Policy Coherence and Sustainable Food Systems Consultant

Result of Service

As a result of this consultancy, it is expected that: • Strengthened institutional coordination and learning mechanisms through the implementation of Convergence Action Blueprint that effectively link climate, nature positive and pollution free action with food systems transformation at provincial and national levels. • National and subnational stakeholders are better equipped to align food systems priorities with biodiversity, climate, and development frameworks. • High-quality analytical and policy-oriented materials are produced to support decision-making and reporting processes. • Foundations are established for sustained cross-sectoral coordination and future programmatic phases.

Work Location

Laos

Expected duration

12 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Organizational Setting and Reporting The 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’s Ecosystems Division works with governments and partners to promote ecosystem-based approaches for sustainable development. This consultancy is situated within the Nature Frameworks and Strategies Unit of the Biodiversity and Land Branch. The assignment contributes to UNEP’s efforts to strengthen integrated and systemic approaches for sustainable food systems transformation in Lao PDR. Purpose and Objective of the Assignment The purpose of this consultancy is to support the delivery of the Joint SDG Fund joint programme, Integrated Food Systems and Climate Resilience Initiative in Lao PDR under Outcome 4: Effective Coordination: Strengthened institutional coordination and learning mechanisms that effectively link climate and nature action with food systems transformation at provincial and national levels. The consultant will provide technical, analytical, and coordination support to enhance policy coherence across food systems, climate, and biodiversity agendas, and to strengthen national and subnational capacities for integrated governance, planning, and reporting. The consultancy will contribute to national and subnational policy processes, project coordination, capacity-building initiatives, and the generation of knowledge products aligned with UNEP’s mandate and relevant global frameworks. Responsibilities Under the supervision of the designated Senior Programme Management Officer within the Nature Frameworks and Support Unit and in consultation with the UN Joint Programme Team in Lao PDR, the consultant will: • Conduct technical analysis and development of recommendation guidelines aimed at enhancing cross sectoral cooperation and strengthening linkages between food systems, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), UNCCD land degradation targets, and the National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs). • Design technical guidance and methodological approaches for integrated policy and governance approaches linking food systems, climate change, land degrdation and biodiversity agendas. • Develop structured workshop methodologies, technical content and background materials to inform policy coherence and capacity-building processes, engaging education, environment, agriculture, and finance institutions. • Provide expert advice and develop engagement strategies, including technical inputs for international processes (e.g. preparation for CBD COP17), and frameworks to strengthen multi-stakeholder governance across international, national, and subnational levels. • Produce high-quality analytical outputs, including reports, policy briefs, guidance materials, and knowledge products aligned with specified Outcome and Output indicators. • Identify, assess, and synthesize nature-positive, gender-responsive, and resilient best practices, commitments, standards, data, and frameworks relevant to sustainable food systems. • Develop analytical inputs on financing opportunities and strategic pathways to inform future programming, including potential Phase 2 design. • Develop monitoring and reporting frameworks, including indicators and knowledge management approaches, and provide technical inputs to interagency coordination mechanisms.

Qualifications/special skills

• An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in agricultural economics, environmental policy, environmental governance, animal health sciences, botany, agriculture, food systems, or related fields is required. A first-level university degree, combined with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. • A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in sustainable food systems, environmental policy, climate and biodiversity governance, or related areas is required. s • Experience working with government institutions, multi-stakeholder processes, and integrated policy frameworks is required. • Experience in workshop facilitation desirable. In depth knowledge of Lao PDR and experience with the country's UN Country team is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in written and spoken Laotian and English is required.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE 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.