Consultant for Food Systems Project

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 to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus and keeping the global environment under review. UNEP operates in over 100 countries and employs thousands of staff members, collaborating with various stakeholders to address pressing environmental issues.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for the Food Systems Project will play a crucial role in UNEP's efforts to enhance the environmental sustainability of food systems in Ghana. This position is designed to support the implementation of the environmental dimension of the Joint SDG Fund Food Systems Programme, which aims to address the triple planetary crisis while promoting socio-economic development. The consultant will be responsible for providing technical, analytical, and coordination support, ensuring that food-environment policy coherence is achieved and that biodiversity considerations are integrated into food systems planning. The role requires a deep understanding of sustainable development, environmental policy, and food systems, as well as the ability to engage with various stakeholders, including government agencies, UN entities, and local communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including: 1) Providing technical support to UNEP's implementation of the Joint SDG Fund Food Systems Programme in Ghana, focusing on food-environment policy coherence and nature-positive food systems. 2) Conducting comprehensive policy, institutional, and stakeholder analyses to develop technical reports, policy briefs, and knowledge products aimed at enhancing the environmental sustainability of food systems. 3) Supporting the establishment and operationalization of the National Food-Environment Policy Coherence Platform, which involves stakeholder engagement, consultations, and coordination with government, UN agencies, and partners. 4) Leading the development of the Food Systems-Biodiversity Alignment Toolbox and related guidance materials to facilitate the integration of biodiversity, climate, and environmental considerations into food systems planning. 5) Assisting in programme monitoring, reporting, capacity-building, and documentation of UNEP's contributions to the Joint SDG Fund Programme and the broader food systems agenda in Ghana.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in a field related to environmental science, food systems, conservation, natural resource management, engineering, project management, economics, or related fields. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Additionally, a minimum of 2 years of experience in sustainable development and environmental implementation programmes, projects, and activities, particularly those focused on ecosystem conservation and restoration, food systems, and environmental policy, is required. Experience working in an international organization is desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as environmental science, food systems, conservation, natural resource management, engineering, project management, or economics. Candidates with a first-level university degree and additional qualifying experience may also be considered. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of food systems and environmental sustainability.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in sustainable development and environmental implementation programmes, projects, and activities. This experience should particularly focus on ecosystem conservation and restoration, food systems, and environmental policy. Candidates with experience in international organizations will have an advantage, as they will be familiar with the dynamics of working within a global context and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UNEP and the UN system. Knowledge of French is considered desirable, as it may facilitate communication with stakeholders in Francophone regions and enhance the consultant's ability to engage with a broader audience.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of 6 months, and 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. This ensures that the recruitment process is fair and accessible to all qualified candidates.