Result of Service

The ultimate result of the service is the development and implementation of a high-quality research to provide critical insights for UNEP’s climate mitigation efforts. The resulting document/paper will deliver an in-depth analysis of forest loss threats in tropical High Forest Low Deforestation (HFLD) jurisdictions and provide insights on the conservativeness of carbon crediting methodologies for these vulnerable ecosystems, with a target publication in the first quarter of 2025. This document/paper will contribute to increased uptake of research findings in policy discussions, supporting efforts to strengthen forest action and improve REDD+ financing mechanisms.

Work Location

Nairobi

Expected duration

3.5 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The UN-REDD programme is UN’s flagship knowledge and partnership programme. aimed at mitigating climate change by reducing emissions from forests. It supports over 65 countries in reducing deforestation and forest degradation, improving forest carbon stocks, mobilizing climate finance, and raising climate and forest ambitions. The programme also helps create financial incentives for developing nations to pursue sustainable development pathways that emphasize forest conservation and sustainable forest management. UNEP’s Climate Change Mitigation Unit plays a critical role in the UN-REDD Programme, particularly in the topics of: – REDD+ Finance: helping countries access and use financial resources for high-quality emissions reductions. – Social and Environmental Safeguards: promoting the positive social and environmental outcomes of REDD+ while managing potential risks. – Knowledge and Advocacy: producing evidence-based research to support effective forest conservation and driving knowledge-sharing and high-level advocacy among countries to improve REDD+ practices. In line with its mandate to lead global environmental action, UNEP requires high-quality evidence and data to inform its strategies, guide international climate negotiations, and support the countries it works with. Evidence generation is particularly critical in demonstrating the efficacy of REDD+ mechanisms, influencing national policies, securing finance, and enhancing global climate ambitions. To support these efforts, UNEP seeks to engage a Research and Evidence Consultant to lead the development and implementation of a key research project related to forest conservation and carbon markets. This research will generate crucial data and insights that inform UNEP’s work under the UN-REDD Programme, and contribute to the broader global dialogue on climate change mitigation. The Research and Evidence consultant will support UNEP in generating, synthesizing, and promoting research and evidence to enhance climate mitigation strategies through forest conservation. The consultant’s responsibilities will include the following: – Lead the design and implementation of the research project on on analyzing threats to tropical High Forest Low Deforestation (HFLD) areas and the appropriateness of HFLD formulas to estimate carbon payments. – Lead the drafting and development of a research document/paper that will integrate findings into UNEP’s policy recommendations, and support advocacy at international climate events. ​

Qualifications/special skills

– A PhD in Environmental or Social Sciences, International Development, Political Science, or related fields is required. – Proven publication expertise in climate mitigation, forest conservation, or carbon markets is required. – Affiliation with renowned research institution is highly desirable is required. A minimum of 10 years of experience conducting high-level academic or policy-oriented research in environmental conservation, climate change mitigation, or related areas is required. Prior experience working with think tanks, academic institutions, or international organizations is required. Publishing research: Please provide examples of your experience publishing research in peer-reviewed journals, specifically in topics related to climate change, REDD+ noncarbon benefits, or carbon markets. Highlight any publications where your research has contributed to global or national policy discussions. Methodologies: Describe how you have applied quantitative research methodologies to address complex environmental issues. Include specific examples of projects where you have combined these approaches to deliver impactful research. outcomes. Knowledge of carbon accounting standards: Do you have experience working with carbon accounting standards? If so, please provide details on how you have applied this knowledge in your research or policy work. Skills – Proven ability to apply quantitative and qualitative research methodologies to complex environmental issues. – Exceptional ability to convey complex technical information clearly. – Exceptional research and writing skills – Knowledge of forest carbon accounting standards is highly desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this consulting position, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN language is highly desirable.

Additional Information

Not available.

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.