Policy Coherence and Sustainable Food Systems Consultant

Organizational Context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the global environmental authority, setting the agenda and promoting sustainable development within the UN system. Its Ecosystems Division fosters ecosystem-based approaches. This consultancy is situated within the Nature Frameworks and Strategies Unit of the Biodiversity and Land Branch, contributing to UNEP's efforts to strengthen integrated food systems transformation in Armenia.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this consultancy is to support the Joint SDG Fund joint programme, "Unlocking Sustainable Finance for Nutrition-Sensitive, Climate-Smart Food Systems Transformation in Armenia." The consultant will offer technical, analytical, and coordination support to enhance policy coherence across food systems, climate, and biodiversity agendas. A key objective is to strengthen national and subnational capacities for integrated governance, planning, and reporting. This role will significantly contribute to national and subnational policy processes, capacity-building initiatives, and the creation of knowledge products, all aligned with UNEP’s mandate and relevant global frameworks.

Responsibilities

The consultant will conduct technical analysis and develop recommendation guidelines to enhance cross-sectoral cooperation, strengthening linkages between food systems, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs). They will design technical guidance and methodological approaches for integrated policy and governance across food systems, climate change, and biodiversity agendas. Responsibilities also include developing structured workshop methodologies, technical content, and background materials to inform policy coherence and capacity-building processes, engaging various institutions. The role involves providing expert advice and developing engagement strategies, including technical inputs for international processes like COP17, and frameworks to strengthen multi-stakeholder governance at international, national, and subnational levels. The consultant will produce high-quality analytical outputs such as reports, policy briefs, guidance materials, and knowledge products. They will identify, assess, and synthesize nature-positive, gender-responsive, and resilient best practices, commitments, standards, data ecosystems, and frameworks relevant to sustainable food systems. Furthermore, the consultant will develop analytical inputs on financing opportunities and strategic pathways for future programming, including Phase 2 design, and establish monitoring and reporting frameworks with indicators and knowledge management approaches, providing technical inputs to interagency coordination mechanisms.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in sustainable food systems, agricultural policy, climate, or biodiversity governance is required. Experience working with government institutions, multi-stakeholder processes, and integrated policy frameworks is also essential. Desirable experience includes facilitating workshops, in-depth knowledge of Armenia, and prior engagement with the country's UN Country team.

Skills

Required: Fluency in written and spoken Armenian, working knowledge of English. Desirable: Workshop facilitation, in-depth knowledge of Armenia.

Explore related opportunities