Consultant-International Forests Program

Friends of the Earth is seeking a qualified professional for a short-term contract to work closely with our International Forests Program, allied NGOs, and a New York-based political consulting firm to advance a legislative proposal to reform New York State’s public procurement to exclude goods and services that drive tropical deforestation and associated human rights abuses. The focus of this work is on New York City and surrounding communities and is to take place during the New York legislative session, which runs through mid-June 2023.

Our goal is to halt the deforestation and degradation of tropical forests and associated abuses of community rights associated with the production of certain agriculture commodities by improving supply chain transparency and corporate accountability. Our strategy is to increase the knowledge and interest in addressing these issues by the general public and by NY policymakers, with the aim of shifting public policy.  

Key activities and outcomes:

• Develop a detailed work plan based on input from FoE and partners.
• Mobilize an educational and outreach campaign on the importance of government procurement policies to stop tropical deforestation associated with the production of certain agriculture commodities, including activating a range of community leaders, businesses, and non-profit organizations.
• Organize a series of education meetings and events between mid-March and mid-June 2023.
• Utilize earned media and social media platforms to increase awareness.

We encourage consultants or consulting firms with environmental justice experience and strong equity and justice competencies to apply. 

The proposal should include a current CV, and should describe:

1. The time and staffing capacity available during the project period of 3 months.
2. The relationships, history, experience, and understanding the consultant has with tropical deforestation and education and outreach efforts, as well as with advocacy in New York State.
3. The qualifications and experience of the consultant, including brief examples of completed projects that describe the project goals, accomplishments, and consultant deliverables. Please provide references.

Tentative Schedule:

• Proposals Due: After March 8, 2023
• Selection and anticipated stare date: March 20, 2023
• End Date: Approximately the end of June 2023

Please submit your proposal for evaluation to Jeff Conant, Senior International Forests Program Manager, Friends of the Earth: jconant@foe.org. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Jeff.

Right to Reject: FoE reserves the right to reject all submittals and not award a contract.

Compliance: The selected consultant will be required to comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local ordinances in the delivery of services.