Consultant for Cacao Sector Analysis

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. Established in 1972, UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment, coordinating the development of environmental policy consensus and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP operates in over 100 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to environmental sustainability and policy development.

Job Overview:
The consultant will work within the Economics of Nature (TEN) Unit in the Ecosystems Division of UNEP to develop a project proposal for the implementation of The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity for Agriculture and Food (TEEBAgriFood). This initiative aims to apply True Cost Accounting principles to measure and value ecosystem services, natural capital, human capital, and social capital, thereby making the economic case for sustainable agriculture investments and policies. The consultant will be responsible for conducting a spatial assessment of cacao production and deforestation in Mexico, producing a baseline status report on agronomic, ecological, and economic aspects of cacao value chains, and summarizing the threats and opportunities for the cacao sector. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of the cacao sector's dynamics, including its environmental impacts and economic viability, to support the development of effective policies and investment strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties and responsibilities include:

• Conducting a thorough review of existing data and literature on cacao production and its environmental footprint, including ecosystem services in cacao systems.
• Analyzing the domestic and international cacao market to identify economic threats and opportunities.
• Summarizing the environmental, agronomic, and economic threats and opportunities facing the cacao sector at both national and farm levels.
• Utilizing GIS to map cacao production, agroforestry suitability, and deforestation trends.
• Identifying metrics for evaluating impacts and dependencies across the cacao value chain, guided by the TEEBAgriFood Framework.
• Determining gaps in scientific evidence that could inform decisions for ensuring the economic and environmental sustainability of the cacao sector.
• Assessing the risks and opportunities posed by the EU Deforestation Free Rule for the cacao sector.
• Contributing to a fundraising proposal for TEEBAgriFood Mexico, which will be developed through a separate UNEP consultancy.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Environmental Science, Agronomy, Environmental Economics, or a related field. Alternatively, a first university degree combined with two years of professional and academic qualifications may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, a minimum of seven years of professional working experience in ecosystem services modeling, forestry or agriculture modeling, or food systems assessment is required. A strong understanding of the biophysical and economic modeling of ecosystem services in the context of food systems is essential, along with a desired understanding of the political economy of agriculture in Mexico.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in Environmental Science, Agronomy, Environmental Economics, or a related field is required. A first university degree with a combination of two years of professional and academic qualifications may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree, indicating flexibility in educational requirements based on relevant experience.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of professional working experience in fields related to ecosystem services modeling, forestry or agriculture modeling, or food systems assessment. This extensive experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of the cacao sector and its interactions with environmental and economic factors.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written Spanish is required, along with proficiency in oral and written English. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. This multilingual requirement reflects the international nature of the work and the need for effective communication across diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and expected to last for three months. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. This policy underscores the organization's commitment to transparency and fairness in its hiring practices.