Consultant for Food Systems Integration

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda. Established in 1972, UNEP 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 organization operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable development. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it plays a crucial role in coordinating 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.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a pivotal role in enhancing UNEP’s capacity to support Parties in integrating food systems into biodiversity-related processes. This position is situated within the Food Systems Coordination Unit of the Biodiversity and Land Branch, Ecosystems Division. The consultant will be responsible for contributing to the availability of science-based knowledge products, policy guidance, and regional engagement activities that align food systems with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). The role involves identifying and promoting integrated action and monitoring across food, biodiversity, and climate agendas, ensuring that food systems approaches are effectively integrated into the implementation of the KMGBF.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include compiling a comprehensive compendium of global technical materials, tools, and guidance on food systems and biodiversity. They will produce case studies, best practices, and guidance notes to support the integration of food systems into National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), focusing on inter-ministerial collaboration and data-sharing. Additionally, the consultant will develop and disseminate guidance on nature-positive agriculture and engage with the private sector. They will design and deliver capacity-building modules and regional workshops/webinars in collaboration with FAO, UNDP, and other partners. The consultant will also prepare synthesis reports with recommendations for KMGBF implementation and the 7th national reports, create technical guidance on mapping shared targets, indicators, and data holders across biodiversity, food systems, climate, and SDG frameworks, and support the development and piloting of country-level methodologies for integrated data collection and reporting in selected countries.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in political science, environmental governance, natural sciences, or related areas. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Professional certification in data sciences and climate innovation is desirable. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in environmental conservation, environmental project management, and/or science-to-policy interface is required. Experience in developing project documents, engaging with the private sector, providing policy guidance, and creating science communication materials is also necessary. Proven technical expertise in sustainable food systems and Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEA) implementation, along with demonstrated experience managing projects across diverse environmental contexts and project partners, is essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as political science, environmental governance, or natural sciences. Candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered if they have additional qualifying experience. Professional certifications in data sciences and climate innovation are considered an asset.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in areas such as environmental conservation, environmental project management, and the science-to-policy interface. Candidates should have experience in developing project documents, engaging with the private sector, providing policy guidance, and creating science communication materials. Proven technical expertise in sustainable food systems and experience managing projects across diverse environmental contexts and project partners are also required.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable, which would enhance the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders and contribute to international collaboration.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of this consultancy is 12 months. The position is not specified as full-time or part-time, but it is understood that the consultant will be engaged for the duration of the project. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Additionally, the organization does not request information regarding applicants’ bank accounts.