Natural Capital Accounting expertise - develop an experimental BESA

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which is a global development network of the United Nations. Established in 1965, UNDP aims to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. It operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people to address development challenges. UNDP focuses on various areas including democratic governance, sustainable development, and resilience to crises. The organization employs thousands of professionals worldwide, contributing to its mission of fostering sustainable human development.

Job Overview:
The position involves providing expertise in Natural Capital Accounting to the UNDP, specifically to develop an experimental Biodiversity Economy Account (BESA) for South Africa. The role requires the candidate to test this account using the draft Conservation and Sustainable Use Charter as a case study. This assignment is crucial for integrating natural capital considerations into economic planning and decision-making processes in South Africa. The successful candidate will be expected to apply their knowledge of environmental economics and biodiversity metrics to create a robust framework that can be utilized by policymakers and stakeholders in the region. The assignment is set for a duration of nine months, during which the expert will collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the BESA.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities for this position include:

• Conducting a comprehensive assessment of existing natural capital accounting frameworks and methodologies relevant to South Africa.
• Developing the Biodiversity Economy Account (BESA) by integrating ecological data and economic indicators.
• Collaborating with local stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations, to gather input and validate the BESA framework.
• Testing the BESA using the draft Conservation and Sustainable Use Charter as a case study to evaluate its effectiveness and applicability.
• Providing recommendations for policy adjustments based on the findings from the BESA implementation.
• Preparing detailed reports and presentations to communicate findings and recommendations to UNDP and other stakeholders.
• Engaging in capacity-building activities to train local stakeholders on the use and benefits of natural capital accounting.
• Ensuring compliance with UNDP procurement and reporting guidelines throughout the assignment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in environmental economics, natural resource management, or a related field. They should have demonstrated experience in developing natural capital accounting frameworks or similar methodologies. Familiarity with biodiversity metrics and conservation policies is essential. Additionally, candidates should have excellent analytical skills, the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, and strong communication skills to convey complex information effectively.

Educational Background:
A minimum of a Master's degree in Environmental Economics, Natural Resource Management, Ecology, or a related field is required. A PhD in a relevant discipline would be an advantage, particularly for candidates looking to engage in high-level policy discussions and advanced research.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of professional experience in environmental economics or natural capital accounting. Experience working with international organizations, government agencies, or NGOs on biodiversity and conservation projects is highly desirable. Proven track record of developing and implementing frameworks for natural capital accounting will be a significant asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as all communications and documentation will be conducted in this language. Proficiency in additional languages, particularly local South African languages, would be considered an advantage, as it may facilitate better engagement with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an Individual Contractor role, with a contract duration of 9 months. The position is full-time and requires the contractor to be based in South Africa for the duration of the assignment. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications, and the contractor will be expected to adhere to UNDP's procurement and operational guidelines throughout the assignment.