REDD+ Safeguards Technical Consultant

Result of ServiceThe ultimate result of the service will be to deliver UNEP’s contribution to the UN-REDD Programme 2024-2025 work plan, in the field of REDD+ safeguards and social and environmental benefits. Work LocationHomebased Expected duration6 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP is looking for a consultant to support the delivery of technical assistance on REDD+ safeguards provided to developing countries in Latin America, Africa, and Asia-Pacific. UNEP is a key partner in the United Nations Collaborative Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries (UN-REDD), which builds on the combined convening role and technical expertise of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the United Nations Development Programme and UN Environment Programme. UN-REDD Programme supports nationally led REDD+ processes to curb deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries. The assistance is guided by UN-REDD Programme 2021-2025 Results Framework and the associated yearly work workplans. UN-REDD contributes significantly to UNEP’s Climate Mitigation Unit mandate as it aids generate and capture key information on emission reductions, helps countries identify and pursue climate finance mechanisms, and helps developing countries in their mitigation efforts. Safeguards technical assistance is a key area of support to countries led by UNEP within the Programme. Under the supervision of the REDD+ Safeguards Specialist, the consultant will have the following duties and responsibilities: • Develop guidance for designing or updating safeguards information systems. • Elaborate recommendations and feedback for drafting countries’ summaries of safeguards information. • Develop guidance for advancing with key safeguards elements, namely benefit sharing plans or arrangements, free, prior, and inform consent processes, stakeholder engagement, and gender mainstreaming. • Document measures and actions for fulfilling safeguards requirements for accessing REDD+ result-based payments. • Prepare inputs and include feedback in the content of the safeguards learning journal. • Elaborate communications articles on safeguards progress for the UN-REDD newsletter, the Programme’s website or other communications channels. • Participate in country, regional, or global knowledge exchange events and help in organization of the events as needed. • Produce inputs for UNEP and UN-REDD semester and annual reporting. • Capture safeguards learnings and help disseminate them within the UNEP UN-REDD team, with country focal points or with external partners based on UNEP’s communications and advocacy strategies, including in sessions of the LAC Safeguards and Integrity Working Group. • Elaborate inputs and recommendations to support the incorporation of safeguards elements in UN-REDD post-2025 strategy. Qualifications/special skillsEducation: • An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in natural resources management, forestry, rural development, social sciences, environmental sciences, environmental law, environmental engineering or related field is required. • A first-level university degree level in the above-mentioned fields, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree. Experience: • A minimum of five years of progressively responsible working experience in environmental and social safeguards is required. • Experience of working at country level in the Africa and Latin America regions is also required. • Experience of working at country level in the Asia-Pacific region is desirable. • Experience in working on safeguards monitoring and reporting is considered an asset. • Experience in understanding social issues associated to forest and natural resources management is desirable. Skills: • Strong practical background on collaboration and working with government partners is required. • Standard computer software application literacy is required. • Prior working experience with the UN system is an advantage. • Ability to identify priorities and to work under tight deadlines is desirable. • Good communication, adaptability and time management skills are an asset. Languages• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this consulting position, fluency in oral and written English is required. • Knowledge of another UN language is highly desirable. 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.