Consultant for Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture

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 a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The organization operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to environmental issues. UNEP's Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners to provide technical assistance and capacity development for the implementation of environmental policy, focusing on strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and those with economies in transition. The organization is committed to addressing the challenges posed by agriculture, which is a significant driver of ecosystem degradation and biodiversity loss, while also recognizing its essential role in providing food, employment, and cultural cohesion.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in providing technical advice to municipalities within the Alimenta Cidades initiative, focusing on the integration of Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture (UPA) into public policy. This position involves identifying successful policies and initiatives at various governmental levels and formulating actionable recommendations to enhance multilevel governance arrangements. The consultant will work closely with the TEEBAgriFood initiative, which aims to demonstrate the economic implications of agricultural practices on ecosystems and socio-economic well-being. The overall goal is to improve agrobiodiversity governance and agroecological practices for sustainable agri-food systems, particularly in urban and peri-urban contexts. The consultant will be expected to generate valuable data and tools to inform decision-making processes, ensuring that the benefits of biodiverse UPA are recognized and integrated into policy frameworks.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include coordinating and implementing the subnational mainstreaming strategy for the TEEBAgriFood Brazil project, assessing key institutions and actors involved in food systems, and developing recommendations for policy integration. They will collaborate with the TEEBAgriFood Brazil team and national research partners to gather project data and support the translation of findings into evidence-based policy recommendations. The consultant will also adapt technical outputs into accessible language for communication purposes, plan and organize events and workshops, and engage in feedback meetings with ministries. Additionally, they will coordinate policy dialogue processes on UPA, provide tailored technical assistance to municipalities and states, and assist in designing roadmaps for UPA policy implementation. The consultant will analyze relevant cross-sectoral policies and support municipalities in identifying funding sources for urban agriculture initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Masters or above) in Environmental Science, Social Science, Agricultural Science, Public Administration, Economics, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A minimum of two years of professional experience in program and project implementation in the field of food systems is required. Experience in stakeholder engagement at various governmental levels is desirable, along with an understanding of the Brazilian environmental and agricultural political context. The ability to translate technical and scientific evidence into actionable policy recommendations is essential, as is experience in coordination across municipal, state, or federal levels.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Masters or above) in a relevant field such as Environmental Science, Social Science, Agricultural Science, Public Administration, Economics, or Environmental Economics is required. A first-level university degree with additional qualifying experience may also be considered acceptable. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of environmental policies and food systems.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of professional working experience in program and project implementation specifically related to food systems. Candidates should have experience in stakeholder engagement at federal, state, or municipal levels, as well as a deep understanding of the Brazilian environmental and agricultural political context. Experience in translating technical assessments into policy recommendations is also necessary, along with a proven track record of coordinating across various governmental levels.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this position, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Additionally, fluency in Portuguese is required since the assignment will be carried out in Brazil. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and is expected to last for six months on a part-time basis. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not subjected to any financial obligations during their application or interview process. This role is part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing urban agriculture practices and policies, contributing to sustainable development goals.