Development of a Stakeholder-Oriented Handbook for Achieving Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) in the Central Asia Region

Result of ServiceA dynamic assessment of land degradation trends and drivers in the region is conducted to inform targeted interventions. A concise analytical study on LDN implementation in Central Asia and adjacent territories is delivered, focusing on regional specificities. The feasibility of adopting harmonized LDN assessment guidelines is assessed, aligning with global standards and regional practices. A concept for a science-based, interdisciplinary platform is developed to support data sharing and regional collaboration on DLDD issues. Recommendations for establishing LDN regional- and subregional-specific baselines are provided with a clear reference for progress monitoring. Additional and alternative national LDN indicators are proposed to be integrated into the decision support system in the countries of the Central Asian region to enhance data-driven decision-making. Key challenges and success stories in the region are identified, providing practical insights for future actions. Regional consultations and knowledge exchange activities are conducted to inform the study and platform development A Stakeholder-Oriented Handbook is developed, summarizing the main deliverables and offering practical guidance for stakeholders in the region to implement LDN strategies effectively. Recommendations for UNCCD LDN TSP 2.0 process are presented. Work LocationHome based Expected durationBetween 25 May and 30 November 2025 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. At the 14th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), held in New Delhi, India, in 2019, the Central Asian countries—the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan alongside the Russian Federation, announced the establishment of the Interregional Group \"Central Asia Russia\" (IRG). This initiative, presented by national delegations, aims to enhance cooperation in implementing the objectives and Strategy of the UNCCD for the 2018–2030 period. During the 21st session of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC21), convened on November 12, 2023, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, the IRG participants approved key documents governing the Group’s operational framework. These included regulations on the IRG’s procedures, the composition of its Bureau, and a detailed Roadmap outlining six priority areas for near-term collaboration. These priorities encompass: achieving land degradation neutrality (LDN); compiling a regional assessment of land resources; addressing sand and dust storm challenges; examining the nexus between migration, land degradation, and climate change; managing pastures; and tackling water scarcity and glacial water reserve issues across the Central Asian region. At the IRG Bureau meeting in Orenburg, Russia, on May 29, 2024, members reviewed the working group's report on land degradation neutrality (LDN). They recommended developing a project proposal to create methodological guidelines for calculating LDN indicators, adapted to the specific conditions of the countries of Central Asian region. The consultant will provide an assessment of the applicability and prospects of implementing the global methodology for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicator 15.3.1 – “Proportion of land that is degraded over total land area” – in the context of the countries of Central Asian region to be presented at UNCCD COP17. The study will also support the development of a standardized approach to LDN assessments at national and subnational level and interregional cooperation. The elaboration of the handbook responds to the Decision 7/COP.16 ‘Enhancing the implementation of the Convention and the 2018’2030 Strategic Framework of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification’ according to which the Parties request the UNCCD Executive Secretary to translate the land degradation neutrality concept and methodology, in consultation with the Conference of the Parties, as appropriate, into a concrete tool that is simple, concise and easily understandable by policymakers and the general public, and supports the development of transformative projects to address desertification, land degradation and drought. Duties and Responsibilities: Under the overall supervision of the Chief of the STI Unit and the direct supervision of the designated Programme Officer, the consultant will have the following duties and responsibilities: Develop an analytical study on the LDN concept implementation in Central Asia region and adjacent territories, focusing on regional specificities. Support the development of an interdisciplinary, science-based platform to enable data sharing, enhance analytical capacity, and provide evidence-based recommendations for targeted regional actions and interregional collaboration in addressing desertification, land degradation, and drought (DLDD) in Central Asia region. Assess the feasibility of adopting harmonized guidelines for LDN assessment at national and subnational level, informed by regional experience and consistent with global LDN standards. Assess the results of establishment and/or update of voluntary LDN targets (LDN TSP 1.0 and LDN TSP 2.0 initiatives) by countries in Central Asia, compile best practices and lessons learned. Provide recommendation for future development of LDN TSP in the countries. Facilitate consultations and knowledge exchange among regional experts, institutions, academia and relevant governmental and private sector stakeholders to inform the study and platform development. Develop a Stakeholder-Oriented Handbook based on the main deliverables of the study. Qualifications/special skillsAn advanced university degree (Master's or Ph.D.) or specialized additional education, combined with demonstrated experience in sustainable land or natural resource management, physical and/or economic geography, land use planning, rural development, environmental policy, remote sensing data processing and applications, GIS technologies, or any other related field pertinent to the consultancy is required. A minimum of 15 years work experience on the above and related disciplines, experience in work in one or more countries of the Central Asia region is required; Proven skills in the LDN assessment at national and subnational level for a minimum of 7 years is required; Experience in working as scientific researcher, and/or environmental consultant for international and national projects and other relevant initiatives for/in relevant sectors in the region is required; Extensive knowledge of land degradation and desertification processes in the Central Asia region, including historical trends in land cover and land productivity dynamics is required; Proficiency in land cadastre and land cover systems, including modern GIS technologies and remote sensing data analysis is required; Proven project and/or policy experience on LDN assessment, sustainable land management, combating DLDD and LDN target setting in one or more countries in the region is required; Substantial record of relevant research and publications is required; Ability to meet agreed deadlines and attention to detail is required Knowledge of the UNCCD PRAIS platform and methodology, experience in developing country reports is desirable; Knowledge of the IRG road map and strategy is desirable; Solid knowledge of the UNCCD, related UN and intergovernmental processes, and environment-related policy issues is considered an asset. The candidate will be evaluated based on the proposed draft methodology for the work assignment, considering the following criteria: alignment with the service requirements, relevant experience, expertise, language proficiency, and academic qualifications. LanguagesFor the services required, high proficiency in spoken and written Russian and English languages are required. 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. 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.