Research Associate

Result of Service

The Director and senior management receive consistent, high-quality research and documentation support, enabling timely and informed decision-making and effective stakeholder engagement.

Work Location

Bonn office.

Expected duration

100 days between May and September 2026.

Duties and Responsibilities

Background note: Desertification, along with 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) 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). (www.unccd.int). The G20 (or Group of Twenty) is the annual international forum for the governments of 19 industrialized countries, the European Union and the African Union. The G20 Leaders' Declaration, issued in November 2020, launched a "Global Initiative on Reducing Land Degradation and Enhancing Conservation of Terrestrial Habitats" (G20 Global Land Initiative or G20 GLI). Building on existing initiatives and on a voluntary basis, the G20 countries share the ambition to achieve a 50 percent reduction in the amount of degraded land by 2040. The G20 GLI Coordination Office, with oversight from UNCCD, was established to focus on capacity building, engaging the private sector and civil society, and showcasing success. To ensure that the Director and senior management are supported with timely, high-quality research and documentation, the Coordination Office requires the services of a Research Associate. The incumbent will track developments in land restoration, synthesize information, and prepare briefing materials and presentations to facilitate informed decision-making and stakeholder engagement. Duties & Responsibilities: Under the direct supervision of the Director, G20 Global Land Initiative, the consultant will: 1. Conduct online research on topics related to land restoration, sustainable land management, desertification, and drought, as well as relevant policy developments, financing mechanisms, and technological innovations. 2. Prepare concise and well-structured briefing notes for the Director and senior management on emerging issues, upcoming events, and strategic opportunities. 3. Develop high-quality PowerPoint presentations for internal and external meetings, conferences, and stakeholder engagements. 4. Organize and coordinate meetings, including scheduling, preparing agendas, taking minutes, and following up on action points. 5. Support the drafting and editing of official correspondence, reports, and other documents as required. 6. Maintain an organized repository of research materials, key documents, and contact information for partners and stakeholders. 7. Provide general research and administrative support to the Director and the Coordination Office team as needed.

Qualifications/special skills

- A Master’s degree in international relations, development studies, environmental policy, communications, or a related field is required. - A minimum of two year of experience in online research, drafting documents, and preparing presentations is required. - Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information into clear, concise briefing notes and presentations desirable. - Experience organizing meetings or events in a professional setting is highly desirable. - Familiarity with environmental issues, land restoration, or international development is an asset.

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.

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.