Result of ServiceThe purpose of this consultancy is to provide support for the implementation of the Business 4 Land engagement strategy, with a focus on the Great Green Wall and other relevant flagship initiatives of the Global Mechanism and the second Phase of the LDN Target Setting. Work LocationHome-based Expected duration10 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground: The objective of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought in countries experiencing serious drought and/or desertification around the world, particularly in Africa, through effective action at all levels, supported by international cooperation and partnership arrangements with a view to contributing to the achievement of sustainable development in affected areas. The Global Mechanism (GM) assists countries in the mobilization of resources from the public and private sector for activities that prevent, control or reverse desertification, land degradation and drought. Business4Land (B4L) is the UNCCD’s main initiative to engage the private sector in sustainable land and water management. It helps companies and financial institutions manage risks and seize opportunities tied to land degradation and drought. B4L aims to restore 1.5 billion hectares of land by 2030, contributing to Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN), a global commitment to achieve net zero land degradation by 2030, as well as enhancing drought resilience. Currently, only 6% of identified LDN investments come from the private sector. To address this gap, the consultancy will play a pivotal role in supporting B4L to significantly increase private sector contributions to LDN. The consultancy will support B4L in scaling private sector contributions to Land Degradation Neutrality by aligning corporate sustainability frameworks with UNCCD goals, providing clear pathways to integrate land stewardship into core strategies. It will strengthen the policy environment by amplifying private sector voices in UNCCD processes and promoting incentives and financial mechanisms that unlock investment. On the ground, the consultancy will catalyze impactful public-private partnerships in flagship initiatives such as the Great Green Wall, leveraging private finance and innovation alongside public leadership. Finally, it will pilot joint target-setting and monitoring mechanisms, fostering collective accountability and scalable models for restoration and drought resilience. Duties and Responsibilities: The responsibilities of the consultancy are to: • Support private-sector engagement within the Great Green Wall (GGW), including through the provision of technical assistance and capacity building. • Manage relationships and coordinate activities with the B4L Expert Group on Corporate Standards to drive alignment with the UNCCD Strategic Framework. • Further develop and deliver on the B4L Global Business Consultations with the aim of generating a business declaration at COP17. • In collaboration with the Program Officer for Land Use and Climate Change, advance the alignment of SBTN Land Targets and the LDN target-setting program. • Support the planning, preparation and delivery of the Rangeland Investment Conference at COP17. • Support the planning and delivery of the Business4Land Forum at COP17. • Organize workshops, dialogues, and high-level events to facilitate partnerships between the private sector, governments, and financial institutions. • Support broader resource-mobilization efforts of the GM. Qualifications/special skills- Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) from a recognized university in a relevant field of work (e.g. finance/economics, politics, international relations and/or any relevant field directly related to UNCCD – climate, disaster risk, environment or international development) is required - At least one (1) year of relevant professional working experience in one or more of the following areas is required: sustainable development, public policy or project development communications, contribution management, resource mobilization, external relations, or other relevant areas is required. LanguagesExcellent command of English (written and spoken). Knowledge of other UN languages 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. For remote consultancies, the selected candidate will be required to have a laptop or desktop PC (with Windows 10 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 10 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 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.