Project Development and Biodiversity Specialist

Position description

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 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 engages with governments and other partners to develop and promote ecosystem-based solutions for sustainable development. This assignment is in the Transformation and Mainstreaming Unit of the Biodiversity and Land Branch, Ecosystems Division. At the 15th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP15) in Montreal in December 2022, the Parties ratified a landmark agreement known as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF). The KM-GBF sets a clear pathway to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity across the world, framed by 4 goals for 2050 and 23 action-oriented targets to be achieved by 2030. National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) are the main instruments for implementing the CBD and achieving the KM-GBF at the national level. UNEP is taking bold action to support countries to develop, revise, increase ambition and deliver on their NBSAPs bringing together countries, institutions, and non-state actors, with a Whole of Government and a Whole of Society approach. UNEP is developing a new area of work to strengthen global, regional, and national ambition and political support on NBSAPs. This assignment is for a consultant to work on a part-time basis over a 9-month period to develop a UNEP Project Document on NBSAP Acceleration and Implementation. Duties and Responsibilities In consultation with the Branch Coordinator, Head of the Nature Transformation & Mainstreaming Unit, and the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership Global Coordinator, the consultant will undertake the following assignments: Develop a NBSAP Acceleration and Implementation Project Document. To this end, the consultant will: a. Review existing materials including the Concept Approval Group document and Project Preparation Proposal and map existing NBSAP acceleration and implementation activities by UNEP and core partners b. Undertake relevant consultations within the Biodiversity and Land Branch, other branches and divisions in UNEP, other UN agencies and external stakeholders on the role of UNEP in providing NBSAP acceleration and implementation services. c. Develop of a Theory of Change (ToC) and results framework to form the basis of the logical framework for UNEP’s NBSAP acceleration and implementation strategy and demonstrate how it will contribute to UNEPs Programme of Work and Medium-Term Strategy and overall long-term impact. d. Develop a full NBSAP Acceleration and Implementation project document according to the specifications in the UNEP Programme Manual including Environmental and Social Safeguards, gender mainstreaming and Sustainability. This must be undertaken in close collaboration with the responsible UNEP staff. e. Review, fact check and finalise the project document to ensure that all UN Environment project development guidelines are met and that the proposed project addresses priority needs and is both cost effective and implementable. f. Address reviewer comments including those from the Project Review Committee and prepare resubmission.

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced university degree in environmental sciences, law, conservation, ecology, project management, natural resource management or economics, or a related subject is required. A first degree together with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in the development of project proposals, management, and sustainable use of biodiversity or related areas of work is required. Environmental Management, Environmental Law, Conservation, Natural resources management, and resource economics is desirable. Demonstrated skills in results-based management using the Theory of Change and logical framework approach is desirable. In-depth knowledge of International Organisation Programme and project frameworks is an advantage – experience of UNEP’s approach to project and theory of change development is desirable. Excellent, persuasive writing skills in particular in the context of communicating complex project documentation is desirable. Good knowledge of different international donor processes and mechanisms is desirable. Excellent networking and communication skills, and experience engaging with multiple parties and stakeholders using participatory techniques is desirable. Skills in safeguards development and gender mainstreaming is desirable. Project budgeting skills is desirable Demonstrated skills in the preparation of complex project documents is desirable.

Languages

Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Working knowledge of another UN language is an advantage.

Application instructions

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