Result of Service

To support the implementation and operationalization of the Rangelands Flagship Initiative, with a particular focus on project pipeline development, private sector engagement and resource mobilization.

Work Location

Home-based.

Expected duration

12 months, starting November 2026

Duties and Responsibilities

Background note: The Global Mechanism (GM) is an institution of the UNCCD, mandated to assist countries in the mobilization of financial resources from the public and private sector for activities that prevent, control or reverse desertification, land degradation and drought. As the operational arm of the convention, the GM supports countries to translate the Convention into action. The GM is currently spearheading several initiatives to implement its resource mobilization mandate by supporting countries in the development of a pipeline of projects and programmes for financing by donors and partners. We are also promoting multi-sector, multi-stakeholder approaches to facilitate the financing and implementation of projects contributing to synergies across the objectives of the three Rio Conventions. A number of important flagship initiatives have emerged globally that showcase the potential impact of large-scale efforts to conserve, sustainably manage and restore land. Global rangelands cover approximately 80 million km², over 54 percent of the world’s terrestrial surface, the largest land use type in the world. 78 percent of global rangelands are considered as Drylands, mainly in tropical and temperate latitudes and ranging from hyper-arid to sub-humid types according to their aridity index. Rangelands are highly diverse ecosystems encompassing grasslands, savannahs, shrublands, deserts and other landscapes. They support the livelihoods of approximately 2 billion people. They are also the main source of feed for a wide range of livestock production systems based on grazing, browsing and pasture management. In addition, rangelands play a critical role in biodiversity conservation, carbon storage, water regulation, food security and climate resilience, while supporting the livelihoods, cultural heritage and traditional knowledge of pastoralist communities. Rangeland degradation is a global threat that requires coordinated international efforts and context-specific solutions. The diversity and multifunctionality of rangelands, together with varying ecological conditions, land-use practices and production systems, present significant challenges for their sustainable management and restoration. Climate change, unsustainable land-use practices, increasing pressure on natural resources and competing land uses further exacerbate rangeland degradation. Addressing these challenges requires integrated approaches that combine sound scientific knowledge, sustainable land management practices, community participation, enabling policies and increased public and private investment. Recognizing the importance of rangelands, the UNCCD launched the Rangelands Flagship Initiative at the seventeenth session of the COP17, held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, in August 2026, during the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. The Initiative aims to promote the conservation, sustainable management and restoration of rangelands through enhanced international cooperation and increased public and private investment. The COP17 decision on rangelands and pastoralists requests the UNCCD Secretariat and the GM, within their respective mandates and subject to the availability of resources, to continue strengthening the scientific and technical knowledge base, developing rangeland projects and programmes, and promoting private sector engagement. In response, the GM seeks to accelerate the implementation of the Rangelands Flagship Initiative by developing a pipeline of investment-ready projects and programmes, strengthening strategic partnerships and facilitating resource mobilization. To support these efforts, the GM intends to engage a consultant to provide technical and strategic support for the implementation of the Rangelands Flagship Initiative, project development, and enhanced collaboration with private sector stakeholders and financing partners. Duties & Responsibilities: The consultant will work under the Global Mechanism and report directly to Programme Officer. Specific project or work area the consultant will contribute to; 1. Support the development and implementation of a strategic roadmap and action plan for the Rangelands Flagship Initiative, including priority activities, milestones and partnerships; 2. Support the inception and implementation of the UNCCD COP17 Legacy Project; 3. Identify and assess potential projects and programmes, building on existing initiatives and identifying opportunities for scaling up sustainable rangeland management, conservation and restoration; 4. Lead the development of investment-ready project and programme concept notes and funding proposals in close collaboration with country Parties and implementing partners; 5. Provide technical inputs to project design, including theories of change, results frameworks, financial sustainability and relevant cross-cutting considerations, and contribute to the development of practical guidance and good practices for sustainable rangeland management and restoration; 6. Identify opportunities for private sector investment and engagement, including through Business4Land, public-private partnerships and sustainable value chains, while promoting inclusive business models that benefit pastoralists and local communities; 7. Explore innovative financing mechanisms and business models, including blended finance, to support sustainable rangeland management and restoration; 8. Support resource mobilization by identifying potential financing partners, facilitating engagement with donors and financial institutions, and promoting investment opportunities for priority rangeland projects and programmes; 9. Support outreach activities on sustainable rangeland management at CRIC and other international events to promote the COP17 Legacy Project and strengthen partnerships.

Qualifications/special skills

Master’s degree in communications, international relations, political science or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. - Minimum seven years of work experience in communication, event coordination, public relations or related field is required. - Demonstrated experience in organizing events in United Nations settings, preferably Conference of Parties is required. - Demonstrated ability to work with diverse teams, including virtually is required. - Excellent planning, organization and teamwork skills are required.

Languages

-Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Working knowledge of other UN Official languages and Korean would be an asset.

Additional Information

Only individuals who can act as independent, individual economical operators are qualified to apply. Individuals who can provide their services only on account of an institution or enterprise are not eligible under this procedure. Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations Secretariat and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultant and individual contractor is responsible for determining tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. For remote consultancies, the selected candidate will be required to have a laptop or desktop PC (with Windows 11 or newer) or Mac (with the latest MacOS update), as well as a reliable, high-speed internet connection. An Office 365 license will be provided by the UNCCD to enable the candidate to access official emails, SharePoint, OneDrive and other office applications, such as Word and Excel. Further computer requirements: An antivirus application which receives regular updates; Browsers must be a newer version with regular updates enabled; Regular Windows 11 updates should be enabled with Windows laptop or PC. In addition, a mobile phone will be required to enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA) through SMS or the Authenticator App.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

International Consultant to support the implementation of the Rangelands Flagship Initiative