Strategic Advisor

Result of Service - Senior religious leaders and faith-based organizations are contributing to the existing coalition of partners working on forests, climate, and the rights of indigenous peoples, globally and in program countries. - Convening of global partners to the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative results in coordinated and concerted faith-based calls to action around forests, climate and the rights of indigenous peoples - Through Interfaith Rainforest Initiative events, globally and in IRI program countries, faith-based action advances efforts to protect forests and the rights of indigenous peoples.

Work Location Home Based

Expected duration 3 Months

Duties and Responsibilities 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 Interfaith Rainforest Initiative (IRI) is an international, multi-faith alliance convened by UNEP that brings moral urgency and faith-based leadership to global efforts to halt and reverse tropical deforestation. It is a platform for all religious leaders and faith communities to work shoulder-to-shoulder with indigenous peoples, governments, civil society and business on actions that protect tropical forests and safeguard those that serve as their guardians.

Multi-religious cooperation is essential for halting and reversing tropical deforestation. The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative is making the protection of rainforests and the rights of indigenous peoples a shared moral concern and religious priority. The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative works both globally and in five program countries – Brazil, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Indonesia and Peru – which contain more than 70% of the world’s remaining tropical forests.

The initiative has three primary goals: (i) educate and raise awareness about the deforestation crisis and equip religious leaders with the science, educational tools, and training needed to serve as effective advocates for rainforest protection; (ii) mobilize faith-based action by connecting religious leaders with allies from across sectors to multiply their collective impact; and (iii) influence policy and advocate for governments and companies to adopt, fulfill and expand upon their commitments to protect rainforests and the rights of the indigenous peoples that serve as their guardians.

This position is home-based, under the supervision of the CMU/UN-REDD Global Team Leader. The consultant will perform the following tasks: - Provide lead facilitation for the Global Steering Committee, ensuring all IRI partners are bringing the best of their organizations to bear on the program. - Advise on fundraising and resource mobilization for IRI with governments, foundations and other prospective partners. - Contribute to global advocacy strategies and partner engagement to position IRI to input into relevant international policy forums and other high-level events on forests, climate change and the rights of indigenous peoples. - Lead outreach to key global stakeholders and organizations working on forests, climate change and indigenous peoples’ issues. - Engage and secure buy-in of appropriate UN Country Teams, as well as links to relevant partner agencies in country (including Norwegian multi-sectoral teams and efforts already happening on the ground) to ensure they are engaged in IRI. - Advise on a strategic vision and plan for an IRI global summit, including confirmation of high-level participants, policy entry points, partnerships and resources.

Qualifications/special skills A master’s degree in social or environmental sciences is required. - A minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in project management is required. - Experience working on forest, climate and the rights of indigenous peoples is required. - A minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in project management is required. - Experience working on forest, climate and the rights of indigenous peoples is required. - Experience working with faith-based organizations is desirable. - Experience working with various stakeholders in Brazil, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Indonesia, and Peru is desirable. - Experience working with international organizations is desirable.

Skills

• Strong, proven project management skills.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Ability to convene partners and facilitate consensus.

• Ability to coordinate a wide range of different outputs and partners.

  Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in spoken and written English is required. Knowledge of any other official UN languages would be an asset.

  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.