International Consultant (Senior) on Capacity Building and Innovation

Result of Service

The purpose of this consultancy is to develop a comprehensive long-term strategic framework for an innovation-centred capacity building/development and agenda on innovation to support the effective implementation of the UNCCD Strategic Framework 2030 and the achievement of land degradation neutrality, drought resilience and sustainable land management objectives globally. The strategy will build on existing capacity building/development initiatives under the Convention and the G20 GLI, draw lessons from the CBD long-term strategic framework for capacity-building and development and from the UNFCCC strategic approach to capacity building, as well as other relevant organizations, and provide strategic direction, guiding principles, key strategies and mechanisms to strengthen capacity building/development action at global, regional, national, subnational and local levels. This consultancy is expected to deliver a coherent, evidence-based long-term capacity building strategy and agenda on innovation that strengthens the ability of Parties and stakeholders to implement the UNCCD 2018-2030 Strategic Framework and achieve LDN, drought resilience and SLM objectives. It should result in: (a) a shared conceptual understanding of capacity building/development in the UNCCD context including related activities of he G20 GLI; (b) a clear vision and theory of change with high-level capacity results; and c) a set of principles and strategies that make capacity efforts more innovative, systemic, country-driven, inclusive and gender-responsive, and (d) input on approaches to resource mobilization related to capacity building and innovation. The process should also generate stronger synergies with CBD, UNFCCC and other organizations, improved coordination and governance arrangements, and practical mechanisms for monitoring, evaluating and continuously learning from capacity building/development efforts at global, regional, national and local levels to innovate.

Work Location

Home-based.

Expected duration

06 months between April to October 2026.

