Consultant for UN-REDD 2026–2030 M&E Framework

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 has been at the forefront of environmental governance and advocacy, working with various stakeholders to address pressing environmental challenges. With a workforce of over 1,000 employees, UNEP operates in more than 100 countries, collaborating with governments, civil society, and the private sector to foster sustainable development and environmental protection. The UN-REDD Programme, a key initiative under UNEP, focuses on reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, enhancing forest carbon stocks, and aligning forest action with global climate goals. It has over 15 years of operational experience and is entering a new strategic phase for 2026–2030, emphasizing the need for a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress and impact.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position aims to finalize and operationalize the UN-REDD 2026–2030 Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework, which is crucial for guiding program implementation and reporting. The consultant will provide senior technical leadership to ensure that the framework effectively captures the contributions of various stakeholders, including governments, the private sector, and civil society, towards achieving global forest and climate targets. The role involves reviewing and refining the draft M&E Framework, integrating feedback from key stakeholders, and aligning the framework with global agreements and donor priorities. The consultant will also conduct high-level interviews and consultations to gather insights on outcome-level monitoring, undertake analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">technical analysis, and develop a final set of outcome indicators that are actionable and relevant for the upcoming strategic phase.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key tasks, including:

• Reviewing the outcome-level section of the draft M&E Framework and incorporating feedback from donors, partners, and forest countries.
• Identifying refinements to ensure clarity between outcome- and output-level indicators.
• Providing expert advice on positioning the M&E Framework within the global monitoring landscape.
• Identifying opportunities to strengthen synergies with global initiatives and enhance UN-REDD’s role.
• Designing and implementing a series of high-level interviews and consultations to capture stakeholder priorities.
• Conducting technical analysis and developing a draft set of outcome indicators based on consultation inputs.
• Facilitating consultations with stakeholders to validate proposed indicators and framework design.
• Producing the final draft of the UN-REDD 2026–2030 M&E Framework, incorporating validated indicators and implementation modalities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced-level university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental science, forestry, natural resources management, climate change, international relations, or related fields. Additionally, a minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in developing strategies, proposals, action plans, or program reviews for international organizations or development agencies is required. Candidates should have extensive knowledge of forest and climate issues, particularly the role of the UN-REDD Programme within the broader ecosystem of climate and forest-related organizations. Proven expertise in conducting stakeholder consultations and facilitating multi-stakeholder processes is desirable, along with strong analytical skills and the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable recommendations.

Educational Background:
An advanced-level university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as environmental science, forestry, natural resources management, climate change, or international relations is required for this consultancy position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of the complexities involved in environmental governance and climate action.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible working experience in developing strategies, proposals, action plans, or program reviews for international organizations or development agencies. This extensive experience is crucial for understanding the intricacies of international environmental frameworks and the operational dynamics of the UN-REDD Programme. Candidates should also have a strong background in forest and climate issues, demonstrating their ability to navigate the complexities of stakeholder engagement and multi-stakeholder processes.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this consulting position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in French is also beneficial, as it is another working language of the UN. This bilingual capability can enhance communication and collaboration with a broader range of stakeholders involved in the UN-REDD Programme.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based and expected to last for a duration of 3 months. The position does not involve any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants for applications, interviews, or training. Additionally, the UN does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts, ensuring a transparent and ethical recruitment process.