Future Functioning of the UNCCD Science-Policy Interface

Result of Service

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide comprehensive technical and substantive support to the UNCCD secretariat and the Bureau of the Committee on Science and Technology in implementing the mandates outlined in decision 20/COP.16 regarding the future functioning of the Science-Policy Interface. The consultant will play a critical role in translating the high-level guidance provided by Parties into operational procedures, governance frameworks, and implementation roadmaps that will guide the work of the SPI for the next four-year period (2027-2030) and beyond. The ultimate result of service is the establishment of a fully operational and renewed Science-Policy Interface equipped with: (1) comprehensive procedures for flagship reports and fast-track assessments that ensure scientific rigor, policy relevance, and stakeholder engagement; (2) a feasible and sustainable technical support structure informed by best practices from IPCC and IPBES; (3) updated governance documents that provide clear guidance to SPI members on their roles and responsibilities; (4) successfully negotiated and adopted decisions at CST17/COP17 that provide a clear mandate for the 2027-2030 work programme; and (5) a renewed SPI membership representing diverse scientific expertise, regional perspectives, and career stages, ready to begin work in January 2027. Through these deliverables, the consultancy will contribute directly to strengthening the science-policy interface of the UNCCD, enhancing the Convention's capacity to provide Parties with timely, credible, and relevant scientific information and advice to support the implementation of the Convention and the achievement of land degradation neutrality.

Work Location

Home-based

Expected duration

09 months between April and December 2026.

