Global Mechanism Investor relations for Business 4 Land

Result of ServiceThe consultancy will enhance the investor relations of the Global Mechanism, mobilizing new potential donors and corporate partners in land restoration by strengthening the Business 4 Land initiative, increasing corporate investments, and fostering high-level partnerships. It will deliver investment cases, policy briefs, and strategic dialogues to position land restoration and drought resilience as a key business opportunity, driving measurable financial commitments toward Land Degradation Neutrality and the Great Green Wall Accelerator. Work LocationRemote Expected duration06 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. Viable, adequate and sustained financing for effectively combating desertification, land degradation and drought worldwide can only be achieved through a significant involvement of the private sector (i.e. investors, financial intermediaries, businesses, consumers, and civil society including philanthropic foundations). In this context, public development finance is expected to play a crucial catalytic and supplementary role as part of a whole range of enabling governmental and intergovernmental activities. Investments in and via the UNCCD help to facilitate policy reform, leverage large investments and initiate change at the national level. Closing the USD 1 billion per day financial gap needed to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) requires increased funding, particularly from the private sector. To accelerate this, it is essential to integrate UNCCD’s strategic objectives into existing target-setting and disclosure frameworks for environment, nature, and climate. This includes developing investor checklists and designing campaigns based on business cases, and success stories of Champions that highlight the economic benefits of double materiality and investments in transformative solutions—making business operations more resilient to shocks. Currently, only 6% of identified LDN investments come from the private sector. The newly created Business 4 Land Expert Group will play a pivotal role in scaling up corporate investments by leveraging existing methodologies in target setting and disclosure, while the B4L Steering Committee will design strategies to strengthen advocacy for sustainable land and water management. Duties and Responsibilities: The responsibilities of this consultancy are to: • Support the implementation of the investor engagement strategy, including corporate engagement and advocacy. • Strengthen private sector investment in land restoration, sustainable land use, drought resilience and resilience-building, particularly under the Great Green Wall (GGW) Accelerator, Business 4 Land and other flagship initiatives. • Manage relationships and coordinate activities with potential donors ensuring alignment with UNCCD priorities. • Develop business cases and advocacy materials to promote corporate involvement in LDN and drought resilience, integrating business case studies and double materiality perspectives. • Organize workshops, dialogues, and high-level events to facilitate partnerships between the private sector, governments, and financial institutions. • Conduct targeted research and analysis on corporate sustainability trends, disclosure methodologies, and investment opportunities related to land restoration. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) from a recognized university in a relevant field of work (e.g. finance/economics, politics, international relations, communications and/or any relevant field directly related to UNCCD – climate, disaster risk, environment or international development). • At least two (2) years 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 area. • Excellent organizing, multi-tasking, research, writing and project management skills is required. • Previous experience in a relevant area such as private sector, relationship management, partnerships or resource mobilization/fundraising is desirable. • Previous experience working with in an international environment (UN, International Organisation, Private Sector or NGO) is an advantage. • Knowledge of project development and financing is an advantage. LanguagesFluency in English language (both oral and written) is required. Working knowledge of French language is an asset. Knowledge of another UN language is desirable. Additional InformationUNCCD does not provide health insurance to consultant and individual contractors. Incumbents selected for the consultancy are fully responsible for arranging, at their own expense, such life, health and other forms of insurance covering the period of their services as they consider appropriate. Proof of valid health insurance will be required before signing of the contract. All products resulting from this contractual arrangement are the exclusive property of the UNCCD. 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.