COP 17 Coordination and Negotiation Support - RLO Asia

Organizational Context

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Regional Liaison Office for Asia (RLO Asia) supports Asia Pacific Parties in implementing the Convention and coordinating regional intergovernmental processes. This role supports the preparation for COP 17, ensuring informed participation and strengthened positioning of regional priorities within the UNCCD framework.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to provide targeted coordination, analytical, and operational support to the UNCCD Regional Liaison Office for Asia (RLO Asia) in preparation for COP 17. The purpose is to ensure Asia Pacific Parties are strategically prepared, technically supported, and effectively coordinated throughout the negotiation process. This will lead to informed participation and a strengthened position for Asia Pacific priorities within the Convention's framework, contributing to sustainable land management and addressing Desertification, Land Degradation, and Drought (DLDD). The role facilitates communication and provides guidance to negotiators, ensuring coherent engagement.

Responsibilities

The consultant will support the political, strategic, technical, and logistical preparation of Asia Pacific Parties for COP 17. Key responsibilities include organizing the Regional Preparatory Meeting, mobilizing participation of National Focal Points (NFPs), Science and Technology Correspondents (STCs), and partners, and facilitating communication with these stakeholders. During COP 17, the consultant will facilitate daily regional meetings, provide technical and administrative guidance to the Asia Group of Negotiators, foster synergies among stakeholders, and respond to ad hoc requests. Post-COP, responsibilities include organizing briefing sessions on outcomes, supporting the promotion of COP 17 outcomes to regional policies, and disseminating key decisions and follow-up actions within the Asia region.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in international environmental policy, multilateral negotiations, or sustainable development is required. Experience supporting COP or intergovernmental negotiation processes is highly desirable, as is experience collaborating with Regional Liaison Officers and knowledge of COP processes. Experience supporting countries in the Asia Pacific region is also desirable.

Skills

Coordination, Negotiation Support, Strategic Planning, Operational Support, Communication, Stakeholder Mobilization, Technical Guidance, Administrative Support, Analytical Skills, Policy Advocacy, Intergovernmental Processes, Regional Cooperation.

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