National Consultant – Development of National Payment for Ecosystem Services

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by UNDP Papua New Guinea, which is part of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). UNDP is a global organization that aims to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. Established in 1965, UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working to improve the lives of people and build resilient nations. The organization focuses on various areas including democratic governance, peacebuilding, climate change, and sustainable development. UNDP Papua New Guinea specifically addresses local challenges and works with the government and other stakeholders to implement development initiatives that align with national priorities and global goals.

Job Overview:
The position of National Consultant for the Development of National Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) Guidelines in Papua New Guinea is a critical role aimed at enhancing the country's approach to biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural resource management. The consultant will be responsible for assessing the existing national policy and institutional landscape related to ecosystem services, engaging with key stakeholders, and developing practical guidelines that will facilitate the implementation of PES mechanisms. This role is particularly significant as it contributes to the broader goal of strengthening sustainable financing for conservation efforts in Papua New Guinea. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, and environmental organizations, to ensure that the guidelines are comprehensive and effective in promoting sustainable practices. The assignment is expected to span 50 working days from October 2026 to March 2027, providing ample opportunity for the consultant to make a meaningful impact on the national environmental governance framework.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Consultant will have a range of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: conducting a thorough assessment of the current national policies and institutional frameworks related to ecosystem services; engaging with a diverse group of stakeholders to gather insights and perspectives on PES; developing a set of practical guidelines that outline the processes and mechanisms for implementing PES in Papua New Guinea; ensuring that the guidelines are aligned with international best practices and tailored to the local context; facilitating workshops and meetings to present findings and gather feedback; preparing comprehensive reports and documentation that detail the development process and outcomes; and providing ongoing support and recommendations for the implementation of the PES guidelines post-assignment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for this position must possess an advanced university degree in fields such as environmental management, environmental economics, natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, or a related discipline. Additionally, substantial professional experience in environmental policy, conservation finance, ecosystem services, stakeholder engagement, and research is required. The ideal candidate should demonstrate a strong understanding of the complexities of environmental governance in Papua New Guinea, including knowledge of customary land tenure systems and local conservation practices. Proven experience in developing guidelines or frameworks for environmental management will be an added advantage.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this consultancy includes an advanced degree (Master's or equivalent) in relevant fields such as environmental management, environmental economics, natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, or sustainable development. This educational foundation is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the development of the PES guidelines.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have substantial professional experience, ideally a minimum of 5-7 years, in areas related to environmental policy, conservation finance, ecosystem services, and stakeholder engagement. Experience working in Papua New Guinea or similar contexts will be highly beneficial, as it will provide the consultant with insights into local challenges and opportunities in environmental governance and resource management. Previous involvement in projects related to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development will also be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as all documentation and communication will be conducted in English. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Papua New Guinea would be considered a strong asset, as it may facilitate better engagement with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is open exclusively to Papua New Guinean nationals, reflecting the commitment to local expertise and capacity building. The contract duration is set for 50 working days, with the assignment expected to take place between October 2026 and March 202

• The position is classified as an individual contractor role, and candidates are encouraged to submit their proposals directly through the UNDP supplier portal by the specified deadline. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to a nationally significant initiative that aims to enhance sustainable financing for conservation and ecosystem management across Papua New Guinea.