Mission and objectivesUNCCD Mission is to combat desertification, land degradation, and drought (DLDD) and promote sustainable land management worldwide. Key Objectives are: Restore degraded land and soil; Improve living conditions in affected areas; Mitigate the effects of drought; and Support sustainable land use through international cooperation and partnerships.
ContextWater scarcity and droughts are among the most severe threats to sustainable development, affecting both developing and developed countries, arid and not arid zones. Drought frequency and duration have increased by 29% since 2000. With over 2.3 billion people facing water stressโand projections showing one in four children will live with extreme water shortages by 2040โurgent action is needed. In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), water scarcity and drought increasingly threaten livelihoods, food security, and economies. Understanding how countries are addressing these challenges is vital for shaping public policy and climate-resilient development. The Ministerial Forum of Environment for LAC countries (2024) and the LAC Regional Meeting in preparation for UNCCD COP16 highlighted drought and water security as key regional priorities. UNCCD will develop a policy brief on water scarcity and drought management in the LAC region, with the aims to raise awareness through clear data and evidence, and to deliver a strong, targeted message to policymakers on the urgency of addressing these critical challenges. This work aims to support regional discussions in the run-up to the Convention's CRIC23 and COP17.
Task DescriptionWe are looking for 2 of Online Volunteers who have experience in research with excellent writing skills. The task will include the following responsibilities: - Discuss and determine parameters for the research - Identify and gather sources - Conduct research - Develop a short report on the findings (in English). The average estimated workload is expected to include roughly reviewing key documents (around 21) in 3 countries (these can include articles, studies, policy documents, etc.) throughout the assignment duration. The Online Volunteer/s will have the opportunity to build connections with the GPARC team at UNCCD in Panama and Bonn offices,interact with public officers in the countries assigned, and learn about how research on drought can support the development of a policy brief for the LAC region. The contribution and authorship (if any) will be duly acknowledged in the final document.
Competencies and values
Living conditions and remarks