Consultant

Result of ServiceThe study is expected to produce a comprehensive analytical report assessing the interlinkages between agricultural practices, agrobiodiversity, and migratory bird conservation in North-East Asia. The report should identify practical and policy-oriented measures to promote bird-friendly and biodiversity-supportive agricultural systems, thereby contributing to both ecosystem resilience and sustainable food production in the subregion. The report should be written in English and submitted in electronic format. The report should cover the following topics, including but not limited to: 1. Develop policy recommendations for mainstreaming agrobiodiversity into agricultural subsidy policies, such as the reform of domestic subsidy programs to incentivize farmers to adopt bird-friendly practices. 2. Develop research guidance on Bird-Friendly Practices, including identifying and refining agricultural approaches, from crop selection to integrated pest management (IPM), that benefit both birds and farmers. 3. Provide analysis in implementing on-the-ground agricultural practices, such as crop and soil management. 4. Provide policy and technical recommendations on regional network development, covering local engagement, capacity building, and knowledge sharing. Work LocationRemote Expected duration1Jan2026-31Jan2027 Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe United Nations ESCAP East and North-East Asia (ENEA) Office, serving as the Secretariat of the North-East Asian Subregional Programme for Environmental Cooperation (NEASPEC), has worked with ENEA member States and stakeholders to promote subregional environmental cooperation on air pollution, biodiversity and nature conservation, marine protected areas, low carbon cities, and desertification and land degradation. Under the framework of NEASPEC, the subregional Nature Conservation Strategy for target species was endorsed at the 12th Senior Officials Meeting (SOM-12) in 2007 to achieve three main goals: 1) contribute to biodiversity conservation in the North-East Asia subregion by ensuring the survival of target species; 2) promote transboundary and intergovernmental cooperation for nature conservation among NEASPEC member States; and 3) enhance coordinated efforts to conserve target species and their habitats. In line with this strategy, the Office initiated the project on “Connectivity Conservation for Habitats of Flagship Migratory Birds in North-East Asia” in May 2024, building upon previous recommendations. The project focuses on three flagship migratory bird species (Black-faced Spoonbills, Hooded Cranes, and White-naped Cranes) and their habitats, fostering transboundary cooperation and enhancing the capacity of member States to monitor, assess, and manage conservation efforts. To support this activity, the Office is seeking one senior consultant to conduct analytical studies on the interlinkages between agricultural practices, agrobiodiversity, and migratory bird conservation in the North-East Asian subregion. The study will examine how land-use changes, agricultural intensification, and associated factors such as pesticide use, water and soil management, and crop selection influence migratory bird populations and their habitats. The consultant will also identify best practices and policy options that promote bird-friendly, biodiversity-supportive agricultural systems, based on evidence and case studies from within and beyond the subregion. These findings will help scale up and accelerate transboundary cooperation on integrating agrobiodiversity conservation into sustainable agricultural policy and practice. Qualifications/special skillsMaster’s or doctoral degree in agricultural sciences, ecology, environmental management, socioeconomic analysis, or a closely related field. Minimum 7 years' professional work experience in the fields of agrobiodiversity research, sustainable agriculture, or related areas. Direct experience working on projects involving the interaction between agricultural practices and biodiversity conservation, particularly migratory species or ecosystem services, is highly desirable. Prior experience with international or regional environmental cooperation frameworks is an advantage. LanguagesGood command of spoken and written English is mandatory. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE 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.