REDD+ Safeguards and Knowledge Management Specialist

The Consultant will work in close coordination with the UNEP Nature and Market-based Solutions Section / UN-REDD Team in LAC to provide specialized technical inputs on safeguards coordination, the integration of non-carbon benefits (NCBs) into REDD+ and nature-based solutions frameworks, and the coordination of the UN-REDD Safeguards and Integrity Working Group for LAC. Additionally, the Consultant will contribute to strengthening the UNEP LAC team by providing technical input, reports, knowledge management products and other contributions related to UNEP's role within the UN-REDD Programme, Results-Based Payments (RBP) initiatives, and regional restoration efforts in Latin America and the Caribbean. Output No. 1 Provide technical expertise for the coordination, implementation and reporting of safeguards in the region. Product No. 1: A document that includes: A SIS (Safeguards Information System) updating proposal document (in Spanish), including the state of the art of the current SIS with areas of improvement; a functional and content design for the updated SIS. Output No. 2 Collaborate with the UNEP LAC team in the implementation of the Technical Assistance (TA) on non-carbon benefits (NCBs) in Mexico. Product No. 2: A document that includes: A proposal on how to integrate NCB (Non-Carbon Benefits) in the national SIS of Mexico. Output No. 3 Participate in the coordination of the UN-REDD Safeguards and Integrity Working Group for LAC. Product No. 3: A document that includes: Articles detailing sessions delivered and the impact of the Safeguards Working group in 2026 and recordings of one session and a summary note published on the UN-REDD Programme during July-December 2026. Working in close collaboration with the UNEP Nature and Market-based Solutions Section in the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region, and under the supervision of the UNEP Programme Management Officer UN-REDD for the Latin America and Caribbean Office, the consultant shall perform the following activities: Safeguards coordination, implementation and reporting • Provide technical inputs for the updating of the Safeguards Information System (SIS) in LAC, including its current state assessment and a functional and content design proposal. • Contribute to the operationalization of safeguards instruments (ESMPs, GAPs, stakeholder engagement plans, grievance redress mechanisms) under UN-REDD and Results-Based Payments (RBP) initiatives in the region. Non-carbon benefits (NCBs) technical assistance • Collaborate with the UNEP LAC team in delivering technical assistance on NCBs in Mexico, including a proposal for integrating NCBs into Mexico's national SIS. • Contribute to the integration of environmental and social co-benefits into REDD+, restoration and nature-based solutions frameworks, as appropriate. UN-REDD Safeguards and Integrity Working Group for LAC • Participate in the coordination, planning and delivery of the Working Group sessions during 2026, facilitating regional knowledge exchange and peer learning. • Document the sessions delivered through an article, a session recording and a summary note for publication on the UN-REDD Programme platform. Knowledge management and reporting • Contribute to technical reports, donor-facing documentation, policy briefs and knowledge products on REDD+ safeguards, NCBs and the work of the Working Group. • Provide technical inputs for workshops, webinars and training sessions, and participate in regional and international knowledge exchange platforms as needed.

Home Based

6 months

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO), located in Panama City, works closely with the 33 countries of the region and its activities are integrated into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) face significant challenges related to deforestation and forest degradation, and achieving climate and biodiversity targets. Sustainable finance and investment are needed to scale up forest and climate protection efforts, with robust environmental and social safeguards. UNEP provides technical support to LAC countries on safeguards, financial innovation, inclusion and gender approach for REDD+, as well as expert knowledge management (KM), advocacy, communications, and finance efforts to help address these challenges. UNEP LACO requires additional bolstering under the form of a consultant to contribute to the Nature and Market-based Solutions Section in safeguards and KM activities related to REDD+. This support will strengthen UNEP's role within the UN-REDD Programme in LAC, in the Results-Based Payments (RBP) initiatives in the region, and in regional restoration efforts. The consultancy will provide targeted technical advice and strategic input on three main areas: safeguards coordination, the integration of NCBs into REDD+ and nature-based solutions frameworks, and the coordination of the UN-REDD Safeguards and Integrity Working Group for LAC. The consultant will work closely with the UNEP LACO team, providing technical input, knowledge-sharing, advocacy and communication efforts for REDD+ processes in LAC countries. The consultant will be supervised by the UNEP Programme Management Officer UN-REDD for the Latin America and Caribbean Office and will work from home.

ACADEMIC: • Bachelor's degree in environmental sciences, environmental management, natural resources, social sciences, economics, law or a closely related field is required. • Master's degree in climate change, environmental management, environmental economics, environmental law or a closely related field is desired PROFESSIONAL: • A minimum of five (5) years of experience working with environment, natural resources, climate change or sustainable development topics is required. • Experience working with REDD+ and/or environmental and social safeguards is desired. • Experience coordinating regional working groups, knowledge exchange platforms or capacity-building processes is desired. • Experience working with UN agencies or international cooperation projects is desired.

• Fluency in Spanish is required. • Fluency in English is required. • Basic knowledge of Portuguese is desired.

Not available.

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.