Result of Service
1. Support organization of regional food systems conveners meeting (Agenda, Two inputs, Draft key messages of the meeting) 2. Support meeting reporting on food systems (Final key messages and meeting report) 3. Support the groundwater governance national consultation workshop (Facilitate the workshop, draft key messages and propose areas of work for improving groundwater governance) 4. Review and provide detailed input to the Regional Policy Framework for SME Circular Integration (Final policy framework) 5. Provide input to the final XB project report (Input to the final report) 6. Contribute to the groundwater governance guidelines (Reviewed document including input on regional context)
Expected duration
2.5 months
Duties and Responsibilities
Background and Objective The Climate Change and Natural Resource Sustainability Cluster (CCNRSC) at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) plays a key role in supporting Arab countries in their food systems transformation journeys and in advancing water security, particularly through improved groundwater governance. This includes improving methodologies to assess food systems, identifying priority areas for action, and monitoring progress toward food system goals. ESCWA also facilitates Arab countries’ engagement in global food systems transformation processes, such as organizing an annual Food Systems Regional Meeting and supporting unified messaging from the Arab region in bi-annual global stocktaking processes. On groundwater ESCWA leads activities aimed at strengthening the governance structures in countries across the region to achieve sustainable agricultural water use and enhanced food security under the Water Scarcity Initiative (WSI). Duties and Responsibilities The consultant will contribute to the coordination and organization of the regional food systems meeting and its outcome document, to the groundwater governance national consultation workshop and outcome and to the regional policy framework on circular economy. Under the overall supervision of the Climate Change and Natural Resources Sustainability Cluster Leader and the direct supervision of the Food and Environment Policies and the Water project coordinators, the consultant would be responsible for the following duties: 1. Support organization of regional food systems meeting Assist in the planning and execution of a regional meeting focused on food systems transformation processes in the Arab region in May 2026. Responsibilities include developing input to the meeting (two presentations one on the status of food systems in the Arab region and one on nexus between food systems and climate change), event materials such as, agenda in both languages, key messages and outcome document. The consultant will also support logistical arrangements, follow up with speakers, and actively engage with partner organizations to ensure the success of the event. 2. Support meeting reporting on food systems Finalize the key messages and report for the Food Systems Conveners Meeting. The consultant will also provide input and assist in preparing the final report of the XB project 3. Support the groundwater governance national consultation workshop Facilitate the national stakeholders’ discussions during the workshop ensuring inclusivity in a well-informed dialogue with focused outputs and will provide key messages from the workshop 4. Review and provide detailed input to the Regional Policy Framework for SME Circular Integration The consultant will review and follow up with the regional consultant developing regional policy framework for SME circular integration, by providing substantive input and guidance to ensure its finalization 5. Provide input to the final project report Drawing on the work undertaken, the consultant would provide input to help populate the project progress report on issues related to food systems, groundwater and natural resource sustainability 6. Contribute to the groundwater governance guidelines Review and provide input on the groundwater governance guidelines being drafted by other with specific focus on Arab regional dimension. Any other related tasks on related topics requested by the direct and indirect supervisors.
Qualifications/special skills
Master's degree in environmental sciences, public policy, food security/food systems, economics, agriculture, water resources management or a related field is required. PhD is desirable. Note: All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. At least 10 years of experience in research and analysis related to food systems/security, water governance or circular economy and sustainable development planning 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 Arabic is required. Fluency in French is desirable. Note: "Fluency" equals a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and "Knowledge of" equals a rating of 'confident' in two of the four areas.
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.