Duties and Responsibilities

Background note: 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 vision embraced by the Convention's 197 Parties in its 2018-2030 Strategic Framework is for "a future that avoids, minimizes, and reverses desertification/land degradation and mitigates the effects of drought in affected areas at all levels and strives to achieve a land degradation-neutral world consistent with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development". The scientific agenda for this vision is pursued through the UNCCD's Committee on Science and Technology (CST) and its Science-Policy Interface (SPI) which are responsible for the provision of information and advice on scientific and technological matters relating to desertification, land degradation and drought (DLDD) and the achievement of land degradation neutrality (LDN). At the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16), Parties defined the future functioning of the SPI in decision 20/COP.16 (https://www.unccd.int/official-documents/cop-16-riyadh-saudi-arabia-2024/documents/20cop16). Paragraph 5 of this decision stipulates that, starting at the 17th session of the COP in 2026 (COP17), the future work programmes of the SPI will be fixed for a duration of two intersessional periods (usually four years) and that the 2025–2026 work programme will serve as a transition programme as described in decision 21/COP.16, as updated by the Bureau of the CST (https://www.unccd.int/resources/other/unccd-spi-work-programme-2025-2026). The outputs associated with work programme of the CST, which covers both the work of the SPI and work on other aspects of the UNCCD science agenda, will be negotiated at CST17/COP17 in August 2026 following the provisional agenda recently agreed by the Bureau of the CST (ICCD/COP(17)/CST/1 https://www.unccd.int/sites/default/files/2026-03/cst1-unedited.pdf). In summary, decision 20/COP.16 provides guidance for the Bureau of the CST, supported by the secretariat, to develop procedures for receiving and prioritizing requests for flagship reports and fast-track assessments as well as procedures for responding to these requests and developing deliverables. It also requests associated costing and feasibility analyses for implementing these procedures, including the provision of technical support to the SPI so that their work can be both scientifically grounded and progressive as well as being relevant and impactful. Furthermore, decision 20/COP.16 provides guidance for the renewal of the SPI. These mandates combined with the need for support in the finalization of draft decision text in advance of CST17/COP17, and conducting the formal process of notetaking throughout CST contact group negotiations during COP17 form the basis for the Terms of Reference for this consultancy. 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 (5-10 pages) detailing: (a) the approach proposed to be taken to deliver all outputs; (b) consultation strategy and stakeholder engagement plan; (c) detailed work plan with timeline and key milestones; and (d) risk identification and mitigation measures. The inception report should detail specific methods and tools for consultation, analysis and validation, for review and approval by the UNCCD secretariat. (due mid-April 2026) (10%) 2. Co-develop and complete the procedures and technical support approach for the future SPI. This task is broken into two interlinked parts, with part "a" focused on procedures and part "b" focused on technical support. Both are to be completed end-April 2026. (30%) Part 2.a. Co-develop with the secretariat procedures for the future work of the SPI. In paragraph 6 of decision 20/COP.16, the Parties requested the development of procedures for the key deliverables of the SPI, including flagship reports and fast-track assessments. These include (a) procedure for receiving and prioritizing requests for flagship reports, taking into account consideration of priorities for science–policy guidance, (b) procedures for all dimensions of the preparation of flagship reports, (c) procedures for the development of fast-track assessments, information products and advice, and (d) financial implications associated with implementing the procedures. These procedures should draw from the experiences of the SPI thus far in the 2025-2026 biennium and be developed in collaboration with the secretariat and the CST Bureau. The outputs should form the basis for CST 17 official documentation and be suitable for presentation to Parties at CST17/COP17. (due end-April 2026) Part 2.b. Complete a feasibility study for the provision of technical support for the SPI. Furthermore, paragraph 18 of decision 20/COP.16 requests the preparation of a feasibility study to identify ways of ensuring adequate technical support for the Science-Policy Interface, including the possible use of an external technical support unit(s) provided by partners, similar to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). The consultant will build on the outcomes of ongoing consultations with technical support unit experts from the domains of IPCC and IPBES and finalize this work developed in collaboration with the secretariat and the CST Bureau. The feasibility study should include comparative analysis of different models, cost estimates, resource mobilization strategies, and implementation roadmaps. The outputs should form the basis for CST 17 official documentation and be suitable for presentation to Parties at CST17/COP17. (due end-April 2026) 3. Contribute to and finalize the update of future governance documents for SPI members. Develop future governance documents for SPI members, building upon past governance documents (https://www.unccd.int/resources/manuals-and-guides/spi-governance-documents), revising them based on deliverables 1 and 2 above, as per paragraph 15 of decision 20/COP.16. These updated governance documents should draw from the experiences of the SPI thus far in the 2025-2026 biennium and be developed in collaboration with the secretariat and the CST Bureau. The governance documents should reflect the renewed membership structure outlined in paragraphs 12-14 of decision 20/COP.16, the new co-chair arrangement specified in paragraph 14, and the procedures developed under task 2 above. Draft governance documents should be completed by end-May 2026 with final documents completed by end-June 2026. (10%) 4. Transform CST17 draft decisions into final decisions before and during CST17/COP17. Support the secretariat in preparing for CST17/COP17, including the finalization of draft decision text in advance of CST17/COP17, and conducting the formal process of notetaking throughout CST contact