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 subregional environmental cooperation, the organization focuses on critical issues such as air pollution, biodiversity conservation, marine protected areas, and sustainable development. The NEASPEC initiative aims to foster collaboration among member states to address environmental challenges and enhance regional cooperation. The organization has been actively involved in various projects since its inception, working with multiple stakeholders to achieve its mission of promoting sustainable environmental practices across the region.

Job Overview:
The position of Senior Consultant involves conducting comprehensive analytical studies that assess the interlinkages between agricultural practices, agrobiodiversity, and migratory bird conservation in North-East Asia. The consultant will be responsible for producing a detailed report that identifies practical and policy-oriented measures to promote bird-friendly and biodiversity-supportive agricultural systems. This role is crucial in contributing to ecosystem resilience and sustainable food production in the subregion. The consultant will develop policy recommendations, research guidance on bird-friendly practices, and provide analysis on implementing agricultural practices that benefit both birds and farmers. The report will also cover regional network development, local engagement, capacity building, and knowledge sharing, all aimed at enhancing conservation efforts for migratory bird species.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Consultant will undertake the following duties and responsibilities:

• Develop policy recommendations for integrating agrobiodiversity into agricultural subsidy policies, focusing on reforms that incentivize farmers to adopt bird-friendly practices.
• Create research guidance on Bird-Friendly Practices, identifying and refining agricultural approaches that benefit both birds and farmers, including crop selection and integrated pest management (IPM).
• Analyze on-the-ground agricultural practices, including crop and soil management, to assess their impact on migratory bird populations and habitats.
• Provide policy and technical recommendations for developing regional networks that enhance local engagement, capacity building, and knowledge sharing among stakeholders.
• Collaborate with ENEA member States and stakeholders to promote transboundary cooperation for nature conservation and biodiversity protection.
• Prepare a comprehensive analytical report in English, summarizing findings and recommendations, and submit it in electronic format by the project deadline.

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 working on 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, as it demonstrates the candidate's ability to navigate complex environmental issues and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should have a Master’s or doctoral degree in relevant fields such as agricultural sciences, ecology, environmental management, or socioeconomic analysis. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to conduct in-depth analyses and provide informed recommendations regarding agricultural practices and their impact on biodiversity and migratory birds.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in fields related to agrobiodiversity research, sustainable agriculture, or similar areas. Candidates should have a proven track record of working on projects that examine the relationship between agricultural practices and biodiversity conservation, particularly in relation to migratory species or ecosystem services. Experience with international or regional environmental cooperation frameworks is also highly desirable, as it indicates the candidate's ability to engage with various stakeholders and contribute to collaborative efforts in environmental conservation.

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 collaborate with stakeholders across the region. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if it facilitates communication with local communities or stakeholders in North-East Asia.

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

• This position is remote, allowing the consultant to work from any 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 is committed to ensuring a transparent and fair recruitment process, and it does not request any financial information from applicants.