About the opportunity
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is seeking a Head of Forests, Land Use & Food Systems to lead a major portfolio within the newly established UNDP Planet Hub. Based in Bonn, Germany, the incumbent will provide substantive leadership and management across global and regional teams, overseeing policy formulation, resource mobilization, strategic partnerships, and cross-organization knowledge sharing. The role focuses on advancing sustainable land management, forest conservation and restoration, sustainable food systems, and resilient landscapes to help countries achieve climate, biodiversity, and sustainable development goals under relevant Multilateral Environmental Agreements.
Salary and benefits
- Fixed-term appointment of 2 years with the possibility of extension
- P5 grade level position offering international UN salary and benefits package
- Opportunity to lead global sustainability initiatives and direct a globally distributed team
Who can apply?
- Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Natural Sciences, Environmental Management, International Development, Economics, Public Administration, or a closely related field (or a Bachelor's degree with an additional 2 years of qualifying experience)
- Minimum of 10 years (with a Master's degree) or 12 years (with a Bachelor's degree) of relevant progressively responsible international experience in Forests, Land Use and Food Systems
- Extensive field-level experience in sustainable land management, forest conservation, restoration, sustainable agriculture, and/or nature-based solutions in developing country contexts
- Substantive knowledge and practical application of relevant policy frameworks and Multilateral Environmental Agreements, including UNFCCC, CBD, and UNCCD
- Fluency in English (written and oral)
Required documents
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume
- Completed online application form
When to apply
- Date posted: October 7, 2026
- Application deadline: October 22, 2026 at 03:59 UTC
How to apply
- Access the official UNDP Oracle Recruiting Cloud portal via the provided vacancy link
- Review eligibility and tier requirements indicated in the vacancy
- Submit your online application before the explicit closing date of October 22, 2026
Additional information
- This vacancy follows a tiered application approach giving priority consideration to certain internal UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff before external candidates
- Mobility requirement: Mobility requirement, non-rotational
- UNDP is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Ideal for seasoned international development professionals with over a decade of leadership experience in forestry, land use, or sustainable food systems.
- A strong match for leaders with extensive field-level background in developing countries and deep familiarity with major environmental conventions like UNFCCC and UNCCD.
- Well-suited for experts skilled in managing disbursed multicultural teams, securing resource mobilization, and forging high-level public-private partnerships.
What should you think carefully about?
- Requires relocation to Bonn, Germany, along with mandatory mobility requirements associated with the role.
- Offered as a 2-year fixed-term appointment, meaning longer-term job security depends on contract renewals and organizational needs.
- High-stakes leadership position carrying significant responsibilities across global policy formulation, financial resource management, and inter-agency representation.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This senior position is well-suited for professionals seeking to make a transformative global impact at the intersection of climate action, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable food systems within the UN system. It offers a prominent platform to shape international environmental policy, direct multi-million dollar portfolios, and collaborate with high-level governmental and institutional stakeholders.
Our take
Senior environmental policy leaders and international development experts with extensive programmatic experience in land use and forestry should seriously consider applying. The role is less suitable for candidates lacking senior management experience or specialized background in multilateral environmental frameworks.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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