Political Coordinator

Result of Service

A political mapping and stakeholder analysis of Geneva-based missions and agencies relevant to COP17.

Work Location

Home-based.

Expected duration

20 days in May 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) In the lead-up to COP17, there is a need to strengthen political coordination and sustained diplomatic engagement with Permanent Missions and international Organizations based in Geneva – which holds a key position within the multilateral system, hosting a dense ecosystem of Permanent Missions, United Nations agencies, treaty bodies, and international organizations that influence global political narratives, negotiating positions, and issue linkages relevant to COP processes. Duties & Responsibilities: Under the direct supervision of the Special Assistant to the Executive Secretary, and in close collaboration with the Director of the Governing Body and Legal Affairs, the consultant will perform the following duties: Political Mapping and Analysis: - Conduct a political mapping of Geneva-based Permanent Missions, UN agencies, and international organizations relevant to COP17 themes and the work carried out by the G20 Global Land Initiative - Identify priority of countries, political groupings, regional blocs, and key influencers within the Geneva ecosystem, factoring in the importance of the G20 Global Land Restoration Initiative - Analyze political positions, sensitivities, and potential areas of convergence or divergence in relation to COP17. Engagement with Permanent Missions, Agencies and the Multilateral Process in Geneva - Support targeted outreach to Permanent Missions, UN agencies, treaty bodies, and international organizations in Geneva to raise awareness of COP17 objectives, timelines, and political significance. - Facilitate informal briefings, consultations, and bilateral exchanges with Geneva-based interlocutors, factoring in elements from the G20 Global Land Restoration Initiative - Encourage early political engagement and leadership by key missions in preparation for COP17 negotiations. - Identify opportunities to integrate COP17 themes into existing Geneva-based meetings, high-level events, and other discussions

Qualifications/special skills

Bachelor’s degree in international relations, political/social sciences, Environmental governance or a related field is required. - A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, development management, or related areas is required. - Knowledge of environmental, policy, and outreach issues and activities relevant to the work of UNCCD is required. - Demonstrated experience in political coordination, diplomacy, or multilateral negotiations is required. - Proven familiarity with the Geneva multilateral system, including Permanent Missions and UN agencies, is required. - Experience supporting COPs or major intergovernmental processes is desirable. - Experience working in countries affected by desertification, land degradation and drought is desirable. - Knowledge of the UN issues related to sustainable development and sustainable use of natural resources is desirable. - Familiarity with UNCCD issues and work is an advantage. - Proven ability to work independently and coordinate across diverse stakeholders. - Strong political judgement and discretion , Ability to think strategically and with a results-oriented approach and Analytical, drafting, and interpersonal communication skills.

Languages

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

Additional Information

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.