Duties and Responsibilities

Background note: Land degradation, climate change and the loss of biodiversity were identified as the greatest challenges to sustainable development during the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. Established in 1994, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) (www.unccd.int) is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. The Convention seeks to support countries to address Desertification, Land Degradation, and Drought (DLDD) through multiple means of implementation. These include capacity building, innovation and, technology transfer supported in an integrated way by Convention's institutions, including the substantive units of the secretariat, the Global Mechanism (GM), and the G20 Global Land Initiative (G20 GLI) as well as fostering related synergies across the three Rio Conventions. Despite considerable efforts across the secretariat, Parties and partner organizations to build capacities for achieving LDN, building drought resilience and ensuring all land and water is sustainably managed, many countries—particularly developing country Parties—continue to face significant capacity gaps at the individual, organizational and enabling environment levels. These gaps hinder effective implementation of national action programmes (NAPs), national drought plans, and voluntary LDN commitments, and limit countries' ability to access finance for land conservation and restoration, and sustainable land management. This consultancy is focused on developing a capacity building strategy for the UNCCD that builds on the capacity building, technology transfer and synergies mandates of the UNCCD: 1. The capacity building mandate is outlined in Article 19 of the Convention, where Parties recognize the significance of capacity building -- that is to say, institution building, training and development of relevant local and national capacities -- in efforts to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought. In decision 2/COP.16, Parties highlighted the need for further collaboration among Convention institutions, including specific programmes of the UNCCD, and associated partners, to increase the availability of information and opportunities for capacity building within the framework of the UNCCD. In support of this, the UNCCD is developing a capacity-building strategy to mainstream capacity-building across the Convention institutions and any other associated initiatives while emphasizing innovative approaches to help make access to capacity-building easier for Parties and practitioners. 2. The technology transfer mandate of the UNCCD is outlined in Article 18, where Parties seek to undertake the development and transfer of environmentally sound, economically viable and socially acceptable technologies relevant to combating desertification and/or mitigating the effects of drought, with a view to contributing to the achievement of sustainable development in affected areas, making full use of the expertise of intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations. In decision 18/COP.16 on knowledge sharing, technology transfer and innovation, Parties noted the Model Framework for Technology Transfer under the UNCCD (https://www.unccd.int/resources/other/model-framework-technology-transfer) aims to ensure an increased flow, under advantageous and preferential conditions, of established as well as new and innovative technologies to combat DLDD amongst Parties and key stakeholders, facilitating diffusion along the (vertical) innovation chain as well as (horizontally) between countries. The capacity-building strategy will explicitly integrate technology transfer capacity needs to operationalize the Model Framework, including: (a) absorption capacity, (b) innovation ecosystems, and (c) horizontal and vertical diffusion mechanisms for technology uptake and scaling. 3. Following decisions 7 and 8/COP.16, Parties are encouraged, as appropriate, to leverage synergies at the national level in the planning and implementation processes of the three Rio conventions through integrated actions and approaches. The Joint Capacity-Building Programme between the secretariats of the three Rio Conventions (https://unfccc.int/topics/capacity-building/projects/rio-conventions-joint-capacity-building-programme) is part of strategic Joint Liaison Group (JLG) efforts to enhance coordination and coherence in the implementation of the three Rio Conventions and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in light of the interconnected nature of the biodiversity, climate change and land degradation crises. This programme aims to strengthen the capacities of policymakers and practitioners at the national level to integrate and foster synergies, coordination and coherence in the implementation of the three Rio Conventions and the SDGs, strengthening institutional and systemic capacities, structurally engaging with relevant partners, and providing insights to national stakeholders on how to improve the integrated implementation of the Conventions’ objectives and SDGs. 4. Alongside the wide range of capacity-building activities undertaken across the secretariat, the Global Mechanism (GM) and the G20 GLI, there is a need to further strengthen innovative approaches together with capacity-building activities to improve their effectiveness and impact. 5. The Board of Auditors recently recommended enhancing innovation in the UNCCD workplan and activities as follows: (a) Establish an action plan to strengthen the secretariat's capacities to support Parties in monitoring and evaluating objectives of the UNCCD, including capacity building and knowledge management as a key role in the UNCCD, bridging between science and policy, and allocate sufficient resources for its effective implementation; and (b) Define a corporate agenda on innovation, to fully benefit from the Convention’s interactions with the scientific community, the private sector and civil society. A comprehensive, long-term capacity building strategy and agenda on innovation aligned with the UNCCD Strategic Framework 2030 and responsive to the emerging elements of the Intergovernmental Working Group on a Future Strategic Framework for the UNCCD, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (particularly SDG 15 on Life on Land), and complementary to capacity building strategies under the Rio Conventions, other biodiversity-related MEAs and G20 GLI, will provide strategic guidance to governments, the UNCCD secretariat, implementing partners, civil society, the private sector and other stakeholders to improve the coherence, efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of capacity building efforts. Duties & Responsibilities: Under the overall supervision of the Chief of the Science, Technology and Innovation Unit of the UNCCD (OIC) and the direct supervision of the Chief Scientist, and working collaboratively with all staff and relevant partners, the incumbent will perform the following main tasks: 1. Develop an inception report. Develop a comprehensive inception report (maximum 15 pages) detailing: (a) methodology and analytical framework for developing the capacity-building strategic framework; (b) consultation strategy and stakeholder engagement plan; and (c) a work plan with timeline and key milestones. The inception report should detail specific methods and tools for consultation, analysis and validation, for review and approval by the UNCCD secretariat. The technically sound and participatory methodology proposed by the consultant should ensure: (i) Evidence-based analysis: Drawing on robust desk review, literature review, evaluation findings, and synthesis of existing capacity needs assessments and national reports; (ii) Multi-stakeholder participation: Ensuring inclusive and meaningful consideration of the views of substantive units of the UNCCD secretariat/Global Mechanism/Global Land Initiative, UNCCD Parties, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, women, youth, civil society, the private sector, academia, implementing partners and other relevant stakeholders throughout the process; (iii) Alignment and coherence: Ensuring the capacity-building strategic framework is fully aligned with the UNCCD Strategic Framework 2030 and responsive to emerging IWG-FSF key elements, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and complementary to other similar capacity building strategies under the CBD, UNFCCC and other relevant organizations; (iv) Good practice integration: Applying lessons learned, good practices and evidence from capacity building/development literature and practice, including UNDG guidance, the CBD long-term strategic framework, and experiences from implementing partners; (v) Gender-responsive and socially inclusive approach: Integrating gender equality, social inclusion, and the rights and knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and local communities throughout the analysis and the strategic framework; (vi) Results orientation: Ensuring the capacity-building strategic framework articulates clear expected results (vision, theory of change, capacity outcomes) and mechanisms for monitoring, evaluation, reporting and learning for the short-, medium-, and long-term periods 2. Conduct comprehensive stocktaking and analysis. Guided by elements presented in the official document that formed the basis for discussions at CRIC23 in December 2025 on the development and promotion of activities for targeted capacity building to further the implementation of the Convention (ICCD/CRIC 23/6) and the outcomes of those discussions the same agenda item (ICCD/CRIC(23)/8) (paras 71-87), and building upon the 2025 internal UNCCD report “Toward an