Consultant - Strategic Engagement on Soil Health

The main objective is to strengthen awareness and understanding of soil health, facilitate cross-regional learning and knowledge exchange, amplify local voices and experiences, and promote the adoption of evidence-based practices through targeted high-level sessions, accessible graphical summaries, and concise knowledge products. This includes strategic engagement and event coordination at global fora (AFS, UNCCD, UNFCCC). 

Co-host side events at COP17 and COP31. The consultant will lead the application, development, and organization of joint sessions in collaboration with partners on identified priority themes (including rangelands, youth and gender, soil health and policy).   Co-development of a knowledge product on rangeland health and soil health, building on UNCCD COP16 Decisions. The consultant will lead the technical development and coordination of partner contributions.

A webinar series highlighting the role of healthy soil for the three Rio Conventions and beyond, supporting learning exchanges across the SOILutions country teams and beyond, and highlighting practices, policies, and monitoring approaches. The consultant will lead the concept design, coordination of speakers, promotion, and facilitation of webinars. Lead a post-webinar summary report and dissemination. Production of an info note on the key messages to be taken forward at COP17 and COP31

Summary of responsibilities

The scope of this assignment is to strengthen awareness and understanding of soil health, facilitate cross-regional learning and knowledge exchange, amplify local voices and experiences, and promote the adoption of evidence-based practices and policies. This will be achieved through strategic engagement at global policy fora, coordination of high-level events, development of targeted knowledge products, and facilitation of learning exchanges among partners and country teams.

The consultant will support the Landscape Alliance (CIFOR & ICRAF), in collaboration with GIZ and other strategic partners, in advancing the global soil health agenda through the following activities:

Strategic Engagement at Global Policy Fora: Lead the planning, coordination, and implementation of strategic engagement activities at key international events, including coordination of joint side events in collaboration with strategic partners, for example atthe Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS), UNCCD, and UNFCCC COP. Identify opportunities to elevate soil health within global policy discussions, strengthen collaboration with strategic partners, and amplify scientific evidence and country-level experiences. Responsibilities include developing session concepts, coordinating partner contributions, identifying and engaging speakers, and facilitating discussions to promote knowledge exchange and actionable recommendations 

Co-development of a Knowledge Product on Rangeland and Soil Health co-produced with partners to be launched at UN COPs. Lead the technical development and coordination of a joint knowledge product highlighting the critical role of healthy soils in sustainable rangeland management, building on relevant decisions from UNCCD. The consultant will coordinate technical contributions from partners, synthesize scientific evidence and policy recommendations, and oversee the development and finalization of the knowledge product. Particular attention will be given to highlighting approaches for monitoring rangeland and soil health, addressing land degradation, and promoting sustainable rangeland management. 

Webinar Series on Soil Health and the Rio Conventions. Conceptualize, coordinate, and facilitate a webinar series highlighting the central role of healthy soils in achieving the objectives of the three Rio Conventions (UNCCD, UNFCCC, and CBD) and beyond. The series will promote cross-regional learning among SOILutions country teams and partners, showcasing innovative soil health practices, enabling policies, monitoring approaches, and country-level experiences. The consultant will lead the development of webinar concepts, coordinate speakers and partner participation, support promotion and outreach, and facilitate webinar discussions. The consultant will also synthesize key insights and lessons learned to support broader knowledge dissemination.

Development of Key Policy and Advocacy Messages for UNFCCC, UNCCD COPs. Develop a concise information note synthesizing key scientific evidence, country experiences, and lessons learned to inform soil health discussions. The consultant will work with partners to identify priority messages, policy recommendations, and opportunities to better integrate soil health into global commitments on climate action, land restoration, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable food systems.

