Consultant for UN-REDD Programme

Job Posting Organization:
The UN-REDD Programme is a flagship partnership of the United Nations that includes the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Established to support nationally led REDD+ processes, the program promotes the involvement of all stakeholders, including Indigenous Peoples and forest-dependent communities, in the implementation of REDD+ initiatives. The UN-REDD Programme Secretariat, hosted by UNEP, plays a crucial role in supporting the governing bodies and overall operations of the Fund. The program is entering a new phase from 2026 to 2030, focusing on scaling up forest-based climate action and mobilizing significant resources to support forest countries in achieving transformative results by 203

• The organization operates in multiple countries, engaging with various stakeholders to enhance forest governance and climate finance dialogues.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a pivotal role in strengthening and diversifying the funding base for the UN-REDD Programme, advancing donor commitments, and strategically positioning the program in global forest and climate finance discussions. The consultant's contributions will lead to actionable donor intelligence, high-quality strategic materials, and effective governance processes that enhance the program's credibility and capacity to mobilize necessary resources. The consultant will work closely with the Head of the UN-REDD Secretariat and will be responsible for delivering expert-level services in resource mobilization, strategic engagement, internal coordination, and governance planning. This position is home-based and expected to last for four months, allowing for flexibility while ensuring that the consultant can effectively contribute to the program's objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Resource Mobilisation and Donor Engagement: The consultant will identify, analyze, and prioritize potential funding sources, including traditional donors, emerging economies, and philanthropic foundations. This involves conducting thorough research and developing strategies to engage these funding sources effectively.
• Strategic Engagement and Outreach: The consultant will design and implement the UN-REDD Secretariat’s strategic engagement plan for 2026, which includes mapping high-value events, decision points, and partnership opportunities throughout the year. This requires a proactive approach to networking and relationship-building with key stakeholders.
• Internal Coordination and Programme Management: The consultant will provide strategic and technical advice to enhance coordination within the UN-REDD interagency structure, including the Strategy Group and Management Group. This involves facilitating communication and collaboration among various agencies to ensure alignment with the program's goals.
• Governance and Strategic Planning: The consultant will offer technical inputs and advice on governance arrangements for the 2026–2030 period, including assessing the composition and efficiency of the Executive Board. This requires a deep understanding of governance processes and the ability to recommend improvements that enhance the program's effectiveness.

Required Qualifications:
The consultant must possess an advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in social, environmental, or political sciences, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. The role demands a minimum of ten years of relevant work experience in program management, donor relations, and strategic engagement within the context of international development, environmental issues, and climate change. Candidates should have a proven track record in developing and implementing resource mobilization strategies, conducting donor intelligence, and maintaining long-term relationships with various partners, including governments and multilateral/bilateral agencies. Experience in high-level coordination within inter-agency partnerships and preparing high-quality reports and presentations for senior leadership is also desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates are required to have an advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in social, environmental, political sciences, or a related field. In cases where candidates hold a first-level university degree, they must also have two additional years of qualifying experience to be considered for the position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate complex environmental and governance issues effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of relevant work experience in program management, donor relations, and strategic engagement, particularly in the context of international development and climate change. Candidates should have extensive experience in developing resource mobilization strategies and maintaining relationships with various stakeholders, including governments and international organizations. Proven experience in high-level coordination within inter-agency partnerships and preparing materials for senior leadership is also highly desirable, as it demonstrates the candidate's ability to operate effectively in complex multi-stakeholder environments.

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. Additionally, proficiency in French is beneficial, as it is also a 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 consulting position is home-based, providing flexibility for the consultant to work remotely. The expected duration of the contract is four months, allowing for a focused engagement on the program's strategic objectives. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants can apply without financial concerns. The organization is committed to transparency and integrity in its recruitment practices.