Duties and Responsibilities
Background and Objective ESCWA is implementing the project “Bridging the Climate-Food Nexus: Coherent Climate Action and Food System Transformation for Resilient Arab Least Developed Countries”. In Mauritania, significant progress has already been achieved through the national Dialogue on Convergence between Food Systems Transformation and Climate Action held in September 2025, which led to the elaboration and validation of a national Convergence Roadmap. This roadmap builds on existing food systems transformation efforts and climate commitments, and reflects nationally agreed priority axes, governance arrangements, and implementation orientations. In this context, the objective of the present consultancy is not to undertake a baseline diagnostic, but rather to consolidate, update and operationalize existing results, with a particular focus on (i) updating the mapping of the entire food systems support ecosystem, (ii) strengthening the quality and coherence of the validated Convergence Roadmap, and (iii) translating the roadmap into a concrete action plan, detailing project priorities, next steps, KPIs, and budgets supported by a viable financing strategy, in alignment with the preparation of Mauritania’s NDC 3.0 Duties and Responsibilities Mapping Report on Climate Action and Food Systems First, the consultant will update and consolidate the comprehensive mapping of the food systems support ecosystem in Mauritania, building on existing studies and dialogue outcomes.The consultant will also produce a comprehensive mapping report that analyzes the existing policies, plans, and regulations related to climate action and food systems in Mauritania. This report will assess both national and regional frameworks, identifying areas where food systems are integrated into climate policy and where gaps exist. In addition, the consultant will map key stakeholders, including government bodies, NGOs, development partners, and private sector actors involved in climate and food systems initiatives. The report will highlight opportunities for synergies between these stakeholders and provide a set of actionable recommendations for better integrating food systems into the country’s climate action agenda, particularly with the upcoming NDC 3.0. Action Plan for Convergence Roadmap Implementation Building on the improved Convergence Roadmap, the consultant will develop a detailed and operational Action Plan supported by a financing strategy. This action plan will involve mapping current projects in each priority area, identifying overlaps, gaps, and opportunities for scaling up successful initiatives. Based on this analysis, the consultant will recommend specific actions for expanding or improving existing projects, ensuring alignment with national priorities. The action plan will include clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure success, along with an estimated budget to guide financial planning. In parallel, the consultant will propose a financing strategy to support implementation of the Convergence Roadmap, including identification of ongoing and pipeline projects contributing to convergence objectives, analysis of national public financing opportunities, identification of relevant international climate and food systems financing mechanisms (e.g. Green Climate Fund, GEF, Adaptation Fund, bilateral partners), indicative approaches for resource mobilization and coordination between funding sources. The consultant will work closely with the national convenor to ensure that the action plan is both feasible and aligned with the country’s long-term development goals. National Meeting to Present Findings The final outcome will be contributing to a National Capacity Building Meeting to present the findings from the mapping exercise and action plan. This meeting will serve as a platform for discussing the mapping report, validating the findings, and exploring how to implement the proposed recommendations. It will also foster cross-sectoral dialogue and partnerships to strengthen Mauritania's climate and food systems strategies, ensuring that stakeholders are aligned on next steps and commitments.
Qualifications/special skills
A Bachelor's degree in food security/food systems, economics, public policy, agriculture, climate change, sustainable development or related field is required. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of five years of professional work experience in research and analysis related to food systems, climate change and sustainable development planning is required. Experience in food systems or climate change policymaking in Mauritania is required. Strong analytical and writing skills is desirable. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in English and French is required. Fluency in Arabic is desirable. Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand).
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.
