Draft National LDN Strategy (LDN-NS) report submitted for review and that includes (but not limited to): i) an LDN National Action Programme (LDN-NAP), that also explores potential benefits of South Sudan membership and participation in The African Group on Earth Observations (AfriGEO: https: //earthobservations.org/afrigeo.php) and the GEO LDN Initiative (https://www.geo-ldn.org/background), ii) an LDN National Integrated Financing Strategy (LDN-NIFS) and iii) an LDN National Communication Strategy (LDN-NCS) for the Republic of South Sudan. 4) The final National LDN Strategy report, validated by national stakeholders and approved by MAFS.

Work Location Nairobi

Expected duration Five months

Duties and Responsibilities The United Nations Environment Programme is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The post is located in the UNEP Africa office. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Regional Sub- Programme Coordinator for Environment Under Review who is the designated Project Coordinator. The project's core objective is to strengthen systemic, institutional and individual capacities of MoEF (including other ministries, environmental sector agencies and their personnel) requisite to fulfill reporting obligations and ultimately guarantee efficacious implementation of the Rio Conventions, other priority Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), as well as relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Republic of South Sudan. The services of a consultant required to support MAFS develop an overarching South Sudan National LDN Strategy focusing on the following, among others: - an LDN National Action Programme (LDN-NAP), that also explores potential benefits of South Sudan membership and participation in The African Group on Earth Observations (AfriGEO: https: //earthobservations.org/afrigeo.php) and its related GEO LDN Initiative (https://www.geo-ldn. org/background), - an LDN National Integrated Financing Strategy (LDN-NIFS) and - an LDN National Communication Strategy (LDN-NCS) for the Republic of South Sudan To achieve the above the consultant will have to: a) Develop the consultancy detailed workplan for consideration by UNEP and the Environmental/ Legal Frameworks Working Group overseeing implementation of component 3 of the GEF6 CCCD project for South Sudan. b) Facilitate and prepare the report for a national stakeholder consultation and LDN-NS developmentinception workshop to be held in Juba, convened by MAFS supported by MoEF and the UNEP Africa Office. c) Conduct interviews, desk top research and literature review on natural resources management and sustainable land management national policies, strategies and legislations in South Sudan; and analyze existing gaps and synergies with the Rio Convention, other MEAs and related SDGs in South Sudan. d) Analyse and document policy gaps and opportunities for addressing Desertification/land degradation and drought (DLDD) issues, and implementing the LDN sustainable land management approach into South Sudan's existing national development plans, strategies, action plans; and mainstreaming/domesticating applicable LDN guidance provided by the UNCCD Conference of the Parties (COPs). e) Based on the analysis above as well as the National LDN target setting programme/ commitments report, develop a draft National LDN Strategy (LDN-NS) report for South Sudan. The LDN-NS should be aligned with relevant climate change, agriculture, food security, and DLDD related national plans, strategies and policies, as well as the UNCCD 2018–2030 Strategic Framework f) Facilitate and prepare a report for a national LDN-NS development validation workshop to be held in Juba, convened by MAFS supported by MoEF and the UNEP Africa Office. g) Prepare the Final National LDN Strategy (LDN-NS) report for South Sudan. The report should also include: i. an LDN National Action Programme (LDN-NAP), ii. an LDN National Integrated Financing Strategy (LDN-NIFS), and iii. an LDN National Communication Strategy (LDN-NCS).

Qualifications/special skills Skills: - Demonstrable knowledge of the Rio Conventions (particularly UNCCD and its supported LDN land use/ planning approach) as well as other emerging environmental issues and policies in the Africa region. - Familiarity with institutional, planning and regulatory structures in South Sudan and/or in the region. - Excellent communications skills. - Good computer skills Academic Qualifications: Advanced degree in natural resources management, environmental science/law/ sustainability, climate change, sustainable land use planning/ management, Agriculture and food security, or other related courses is required. A first level degree with an additional two years of experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Experience: - At least ten (10) years working experience related to environmental science and natural resource management disciplines is required. - Experiences involving targeted support provided to countries in the implementation of the UNCCCD Land Degradation Neutrality Target Setting Programme (LDN TSP) is desirable. - Substantial knowledge on project management and monitoring, including result-based management and result based budgeting is required. - Demonstrated knowledge in the effective facilitation of complex multi stakeholder processes is required. - Knowledge on the UNCCD or related Conventions. Must be conversant with application of the UNCCD 2018–2030 Strategic Framework at the national level is required. - Experience working with UNCCD stakeholders in the developing world and especially politically volatile countries like South Sudan will be an added advantage. - Demonstrated ability to work independently, handle multiple tasks, work under pressure and deliver assignments on time is required. Language: Fluency in oral and written English is required.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.