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