group negotiations during COP17. This includes: (a) reviewing and editing draft decisions related to the future work programme of the SPI and CST for the 2027-2030 period; (b) ensuring consistency with decision 20/COP.16 mandates and alignment with other relevant decisions; (c) providing technical and editorial support during the negotiation process; and (d) maintaining accurate records of contact group discussions and capturing agreed language for incorporation into final decision text. (preparations completed by end-July 2026, formal notetaking completed at CST17/COP17 by end-August 2026) (20%) 5. Design and help implement the renewal of SPI membership as well as establishment of the future technical support unit. Support the secretariat and the CST Bureau in renewing the membership of the SPI after COP17. Paragraphs 12-14 of decision 20/COP.16 provide the criteria and process steps required for the renewal of the SPI membership following COP17. Building on the past experience of the secretariat and the CST Bureau, the new process of SPI renewal should be documented and confirmed following inputs received from formative consultations with the secretariat as well as current and former SPI members and CST Bureau members. This process will begin immediately after CST17/COP17, including: (a) consultations with the secretariat and CST Bureau members in September 2026; (b) drafting and launching the open calls related to renewal of the SPI and the technical support unit in October 2026; (c) supporting the CST Bureau to complete the selection process for both processes in November 2026; and (d) finalizing the process, including onboarding materials and orientation briefings for new members, in December 2026. This task also includes supporting the establishment of the technical support unit(s) based on the feasibility study completed under task 2.b and decisions taken at COP17. (completed end-December 2026) (30%) Output / Work Assignments The consultant will deliver the following outputs, evaluated against indicators of timeliness, achievement of goals, and quality of work. Output 1: Inception Report. (a) Description: The consultant will develop, in collaboration with the secretariat, a comprehensive inception report (maximum 10 pages) detailing: (i) the approach proposed to be taken to deliver all outputs; (ii) consultation strategy and stakeholder engagement plan; (iii) detailed work plan with timeline and key milestones; and (iv) risk identification and mitigation measures. (b) Timeline: Mid-April 2026. (c) Payment: 10%. (d) Evaluation Indicators: (i) Timeliness: Submitted by agreed deadline; (ii) Achievement: Methodology approved by Secretariat; consultation plan covers all key stakeholder groups (CST Bureau members, current and former SPI members, IPCC and IPBES technical support unit experts, secretariat staff); work plan feasible and realistic within the tight timeline; risk mitigation strategies comprehensive; and (iii) Quality: Clear articulation of approach; demonstrates understanding of UNCCD context, past functioning and governance of the UNCCD SPI, guidance provided by Parties in decision 20/COP.16, and insights gained from the approaches taken by other intergovernmental scientific bodies including the IPCC and IPBES; document well-structured and professionally presented. Output 2: Procedures for SPI Work and Feasibility Study for Technical Support. (a) Description: The consultant will co-develop with the secretariat two interlinked documents: (i) comprehensive procedures for receiving and prioritizing requests for flagship reports and fast-track assessments, procedures for all dimensions of flagship report preparation (including scoping, thematic assessments incorporating Indigenous and traditional knowledge, independent scientific reviews, and preparation and approval of summaries for policymakers), procedures for fast-track assessments and information products, and associated financial implications; and (ii) a feasibility study identifying options for ensuring adequate technical support for the SPI, including comparative analysis of IPCC and IPBES technical support unit models, cost estimates for different scenarios, resource mobilization strategies, and implementation roadmaps. Both documents should be suitable for presentation as official CST17 documentation. (b) Timeline: End-April 2026. (c) Payment: 30%. (d) Evaluation Indicators: (i) Timeliness: Both documents submitted by agreed deadline; responsive to secretariat and CST Bureau feedback during development; (ii) Achievement: Procedures address all elements specified in paragraph 6 of decision 20/COP.16; financial implications provided as requested in paragraph 7; feasibility study addresses all elements specified in paragraph 18 of decision 20/COP.16; consultation with IPCC and IPBES technical support unit experts documented; procedures draw appropriately from 2025-2026 SPI experience; documents approved by CST Bureau for submission to CST17; and (iii) Quality: Procedures are clear, operational, and implementable; feasibility study provides evidence-based comparative analysis; cost estimates realistic and well-justified; documents appropriately reference decision 20/COP.16 mandates; writing clear, professional, and adheres to UN documentation standards; appropriate use of UNCCD and intergovernmental terminology. Output 3: Updated Governance Documents for SPI Members. (a) Description: The consultant will develop updated terms of reference and governance documents for SPI members and observers, reflecting the renewed membership structure (paragraphs 12-13 of decision 20/COP.16), the co-chair arrangement (paragraph 14), and the procedures developed under Output 2. Documents should build upon past governance documents while incorporating lessons learned from the 2025-2026 biennium and should be developed in collaboration with the secretariat and CST Bureau. (b) Timeline: Draft documents by end-May 2026; final documents by end-June 2026. (c) Payment: 10%. (d) Evaluation Indicators: (i) Timeliness: Draft documents submitted by end-May deadline; final documents incorporating secretariat and CST Bureau feedback submitted by end-June deadline; (ii) Achievement: Governance documents address all elements specified in paragraph 15 of decision 20/COP.16; reflect renewed membership composition including independent scientists, early-career scientists, regional nominees, and observers; incorporate co-chair election and shadowing process; align with procedures developed in Output 2; approved by CST Bureau; and (iii) Quality: Documents provide clear guidance for SPI members and observers on roles, responsibilities, working modalities, and expectations; demonstrate