Mid Term Review Evaluation Expert – AZE Sites Global project

Result of Service

The Mid Term Review Report of “Implementing Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE) Site Conservation and Preventing Global Extinctions” in Colombia, Chili, Dominic Republic, and Madagascar. Project guides the execution of the project in its remaining term (GEF ID 10581).

Work Location

Home Based

Expected duration

2.5 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP’s Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and capacity development for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. This consultancy post is located in UNEP / Ecosystems Division / GEF Biodiversity and Land Degradation unit. The consultant will as well as work under the direct supervision of the Task Manager, (based in Geneva, Switzerland) and the overall guidance of the Portfolio Manager, of the GEF Biodiversity and Land Degradation Unit based in Nairobi. Duties and Responsibilities The project “Implementing Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE) Site Conservation and Preventing Global Extinctions” has been designed for four beneficiary countries, namely Chile, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Madagascar. In the 2018 global AZE map update, 853 AZE sites were identified globally for 1,483 AZE trigger species, as many sites have more than one species that triggers the site’s AZE status. Of these 853 sites, 43% remain completely unprotected, and of the 57% of sites that are fully or partially protected, many are still in urgent need of improved management to safeguard AZE trigger species. In many cases, habitat conservation and management measures need to be complemented by species-specific measures (e.g., to curb illegal taking in the wild, provide artificial breeding sites or prevent disease or invasive species). Of the 853 AZE sites globally, 21 are in Chile, 4 are in the Dominican Republic, 53 are in Madagascar, and 39 are in Colombia. All AZE sites are also Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA). The project defined 20 candidate priority AZE sites in Chile, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Madagascar to protect and improve conservation status, develop management plans and strengthen capacities of the beneficiary countries in applying KBA standards. The 20-candidate priority AZE sites are located in Colombia (5 AZE sites), Chile (8 AZE sites), Dominican Republic (2 AZE sites) and Madagascar (5 AZE sites). The project’s objective is to improve the conservation of AZE sites in four countries (Chile, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Madagascar). Achieving this objective requires collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, also interaction between countries for experience and knowledge exchange. Three components are being implemented: Component 1 – Improvement of the conservation status of 20 AZE sites and associated AZE trigger species in focus countries. Selected sites: • Colombia: 1) Chingaza National Natural Park and surrounding areas; 2). Munchique National Natural Park and surrounding areas; 3) Enclave Seco del Rio Dagua; 4) Farallones de Cali; 5) Parramo de Urrao/De las Aves Colibri Natural Park. • Chile: 6) Zapahuira; 7) Las Cascadas Loa River; 8) Murmuntani; 9) Río Vilama; 10) Puquios; 11) Mehuí; 12) Los Molles – Pichidangui; 13) Tocopilla. • Dominican Republic: 14) Monumento Natural Miguel Domingo Fuerte; 15) Bayahibe. • Madagascar: 16) Mahavavy-Kinkony Wetland Complex; 17) Bemanevika / Tsaratanana massif; 18) Itremo; 19) Manjakatompo-Ankaratra Massif NPA; 20) Ankafobe. Component 2 – Mainstreaming AZE site conservation at global and national levels. Component 3 – Knowledge management to enhance understanding of and interest in AZE site conservation across sectors.

Qualifications/special skills

– An advanced university degree in environmental sciences, international development or other relevant political or social sciences area is required. A University degree in the same areas is acceptable with two additional years of relevant experience. – A minimum of 7 years of technical / evaluation experience, including of evaluating large, global programmes, including overseeing project teams, managing complex budgets, interacting with oversight personnel or committees, and demonstrating adaptive management when necessary is required. – Hands-on experience in managing national and international natural resources projects concerning biodiversity monitoring, assessment and conservation, natural resources management, protected areas, land and forest management, capacity building etc. is highly desirable. – Working experience in an international environment is desirable. – Experience in the project target areas (AZE sites)/beneficiary countries (Chile, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Madagascar) is an asset.

Languages

– English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English with strong writing and editing skills is required.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE 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.