Innovation-Driven UNCCD and a Revitalized Capacity Building Marketplace Strategic Diagnostic and Roadmap in Response to COP Decisions”: (a) Review existing capacity building/development landscape under the UNCCD including the development and delivery of initiatives, frameworks and tools (e.g., NAP alignment, LDN target setting, drought initiatives, knowledge platforms, substantive units of the UNCCD/Global Mechanism activities, national reporting activities, Global Land Initiative activities); (b) Analyze the CBD long-term strategic framework (decision 15/8), UNFCCC capacity-building frameworks (decisions 2/CP.7, 3/CP.7, Paris Agreement Article 11), the Paris Committee on Capacity-building (PCCB), the Rio Conventions Joint Capacity-building Programme, the capacity approaches of key implementing partners (FAO, UNDP, UNEP, GEF, GCF, World Bank, KMGBF),support networks (e.g., WOCAT, Drought Communities of Learning and Practice), relevant G20 GLI partners as well as United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG), UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (UNDER) and UN system capacity building/development guidance; (c) Analyze the UNCCD Model Framework for Technology Transfer and identify technology-related capacity needs and entry points for the capacity building strategy; (d) Assess current and potential future efforts to ensure regional and national relevance in a capacity building strategy, beginning with the perspectives of Regional Liaison Officers (RLOs) and the New York Liaison Office (NYLO) and including insights gained from UNCCD caucuses (gender, youth, Indigenous Peoples, local communities), as well as the UNFCCC experience with regional collaboration centres (RCCs), and the CBD experience with regional technical and scientific cooperation support centres; (e) Monitor and review emerging outputs from the IWG-FSF process relevant to capacity building; and (f) Based on the above, complete a capacity building stocktaking. 3. Facilitate multi-stakeholder consultations. Building upon the capacity building stocktaking: (a) Design and facilitate inclusive virtual consultations (e.g., surveys, webinars, and/or key respondent interviews) with UNCCD stakeholders (e.g., national focal points, science and technology correspondents, civil society organizations (including IPLCs, women and youth representatives), implementing partners, regional organizations, private sector entities, academic institutions and G20 GLI stakeholders, and secretariats of CBD and UNFCCC and, as appropriate, partner organizations supporting UNCCD capacity building, including those of GM and ; (b) Coordinate with IWG-FSF co-chairs and secretariat support team to ensure alignment and identify opportunities for complementary consultations; and (c) Based on the above, synthesize capacity strengths, gaps, needs and priorities, emphasizing those reported by Parties through national reports (NAPs, LDN targets, national drought plans and other national communications), CRIC sessional and intersessional documents and reports, COP decisions on capacity building and G20 GLI partner activities and reports on capacity-building. 4. Develop a preliminary framework for the capacity building strategy and agenda on innovation. Integrating the capacity building stock taking and the outcomes of the multi-stakeholder consultations, draft a comprehensive capacity-building strategic framework document (maximum 20-30 pages) comprising: (a) definitions of capacity, capacity building/development and related concepts and core guiding principles for effective capacity building, all adapted to the UNCCD context; (b) articulation of capacity levels (enabling environment, organizational, individual) and types (technical/functional, hard/soft); (c) vision, theory of change, and high-level capacity results aligned with UNCCD Strategic Framework 2030 and responsive to emerging IWG-FSF elements and the G20 GLI mandate on capacity building; (d) integration of technology transfer capacity needs aligned with the Model Framework for Technology Transfer; (e) key strategies to improve capacity building at all levels (institutionalization, integration into NAPs, partnerships, South-South cooperation, synergies with Rio Conventions, KMGBF, private sector engagement, M&E strengthening) and across regions; (f) proposed mechanisms for governance, coordination, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, reporting and review; and (g) a roadmap with milestones and key recommendations to facilitate the implementation of the preliminary capacity building framework and agenda on innovation. 5. Develop a comprehensive draft capacity-building strategic framework document and agenda on innovation. Develop a comprehensive draft strategic framework document (approximately 50-60 pages) structured to include, as appropriate: (a) Introduction. (i) Purpose and scope of the strategic framework; (ii) Definitions of capacity, capacity building/development and related concepts in the UNCCD context; and (iii) Capacity levels (enabling environment, organizational, individual) and types (technical/functional; hard/soft). (b) Strategic direction and expected outcomes. (i) Overall vision and theory of change that supports implementation of the Strategic Framework 2030 and is sufficiently flexible and forward-looking to accommodate emerging elements of the post-2030 framework identified by the IWG-FSF, and the updated G20 GLI implementation strategy; (ii) High-level capacity results (outputs and outcomes) aligned with UNCCD Strategic Framework 2030 strategic objectives, with consideration of how these may evolve to support emerging post-2030 goals and targets, and aligned with the G20 GLI 2040 ambition; and (iii) Expected contributions to SDG 15 and other relevant SDGs, and to post-2030 global frameworks. (c) Guiding principles for effective capacity building/development. (i) Context-specific and needs-driven approaches; (ii) Country ownership and commitment (aligned with Paris Agreement Article 11 principle that capacity-building should be country-driven, based on and responsive to national needs, and foster country ownership); (iii) Strategic and integrated system-wide approaches; (iv) Evidence-based design informed by good practice and lessons learned (consistent with guidance that capacity-building should be guided by lessons learned, including those from capacity-building activities under the Convention and G20 GLI mandate); (v) Effective, iterative, participatory, cross-cutting and gender-responsive approaches; (vi) Gender-responsive and socially inclusive approaches; (vii) Inclusion of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, women and youth; and (viii) Integration of monitoring, evaluation and learning from the outset. (d) Key strategies to improve capacity building/development. (i) Institutionalization of capacity building/development; (ii) Integration of capacity building/development into national action programmes (NAPs) and LDN target setting processes; (iii) Alignment with broader cross-sectoral plans and SDG implementation processes; (iv) Measures to utilize, retain and scale existing capacity, as well as develop new required or demand-driven capacities; (v) Development of thematic (e.g., drought, land restoration), stakeholder-based and regional capacity building/development action plans; (vii) Promotion of partnerships and networks for implementation and learning; (viii) Enhancement of synergies with, inter alia, CBD long-term strategic framework, UNFCCC capacity-building frameworks and the Paris Committee on Capacity-building (PCCB), the Rio Conventions Joint Capacity-building Programme, KMGBF and other relevant capacity building/development efforts; (ix)South-South, triangular and G20-non-G20 member cooperation; (x)Private sector engagement; and (xi) Strengthening of monitoring, evaluation and reporting of capacity building/development interventions. (e) Mechanisms for implementation. (i) Governance and coordination mechanisms at global, regional and national levels; (ii) Key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure progress; (iii) Mutual supportiveness with other UNCCD implementation strategies (resource mobilization, science-policy interface, knowledge management); (iv) Resource mobilization for capacity building/development (domestic and international); (v) Regional and global support networks; (vi) Enhanced review and reporting mechanisms; (vii) Outreach and dissemination strategy; and (viii) Review and revision process for the strategic framework, including a provision for updating the strategy following adoption of the post-2030 strategic framework to ensure full alignment with new goals, targets and priorities. (f) Annexes. (i) Summary of consultations and key findings; (ii) Glossary of terms; and (iii) References and bibliography 6. Coordinate review and validation processes. (a) Organize and facilitate virtual review sessions with the secretariat and selected external experts; (b) Present the draft strategic framework to stakeholders in consultative manner (e.g., a validation workshop or some other appropriate mechanism); (c) Facilitate structured discussion to gather feedback and identify consensus areas and outstanding issues; and (d) Incorporate feedback from reviews and validation. 7. Finalize and present the strategic framework. (a) Draft the final capacity building strategy document; (b) Ensure alignment with UNCCD documentation standards and formatting guidelines; (c) Prepare executive summary (maximum 5 pages); (d) Finalize all annexes, glossary and references; and (e) Prepare a PowerPoint presentation (maximum 20 slides) summarizing key elements of the strategy for secretariat briefings.

