Support the implementation of CMS and UNCCD activities of common interest

Result of Service - Online CMS COP14 Preparatory meetings held for various regions;

• Joint work plan between the Secretariats of the UNCCD and CMS on activities promoting integrated approaches for the conservation of land resources and migratory species in accordance with the mandates of both Conventions;

• Draft projects and identification of funding opportunities promoting connectivity-based measures;

• Outreach materials, including GLO knowledge products and UNCCD policy briefs, on the importance of ecological connectivity and integrity, land governance and management and their contribution to improved livelihoods and sustainability, especially in the context of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

  Work Location Mostly remote

  Expected duration March 23 - March 24

  Duties and Responsibilities Under the overall supervision of the Fundraising and Partnerships Officer of the CMS Secretariat and in cooperation with the Policy Officer of the External Relations, Policy and Advocacy Unit at the UNCCD Secretariat, the consultant will assist with the implementation of the following tasks:

• Coordinate the organization of online regional meetings in preparation for the Fourteenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CMS (COP14, October 2023) and any follow up work as necessary in the run-up to COP;

• Support the Secretariat and the Fundraising and Partnerships Officer in the delivery of other necessary preparations of COP14;

• Promote opportunities to strengthen joint work to optimize integrated approaches for spatial land use planning, management and restoration and the conservation of migratory species and their habitats;

• Explore options for further promoting ecological connectivity and integrity in relevant fora and processes, and in national policies and processes;

• Help contribute to the implementation of the action plan of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration focusing on halting ecosystem degradation to reach land degradation neutrality and conserve at least 30 per cent of well-connected land and sea areas by 2030, aligning with UNCCD and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and CMS priorities.

• Provide support for and help coordinate Global Land Outlook (GLO) knowledge products, including a thematic report on rangelands and pastoralists and a regional report on Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

• Provide support and help coordinate UNCCD Policy Briefs, including those on Sand and Dust Storms, Food and Fertilizer Supply Chains, and the Loss and Damage Finance Facility, among others.

• Explore opportunities to implement connectivity-based measures, including those identified in the Working Paper on “Ecological connectivity: An essential component of ecosystem restoration”, through collaboration with key partners and funding sources e.g., the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and Global Mechanism (GM);

• Others as necessary.

  Qualifications/special skills Advanced university degree (MSc. or equivalent) in the field of environmental sciences or law. Experience related to CMS, UNCCD or other multilateral environmental agreements

  Languages Fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.

  Additional Information Demonstrated analytical, technical, organizational, communication (verbal and written) skills. Very good knowledge of Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and use of internet and research tool.

  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.