Result of ServiceA high-quality technical discussion paper focused on the uptake of innovation and technology for land restoration and market potential. Strategic recommendations to inform future implementation and programming. Work LocationHome-based Expected duration15 May to 30 Sept. Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground: Desertification, climate change, and biodiversity loss are among the most pressing global challenges to sustainable development, as recognized during the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), established in 1994, is the only legally binding international agreement that connects the environment and development to sustainable land management. The Convention aims to support countries in addressing desertification, land degradation, and drought (DLDD). (www.unccd.int) The Global Mechanism (GM) of the UNCCD is tasked with supporting countries to mobilize financial and technical resources to combat DLDD. In line with this mandate, the GM works to support countries in developing project pipelines, investment frameworks, and enabling conditions for financing land restoration at scale, with an increasing focus on innovation, private sector engagement and market-based solutions. In light of the growing urgency to restore degraded lands and meet Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) targets, the Global Mechanism, with the support of the G20 Global Land Restoration Initiative, seeks the services of a consultant to prepare a technical discussion paper on the use and potential of new and emerging technologies for scaling up land restoration. The paper will analyze innovation trends, technology transfer mechanisms, and market potential, framed around current restoration needs and economic opportunities at the global and regional levels. Duties and Responsibilities: Under the overall guidance of the Managing Director of the Global Mechanism, the consultant’s duties will include but are not limited to: Conducting a landscape review of innovative and emerging technologies with potential to support and scale land restoration. Analyzing innovation ecosystems and technology transfer pathways. Identifying market potential and business models for restoration-related technologies. Developing strategic insights about the use of new technology and innovation in the scaling up of land restoration. Engaging with key partners and stakeholders (virtually) to validate findings. Providing recommendations for enhancing support for technology innovation and transfer. The consultant’s outputs should be accessible to both technical and non-technical audiences, notably potential donors, ensuring that key insights and recommendations are communicated in clear, concise and compelling language. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree in environmental science, engineering, innovation, economics, or related field is required. 8–10 years in applied research, technology innovation, or sustainability is required. Proven track record in preparing technical papers or strategic documents is required.. Familiarity with land restoration or sustainable development is an asset. LanguagesExcellent command of English (written and spoken) is required. 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. 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.