continuity with past governance while incorporating necessary updates; professionally formatted and suitable for distribution to incoming SPI members; appropriate citations to relevant COP decisions. Output 4: Finalized CST17 Draft Decisions and Notetaking Support. (a) Description: The consultant will support the secretariat in: (i) reviewing, editing, and finalizing draft decision text related to the future work programme of the SPI and CST for the 2027-2030 period in advance of CST17/COP17; and (ii) conducting formal notetaking throughout CST contact group negotiations during COP17, capturing discussion points, areas of agreement and disagreement, and negotiated language for incorporation into final decision text. (b) Timeline: Draft decision text finalized by end-July 2026; notetaking completed during CST17/COP17 in August 2026. (c) Payment: 20%. (d) Evaluation Indicators: (i) Timeliness: Draft decisions submitted to secretariat by end-July deadline; availability throughout CST17/COP17 contact group sessions; timely production of notetaking records during negotiations; (ii) Achievement: Draft decisions reflect mandates from decision 20/COP.16; consistency with outputs 1-3 ensured; editorial quality meets UN standards; notetaking accurately captures negotiation discussions and agreed language; notes provided to secretariat in timely manner to support final decision compilation; and (iii) Quality: Draft decisions professionally written with clear, precise language appropriate for intergovernmental negotiations; consistency with UNCCD terminology and decision-making procedures; notetaking records comprehensive, accurate, and well-organized; demonstrated understanding of diplomatic sensitivities and negotiation dynamics. Output 5: Implementation of SPI Membership Renewal and Technical Support Unit Establishment. (a) Description: The consultant will support the secretariat and CST Bureau in implementing the renewal of SPI membership and establishment of technical support unit(s) following COP17, including: (i) conducting consultations with secretariat, CST Bureau members, and current and former SPI members in September 2026; (ii) drafting and supporting the launch of open calls for independent scientists, early-career scientists, regional nominees, observers, and technical support unit partners in October 2026; (iii) supporting the CST Bureau in completing selection processes for SPI members and technical support unit arrangements in November 2026; and (iv) preparing onboarding materials, orientation briefings, and finalizing arrangements in December 2026. (b) Timeline: Consultations completed by end-September 2026; open calls launched by mid-October 2026; selection processes completed by end-November 2026; finalization completed by end-December 2026. (c) Payment: 30%. (d) Evaluation Indicators: (i) Timeliness: All milestone deadlines met; selection process completed in time for new SPI to begin work in January 2027; (ii) Achievement: Consultation plan executed and inputs documented; open calls reflect requirements specified in paragraphs 12-13 of decision 20/COP.16; gender and regional balance considerations integrated; disciplinary balance ensured; selection process transparent and equitable; technical support unit establishment reflects COP17 decisions and feasibility study recommendations; onboarding materials comprehensive; incoming SPI co-chair election process facilitated in accordance with paragraph 14 of decision 20/COP.16; and (iii) Quality: Open call announcements professionally drafted and widely disseminated; selection criteria clear and aligned with decision mandates; consultation approach inclusive and well-documented; onboarding materials user-friendly and informative; process documentation thorough to support future renewal cycles; demonstrated sensitivity to diversity, equity, and inclusion principles. Overall Evaluation Criteria Across All Outputs: (a) Timeliness: All deliverables submitted by agreed deadlines; consultant responsive to secretariat requests for clarification or additional information; availability during critical periods including COP17 negotiations; (b) Achievement of Goals: All outputs meet specified requirements in decision 20/COP.16; consultation targets achieved; procedures and governance documents address all mandated elements; CST17 support contributes to successful adoption of decisions; SPI renewal process completed successfully; and (c) Quality of Work: Evidence-based, analytically sound and coherent documents; clear, persuasive and professional writing; appropriate use of UNCCD and UN terminology; consultative, gender-responsive and socially inclusive approach throughout; comprehensive references and citations to relevant COP decisions and scientific literature, as appropriate; all deliverables suitable for presentation to Parties and intergovernmental audiences.

Qualifications/special skills

- Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in natural resource management, environmental science, environmental law, sustainable development, geography, or other relevant field is required. - At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in supporting the implementation of multilateral environmental agreements is required. - Demonstrated experience at the science–policy interface, including active engagement in the formal processes and negotiations of MEAs as well as major intergovernmental science bodies (e.g., IPCC and IPBES) is required. - Proven experience in drafting, editing, and proofreading United Nations official documents and correspondence is required, with demonstrated ability to produce clear, accurate, and well-structured written outputs in accordance with institutional standards is required. - Proven ability to support MEA negotiations and COP processes, including drafting, editing, organizing and finalizing official documents in accordance with institutional standards and directly supporting negotiations through notetaking is required. - Direct, hands-on experience supporting the science agenda of the UNCCD is highly desired. - Experience with IPCC and/or IPBES processes, particularly regarding technical support unit structures and flagship assessment procedures, is highly desired. - Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines in COP contexts, with a track record of providing support in fast-moving, politically sensitive environments is highly desired. - Demonstrated skills in organizing and facilitating consultations within an MEA and across different intergovernmental bodies are desired. - Experience with member selection processes for scientific advisory bodies 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.