Qualifications/special skills

- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in natural resource management, environmental law, sustainable development, international development, management, political science, or other relevant field is required. - At least 7 years of demonstrated experience in capacity building, policy integration, programme design, implementation, innovation, technology transfer and knowledge management related to sustainable development, sustainable land management and restoration, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation/adaptation is required. - Demonstrated technical expertise on land degradation neutrality, sustainable land management and national drought planning is required. - Significant experience working at the interface of the three Rio Conventions and other intergovernmental implementation and financial processes, including designing and delivering global capacity-building programmes on synergies, governance arrangements and coordination mechanisms is required. - Strong analytical and writing skills evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, policy papers and high-level advisory reports, ensuring an evidence-based, conceptually robust strategy and theory of change are required. - Strong track record in developing national and regional financing strategies, environmental funds, and sustainable finance taxonomies, providing a solid basis for innovative, systemic resource mobilization approaches for capacity building and innovation is desired. - Proven ability to conceptualize and operationalize monitoring and evaluation approaches for results-based capacity development, including indicator development and testing is desired.

Languages

- Fluency in spoken and written English is required. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an advantage.

Additional Information

Only individuals who can act as independent, individual economical operators are qualified to apply. Individuals who can provide their services only on account of an institution or enterprise are not eligible under this procedure. Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations Secretariat and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultant and individual contractor is responsible for determining tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. For remote consultancies, the selected candidate will be required to have a laptop or desktop PC (with Windows 11 or newer) or Mac (with the latest MacOS update), as well as a reliable, high-speed internet connection. An Office 365 license will be provided by the UNCCD to enable the candidate to access official emails, SharePoint, OneDrive and other office applications, such as Word and Excel. Further computer requirements: An antivirus application which receives regular updates; Browsers must be a newer version with regular updates enabled; Regular Windows 11 updates should be enabled with Windows laptop or PC. In addition, a mobile phone will be required to enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA) through SMS or the Authenticator App.

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.