Consultant (Strategic Advisor)
Organizational Context
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) supports countries in addressing Desertification, Land Degradation, and Drought (DLDD). The G20 Global Land Initiative (G20 GLI), overseen by UNCCD, aims to reduce degraded land by 50% by 2040. This role provides strategic advisory support to the G20 GLI Director.
Job Purpose
This consultancy aims to significantly strengthen the G20 Global Land Initiative's institutional capacity in key areas: partnership development, resource mobilization, and digital innovation. The primary objective is to position the Initiative for sustained impact and growth beyond 2026. The role will provide expert strategic advice to the Director, focusing on leveraging digital tools, including AI, to enhance the Initiative's effectiveness. Additionally, the consultant will support the establishment of new strategic partnerships and the mobilization of additional resources. The insights and approaches developed will also benefit the broader UNCCD Secretariat, contributing to its overall mission of sustainable land management and combating land degradation globally.
Responsibilities
The consultant will provide strategic advice on digital transformation, including reviewing UN policies and best practices for AI, and developing UNCCD-specific guidance on modern technologies. They will advise on identifying, forging, and strengthening strategic partnerships with academic institutions, including drafting Terms of Reference and Memoranda of Understanding. The role involves providing strategic advice on resource mobilization, leading the development of fundraising proposals targeting various donors with a collective goal of USD 20 million. The consultant will also apply a new theory of change and work plan with indicators to the G20 GLI and undertake other strategic advisory tasks as required to advance the Initiative's mandate and respond to emerging opportunities.
Work Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience at senior international levels, with demonstrated leadership in strategy, policy, or programme management, is required. Proven experience within or closely with the UN system is necessary. Experience in resource mobilization, fundraising, strategic partnerships, and digital transformation initiatives is also required.
Skills
Strategic advisory, partnership development, resource mobilization, fundraising, digital transformation, AI applications, policy development, programme management, international relations, environmental sustainability.