Deliverables/Outputs

Strategic Engagement at Global Policy Fora, run-of-show for Soil Health Day at UNFCCC and side events

Payment due date

30 November 2026

Fees

7,000 Euro

Deliverables/Outputs 

Development of Key Policy and Advocacy Messages for UNFCCC and UNCCD COPs promoting healthy soil

Payment due date

20 December 2026

Fees

2,600 Euro

Deliverables/Outputs

Webinar Series on Soil Health and the Rio Conventions, webinar run-of-show 

Payment due date

30 January 2027

Fees

5,000 Euro

Overview

<p>The Landscape Alliance (CIFOR & ICRAF) is seeking a short-term consultant to support the development of compelling visual communication materials to advance the global soil health agenda.</p>

<p>Healthy soil is fundamental to sustainable food systems, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem restoration, yet its critical role remains underrepresented in global policy discussions and public awareness. Raising awareness, communicating scientific evidence, and engaging diverse stakeholders are essential to mobilizing action and investments in soil health.</p>

<p>The Landscape Alliance (CIFOR & ICRAF) Soil and Land Health Theme is a global leader in advancing soil health, land restoration, and sustainable land management through innovative research, systematic landscape monitoring, advanced soil analytics, and integrated soil information systems. Through strategic partnerships and engagement in global policy processes, including through the Coalition of Action 4 Soil Health (CA4SH), the Theme works to translate scientific evidence into actionable policies, investments, and solutions.</p>

<p>In collaboration with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) the Soil Protection and Rehabilitation for Food Security (ProSoil) programme and the Soil Matters programme (2025–2030) aims to support efforts to advance the global soil health agenda through. Through strategic partnerships with governments, research institutions, the private sector, and civil society, they seek to accelerate investments, strengthen enabling policies, and advance sustainable soil management and resilient food systems.</p>

<p>The assignment is expected to strengthen the visibility and recognition of soil health within global policy processes, foster stronger partnerships and cross-regional knowledge exchange, and improve access to actionable scientific evidence and policy recommendations. By connecting country-level experiences with global policy discussions, the assignment will contribute to greater awareness, stronger policy integration, and increased collective action and investment in soil health.</p>

Education, Experience and Technical skills

• Master’s degree in Sustainability, Soil Science, Food Systems
• Over five years of professional experience working with international organizations, focused on soil health, food systems transformation, and climate action.
• Experience working with private sector actors.
• At least five years' experience leading stakeholder engagement and project coordination with international organizations, NGOs, research institutions, youth-led organizations, and private sector actors
• Experience working with international sustainability platforms, including collaboration with United Nations agencies and global coalitions.
• Experience organizing and leading side events and engagements at UNCCD, UNFCCC, AFS and others.

Personal Attributes and Competencies

• Demonstrated expertise in soil health, sustainable food systems, and multi-stakeholder coordination.
• Planning and execution of international events, workshops, dialogues, and multi-stakeholder coordination processes.
• Development and dissemination of briefs, reports, knowledge products, and communications materials.
• Experience in supporting international initiatives and partnerships related to sustainability and environmental management.
• Supporting global sustainability initiatives at international organizations, including coordination of projects related to regenerative agriculture, climate action, and sustainable food systems.
• The consultant should be fluent in English, French, and Spanish, enabling effective engagement with diverse stakeholders across international, regional, and national contexts.

Terms and conditions

• This is a consultancy position
• The period of the consultancy is 3 (three) months, commencing on 1 November 2026 and ending on 31 January 2027.
• Work location: Home-based

Application process 
• The application deadline is October 27th , 05.00 pm EAT/09.00 pm WIB
• Submit CV & Cover Letter in PDF with your name.
• Submit an example run of shows for side events at UNFCCC and/or UNCCD
• We will acknowledge all applications but will only contact shortlisted candidates 
• CIFOR-ICRAF reserves the right to modify the number of positions, location, or cancel the hiring as necessary

<br>To apply, please visit our career site at:
https://www.landscapealliance.org/about/work-with-us/

<br>To learn more about Landscape Alliance, please visit our website at:
https://www.landscapealliance.org/

<br>Landscape Alliance promotes Gender Diversity – Applications from women professionals are encouraged.

<br>Landscape Alliance is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity.