Overview
Provide technical and substantive support to the UNCCD secretariat and the Committee on Science and Technology Bureau for the future functioning of the Science-Policy Interface, translating guidance into operational procedures, governance frameworks, and implementation roadmaps.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop an inception report detailing approach, consultation strategy, work plan, and risk mitigation.
- Co-develop procedures for the future work of the SPI, including receiving and prioritizing requests, preparation of flagship reports and fast-track assessments, and financial implications.
- Complete a feasibility study for the provision of technical support for the SPI, including comparative analysis of models, cost estimates, and resource mobilization strategies.
- Develop updated governance documents for SPI members, reflecting renewed membership structure and new co-chair arrangement.
- Support the finalization of draft decision text for CST17/COP17 and conduct notetaking during negotiations.
- Design and help implement the renewal of SPI membership and the establishment of the future technical support unit.
Required Experience
- At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in supporting the implementation of multilateral environmental agreements.
- 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).
- Proven experience in drafting, editing, and proofreading United Nations official documents and correspondence.
- Proven ability to support MEA negotiations and COP processes, including drafting, editing, organizing and finalizing official documents and directly supporting negotiations through notetaking.
- 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.
Qualifications
• 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.
