Organization: United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
Location: Remote (Worldwide)
Contract Duration: 6 months (28 February – 27 August 2026)
Application Deadline: 19 February 2026
Job Opening ID: 271868
Position Overview: United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
The United Nations is on the lookout for a qualified consultant to contribute to the Peace Forest Initiative (PFI). The main task of this consultancy involves creating a comprehensive report focused on fragility financing. This role plays a crucial part in supporting the UNCCD’s ongoing work programme and specific targets related to sustainable land management.
Organizational Context: United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
Founded in 1994, the UNCCD is the only legally binding international framework that connects environmental sustainability with developmental goals. Its overarching goal is to combat desertification and mitigate the impacts of drought while ensuring sustainable land management, thus supporting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Land degradation poses a serious threat intertwined with conflict and insecurity. The loss of productive land, forests, and biodiversity not only triggers instability but also undermines livelihoods, food and water security, and community resilience, often resulting in displacement and forced migration.
The Peace Forest Initiative (PFI), established during the fourteenth session of the Conference of the Parties in 2019, aims to address the complex relationships among land, peace, and security in fragile contexts. Focused on Land Degradation Neutrality as articulated in Sustainable Development Goal 15.3, the PFI operates across more than 35 countries including regions in Central Asia, East Africa, and Latin America.
This initiative fosters a collaborative platform for various stakeholders to design and execute ecosystem restoration and sustainable land management solutions aligned with both national and regional priorities. Despite the urgency surrounding climate-related security threats, fragile nations receive less than 10% of global climate finance, hampering their ability to implement effective land-based resilience solutions.
Purpose of the Consultancy: United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
The consultant will be responsible for preparing a thoroughly referenced scoping paper that will guide an impending policy brief on fragility financing. This assignment will facilitate global discussions about de-risking investments in fragile environments and is crucial for mobilizing resources aimed at enhancing climate security, land restoration, and peacebuilding initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Under the guidance of the Managing Director of the Global Mechanism, the consultant will:
- Develop a comprehensive scoping paper addressing fragility financing with an emphasis on de-risking investments related to climate security in fragile contexts.
- Conduct a systematic review of relevant published literature and academic sources to form a coherent analytical framework.
- Examine critical issues including climate security, land governance, and gender considerations.
- Analyze the connections between land degradation and conflict risks while identifying opportunities for crisis prevention and peacebuilding.
- Assess existing financing mechanisms and identify gaps that can be filled to foster natural resource management.
- Formulate actionable policy recommendations and clear narratives.
- Coordinate with external experts and support the preparation of related meetings and consultations.
Qualifications and Experience
To apply for this consultancy, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- An advanced degree (Master’s or equivalent) in fields such as natural resource management, environmental policy, or development economics.
- A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience at the intersection of environmental sustainability and peacebuilding.
- Strong research and analytical skills with familiarity in interdisciplinary methodologies.
- Experience in research and writing publications, particularly those aimed at policy communication.
- Proficiency in English; knowledge of another UN official language is a plus.
Contractual and Technical Conditions
This consultancy is intended for independent contractors only. Consultants do not acquire UN staff status and are responsible for their own tax obligations. For remote work, consultants must have a reliable computer, high-speed internet, and security software, as well as a mobile phone for multi-factor authentication. An Office 365 license will be provided for effective communication and collaboration.
Recruitment Policy
The United Nations has a strict policy against charging fees during the recruitment process. Candidates are not required to share banking information during application procedures.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not involved in the hiring process. For inquiries, please contact the respective organization directly, and avoid sending applications to GSO as they will not be processed. Due to high email volume, responses may be delayed. Thank you for your understanding.
Consultancy Opportunity in Fragility Financing and Climate Security
The World is facing critical challenges related to climate change, land degradation, and environmental security. As nations strive to address these issues, one significant opportunity has emerged: a consultancy role focused on fragility financing within the framework of a well-known international convention dedicated to combating desertification.
About the Organization
Founded in 1994, the organization responsible for this initiative is a legally binding entity that promotes sustainable land management worldwide. Its mission aligns with the ongoing efforts to reverse land degradation and mitigate the impacts of climate variability while supporting the Sustainable Development Goals.
Understanding Fragility Financing
Fragility financing addresses the financial gaps faced by countries in fragile and conflict-affected settings. As these nations grapple with environmental decline and instability, it becomes vital to identify and strengthen financing mechanisms. The consultancy opportunity aims to develop a comprehensive report to foster investment in climate security and sustainable land restoration.
The Role of the Consultant
Successful candidates will focus on creating a detailed scoping paper that informs policy briefs related to fragility financing. This analysis will include a systematic review of literature and will cover various topics such as land governance and emergency aid. By synthesizing findings, the consultant will help illuminate the links between land degradation and conflict, providing actionable recommendations for stakeholders.
Who Qualifies?
Ideal candidates will possess an advanced degree in fields such as environmental policy or natural resource management, backed by a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience. Strong research abilities and familiarity with international frameworks related to climate and peacebuilding will be critical for this role. Mastery of the English language, with additional language proficiency being beneficial, is also essential.
Working Conditions
This consultancy role offers a flexible work arrangement, allowing individuals to operate remotely. All consultants should have necessary technological tools, including a reliable computer and high-speed internet, to ensure effective collaboration. A comprehensive package of digital tools will be provided to facilitate communication and productivity throughout the consultancy period.
The Importance of the Initiative
Through this consultancy, individuals can contribute to meaningful dialogue on resilience and stability in fragile regions globally. By bridging the gap between environmental sustainability and financing, the initiative promises to make a significant impact on global climate and security discussions. Interested applicants are encouraged to explore this opportunity before the application deadline.
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