Consultant for TEEBAgriFood for Cacao in Mexico

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 and coordinates the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review 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 a compelling economic case for sustainable agriculture investments and policies. The consultant will engage with stakeholders to raise awareness about TEEBAgriFood and its potential impacts on food system planning, policy, and investment, particularly in the cacao value chains. The role involves identifying public and private sector entry points for mainstreaming sustainability and drafting a comprehensive project proposal for TEEBAgriFood in Mexico, focusing on cacao production and value chains.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's primary responsibilities will include:

• Consulting with national partners, including government, civil society, research, and the private sector, to identify threats and opportunities in cacao production and marketing.
• Reviewing the economic and policy context that influences decisions in the cacao sector.
• Identifying risks and opportunities posed by the EU Deforestation Free Rule on cacao production.
• Reviewing baseline studies on cacao production systems, value chains, agroecology, and ecosystem services.
• Determining demand for and gaps in scientific evidence and economic arguments for sustainable cacao value chains to inform a TEEBAgriFood assessment.
• Surveying potential donors or financing mechanisms for the TEEBAgriFood project.
• Drafting a problem statement and theory of change, including a logical framework for integrating TEEBAgriFood principles into Mexico's food system planning, investments, and policy.
• Proposing project activities, work packages, outputs, outcomes, and an associated timeline and budget for the project.

Required Qualifications:
An advanced university degree in Environmental Science, Social Science, Agricultural Science, Public Administration, Economics, Environmental Economics, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first university degree combined with two years of professional and academic qualifications may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of five years of professional working experience in project development or implementation in the fields of environment or food systems is required. Experience in stakeholder engagement at federal, state, and/or municipal levels is essential. Familiarity with Mexican environmental, forestry, and agricultural issues, as well as the agricultural policy, fiscal, and institutional framework, is desirable. An understanding of ecosystem services in the context of food systems would be an added advantage.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Environmental Science, Social Science, Agricultural Science, Public Administration, Economics, or Environmental Economics. A first university degree may be accepted if accompanied by sufficient professional experience and qualifications.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in project development or implementation, specifically in the fields of environment or food systems. Candidates should have experience in engaging stakeholders at various levels of government and an understanding of the complexities surrounding agricultural policies and practices in Mexico.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written Spanish and English is required for this position. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and expected to last for three months. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Additionally, the organization does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.