Senior Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations ESCAP East and North-East Asia (ENEA) Office serves as the Secretariat of the North-East Asian Subregional Programme for Environmental Cooperation (NEASPEC). Established to promote environmental cooperation among member states in the region, the office focuses on critical issues such as air pollution, biodiversity conservation, marine protected areas, and sustainable urban development. The organization works collaboratively with various stakeholders to enhance regional cooperation and implement strategies that address environmental challenges. The NEASPEC initiative has been operational since 2007, with a commitment to fostering transboundary cooperation and enhancing the capacity of member states in environmental management.

Job Overview:
The position of Senior Consultant involves conducting comprehensive analytical studies that assess the interlinkages between agricultural practices, agrobiodiversity, and migratory bird conservation specifically in the North-East Asian subregion. The consultant is expected to produce a detailed report that not only identifies practical and policy-oriented measures to promote bird-friendly agricultural systems but also contributes to ecosystem resilience and sustainable food production. The role requires the development of policy recommendations aimed at integrating agrobiodiversity into agricultural subsidy policies, as well as providing research guidance on bird-friendly practices. The consultant will analyze on-the-ground agricultural practices and offer technical recommendations for regional network development, ensuring local engagement and knowledge sharing. The report must be submitted in English and will cover various topics related to agricultural practices and their impact on migratory bird populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Consultant will be responsible for a range of duties including: 1) Developing policy recommendations for mainstreaming agrobiodiversity into agricultural subsidy policies, focusing on reforms that incentivize farmers to adopt bird-friendly practices. 2) Creating research guidance on Bird-Friendly Practices, which includes identifying and refining agricultural approaches that benefit both birds and farmers, covering aspects from crop selection to integrated pest management (IPM). 3) Analyzing the implementation of agricultural practices on the ground, particularly in relation to crop and soil management. 4) Providing policy and technical recommendations for the development of regional networks that facilitate local engagement, capacity building, and knowledge sharing among stakeholders. The consultant will also be expected to identify best practices and policy options that promote biodiversity-supportive agricultural systems based on evidence and case studies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s or doctoral degree in agricultural sciences, ecology, environmental management, socioeconomic analysis, or a closely related field. Additionally, a minimum of 7 years of professional work experience in agrobiodiversity research, sustainable agriculture, or related areas is required. Direct experience with projects that explore the interaction between agricultural practices and biodiversity conservation, particularly concerning migratory species or ecosystem services, is highly desirable. Familiarity with international or regional environmental cooperation frameworks will be considered an advantage.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s or doctoral degree in relevant fields such as agricultural sciences, ecology, environmental management, or socioeconomic analysis. This advanced education is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to conduct the required analytical studies effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in fields related to agrobiodiversity research and sustainable agriculture. Candidates should have a proven track record of working on projects that involve the interaction between agricultural practices and biodiversity conservation, particularly with migratory species or ecosystem services. Experience with international or regional environmental cooperation frameworks is also highly desirable, as it will enhance the consultant's ability to navigate the complexities of environmental policy and practice in the region.

Languages:
A good command of spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. This proficiency is essential for the consultant to effectively communicate findings, recommendations, and reports to a diverse audience, including stakeholders and policymakers. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be beneficial but is not specified as mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the consultancy is from January 1, 2026, to January 31, 202

• The position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work location. 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. The organization also emphasizes that it does not require any information regarding applicants' bank accounts.