Result of ServiceThe consultant will report directly to the Head of the Resident Coordinator’s Office and work closely with the UN Resident Coordinator and will be responsible for strengthening Mongolia’s resilience to dzud events and ensuring effective UN system coordination for UNCCD COP-17 in 2026, aligning humanitarian, climate, and disaster risk reduction (DRR) efforts for long-term impact focusing on; - Support the Government and the UN system to enhance dzud preparedness, early warning, anticipatory action, and coordinated response to protect vulnerable herders and rural communities; and, - Support the UN Resident Coordinator in leading UN system-wide coordination, planning, and technical preparations for Mongolia’s hosting of COP17, ensuring timely and coherent support to national counterparts, the UNCCD Secretariat, and partners. Regular interaction with UN agencies, the HCT, and COP17 Government Counterparts, and other key stakeholders is expected. Work LocationUlaanbaatar, Mongolia Expected duration12 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesMongolia faces increasingly frequent and severe dzud events, which significantly impact herder livelihoods and rural economies. As a landlocked and climate-vulnerable country with more than one-third of its population dependent on pastoralism, Mongolia experiences cyclical “dzud” disasters, harsh winter conditions characterized by extreme cold, deep snow, and ice crust that prevent livestock from grazing. Dzud events regularly lead to massive livestock mortality, loss of income, food insecurity, and rural distress migration. With climate change accelerating temperature variability and increasing the frequency of drought-to-dzud cycles, Mongolia’s exposure to climate-induced disasters continues to intensify., The 2025–2026 winter is expected to be harsh, with many provinces already identified as high-risk. The UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) leads inter-agency coordination for the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT). Lessons from the 2023/24 dzud response highlight the need for stronger preparedness measures and clearer coordination frameworks. Mongolia will host the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Conference of the Parties (COP17) in August 2026, one of the largest international events ever held in the country. This presents a key opportunity for Mongolia to demonstrate leadership on land degradation neutrality, climate resilience, and sustainable rangeland management. Successful preparation will require strong coordination across resident and non-resident UN agencies, supported by consolidated technical inputs, strategic positioning, and robust system-wide collaboration. The consultant will support UN Mongolia for dzud preparedness/response and UNCCD COP-17 coordination, ensuring coherence between humanitarian, climate, and resilience agendas. A. Dzud Preparedness and Response o Support the UN Resident Coordinator in coordinating and sustaining HCT engagement, ensuring timely information flow and decision-making. Deliverables: HCT Meeting Logistics/Agenda/Minutes Updated HCT Terms of Reference Finalized Dzud Contingency Plan o Conduct reviews of weather forecasts, dzud risk maps, and assessments; identify priority provinces and early action measures. Deliverables: Analytical Briefs coordination Updates. o Engage with NEMA, UNOCHA and other key stakeholders in preparing action plan and mobilizing resources for Dzud preparedness and response. Deliverables: Lead the preparation of concept notes and funding proposals Approved CERF allocation and/or other financial support Resource mobilization report B. COP17 Coordination: o Support the UN Resident Coordinator and UNCT in leading the UN COP17 Taskforce and coordinating inputs from resident and non-resident UN agencies. o Liaise with MECC, the national COP17 Preparatory Office, UNCCD Secretariat, and development partners to ensure coherent technical and operational support. o Coordinate the development of all UN system inputs required for COP17, including technical briefs, thematic papers, joint advocacy materials, side-event proposals, and speaking notes. o Lead consolidation of UN policy positions, ensuring alignment with UNCCD priorities, UNSDCF outcomes, and Mongolia’s national strategies on climate resilience, land restoration and sustainable rangeland management. o Support logistical and organizational preparations, including planning of UN-led events, exhibitions, communications materials, and UN presence throughout COP17. o Facilitate regular coordination meetings, prepare progress reports, and ensure timely submission of all preparatory documents. Deliverables: COP17 – UN Coordination Roadmap Comprehensive package of UN technical inputs for COP17 (technical notes, position papers, side-event proposals) Consolidated UN Messaging Package Monthly COP17 Progress Updates for the UN Resident Coordinator, the UNCT and the Development Partner Group C. Cross-cutting Coordination o Strengthen links between humanitarian, climate, DRR, and resilience workstreams. o Prepare communication materials and coordination updates for stakeholders. o Ensure synergies between dzud response planning and COP17 thematic work, particularly in areas such as land degradation neutrality, rangeland management, and climate-resilient livelihoods. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in international development, climate/environmental studies, DRR, public policy, or related field. Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience. Proven experience with UN Country Teams or inter-agency coordination. Experience in organizing or coordinating major international conferences or high-level events is a strong asset. Familiarity with Mongolia’s climate risks and disaster management is an advantage. Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills. Competencies: - Professionalism: Strong analytical and coordination abilities; ability to synthesize complex data into actionable recommendations. - Planning and Organizing: Ability to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines. - Communication: Excellent drafting and presentation skills. - Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with diverse partners and foster consensus. LanguagesFluency in English and Mongolian required to facilitate regular coordination meetings, prepare progress reports, and ensure timely submission of all preparatory documents for both international and local stakeholders and partners. Additional InformationNot available. 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.