Result of ServiceThe Capacity Building and Innovation consultant will provide technical support to the Unit in the implementation of the Secretariat’s capacity building, development and innovation programme. The Consultant will also support the revitalization of the Capacity-Building Marketplace (CBM), seeking to facilitate and strengthen the diffusion of innovative solutions to achieve the objectives of the Convention and a land-degradation neutral world. Work LocationBonn Expected duration6 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground Established in 1994, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management (SLM). The Convention aims to address the challenges of desertification, land degradation, and drought (DLDD) through international cooperation and partnerships, with a focus on sustainable development and improving living conditions in affected areas. Achieving Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) is one of the major goals of the UNCCD, consistent with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development under target 15.3. LDN is about ensuring that the amount of healthy and productive land resources remains stable or increases over time, compensating for land degradation by restoring and rehabilitating degraded lands. Article 19 of the Convention stipulates inter alia, “Parties recognize the significance of capacity building -- that is to say, institution building, training and development of relevant local and national capacities -- in efforts to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought. They shall promote, as appropriate, capacity- building.” Since the adoption of the Convention, Parties to the UNCCD have agreed on several decisions that focus on strengthening the ability of countries, particularly developing nations and affected areas, to implement sustainable land management practices and address the challenges of DLDD. Capacity Building is therefore an integral part of the effective implementation of the Convention at all levels (i.e. national, sub-regional, regional and global). Within the Secretariat, the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) unit functions as the hub to facilitate and realize the capacity building and innovation initiatives across the Convention. The STI unit also serves the two subsidiary bodies of the Convention, namely the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the (CRIC), and the Committee on Science and Technology (CST) as well as its Science-Policy Interface (SPI). The unit supports the national reporting to track the progress countries are making towards the implementation of the Convention. The STI unit links scientific knowledge with implementation, planning and policy development, with the aim to ensure that findings and opportunities produced by science are effectively channeled to benefit field activities to implement the UNCCD. Duties and responsibilities Under the overall supervision of the Chief of the STI Unit, and direct supervision of the responsible programme officer, the consultant will: Support the unit in initiating the development of the key elements of a capacity-building strategy, in line with decision 2/COP.16; Develop a framework that will inform the future corporate agenda on innovation, as per the Board of Auditor’s recommendation, to fully benefit from the Convention’s interactions with the scientific community, the private sector and civil society, in line with decision 20/COP.16; Provide support towards developing a revitalization and modernization plan for the Capacity-building Marketplace (CBM), and initiate its implementation towards updating and enhancing the content and functionalities, among others, to better serve stakeholders, in line with decision 2/COP.16; Liaise with relevant UN agencies, learning institutions (e.g. universities, schools, and regional networks), and international organizations including the joint Capacity-Building Programme of the Rio Conventions, to strengthen and enhance strategic partnerships, and play advocacy role as needed; Support the unit’s involvement and contributions to relevant meetings and forums, as needed, including the work of Intergovernmental Working Group on a Future Strategic Framework (IWG-FSF), as established by decision 4/COP.16; Support the unit in its overall endeavours towards the preparation for the intersessional session of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC23), including those relevant for the national reporting process; Perform any other job-related activities required by the Chief of the Unit to achieve the goals and objectives of the unit and secretariat. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in environmental management, development studies, business administration, management, economics, law, social sciences or a related field is required. A first-level university degree or equivalent in combination with two (2) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in natural resource management, sustainable development management, programme management or related areas is required. Experience in leading or supervising the development of projects and/or programmes in developing countries in the context of capacity-building, preferably within the United Nations Common system or in international institutions is required. Experience in environmental management, with a focus on land degradation, desertification, and drought is desirable. Experience in intergovernmental processes, including the organization of multi-lateral conferences and negotiations is desirable. Proficiency in e-learning platforms (e.g., Moodle, Articulate) and digital collaboration tools. Strong analytical and technical writing skills. Ability to work independently and deliver outputs within agreed timelines. LanguagesFluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of one or more additional UN language is an asset. Additional InformationOnly 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. No FeeTHE 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.