Research Associate

Organizational Context

The UN Secretariat, through the Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), supports countries in addressing desertification, land degradation, and drought. This role supports the G20 Global Land Initiative (G20 GLI), which aims to reduce degraded land by 50% by 2040, focusing on capacity building and private sector engagement.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to deliver efficient and compliant programme operations for managing small grants, engaging private sector stakeholders, and coordinating educational materials for land restoration initiatives. The role will produce high-quality research, communications, and events to catalyze investment and drive measurable, on-the-ground impact in land restoration. The position supports the G20 Global Land Initiative's mission by strengthening research, stakeholder mapping, event organization, and communications targeted at private sector actors and civil society organizations active in the land restoration economy. The consultant will also assist with organizing activities for COP17 and coordinating the Restoration Returns small grants programme.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include organizing and coordinating activities and events for UNCCD COP17, and managing the Restoration Returns small grants programme by evaluating applications, coordinating documentation, and developing communications campaigns. The role involves supporting private sector forums and coordinating the Land Restoration Labs project for school curricula development. Additionally, the consultant will conduct research and analysis on land restoration, develop stakeholder databases, support outreach, and assist with event organization, including preparing concept notes, agendas, and logistical arrangements. The position also requires supporting the development of presentations and knowledge products, and assisting the project management team with due diligence processes.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressive experience in research projects related to ecosystem services, environmental sustainability, land management, or green economy is required. Experience collaborating with the private sector in international or multi-country projects, planning/coordinating international conferences, and managing social media or communications campaigns is also required. Experience in data analysis, report production, and due diligence processes is desirable.

Skills

Research and analysis, stakeholder mapping, event organization, communications, programme management, grant management, private sector engagement, project coordination, data analysis, report writing, presentation development, understanding of environmental challenges and land restoration.

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