Technical Advisor – Environmental (Facilitator)

Job Posting Organization:
UNOPS, established as a central resource of the United Nations, supports partners in building a better future by providing services that enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian, and development projects. UNOPS operates globally, providing sustainable project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors, and United Nations organizations. The organization is committed to promoting sustainable development and environmental protection, working closely with various stakeholders to achieve these goals.

Job Overview:
The Technical Advisor – Environmental (Facilitator) will play a pivotal role in advancing the work of the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership, which aims to support the development and implementation of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs). This position is crucial for facilitating the identification and prioritization of NBSAP needs, mobilizing support, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and accelerating NBSAP implementation through a Whole of Government and Whole of Society approach. The facilitator will be embedded within relevant ministries or regional institutions, acting as a bridge between the host government and the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership. The role requires a proactive approach to engage with various stakeholders and ensure that biodiversity strategies align with the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assess NBSAP Landscape: Identify and monitor country/region-specific biodiversity priorities, capacity needs, and implementation challenges. Conduct high-level mapping of stakeholders to identify key players and their motivations. Facilitate national, multi-stakeholder dialogues and develop a comprehensive work plan for NBSAP implementation support. Monitor NBSAP priorities and implementation progress, providing ongoing support and guidance.
• Mobilize Support: Identify specific needs and requests on behalf of the host country, including technical capacity and financial resources. Assist in designing and developing requests for support, submitting them to relevant stakeholders. Monitor the implementation of support packages and identify resource mobilization opportunities.
• Coordinate Action: Foster alignment and collaboration among initiatives to ensure a Whole of Government and Whole of Society approach. Support the strengthening of national structures for NBSAP implementation and share global best practices. Coordinate knowledge exchange opportunities for host governments and facilitate exchanges between key partners.
• Monitoring and Progress Controls: Maintain communication with designated host country National Focal Points and the Country Engagement Coordinator of the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership. Prepare periodic reports on NBSAP implementation status, including milestones and recommendations for improvement.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to mobilize support across diverse stakeholders. A proven track record of working with government institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners is desirable. Experience with NBSAPs and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is also preferred. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to act as a bridge between various stakeholders and have experience working for regional or international organizations.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in environmental science, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, or a related discipline is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) combined with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience:
At least seven years of relevant experience in biodiversity conservation, project management, facilitation, or stakeholder engagement is required. Candidates should have a strong background in working with government institutions and international biodiversity frameworks, demonstrating the ability to engage effectively with various stakeholders.

Languages:
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required. Fluency in a second official UN language is desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate with a broader range of stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The contract type is an Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) at the LICA Specialist-11 / ICSC-11 level, with an initial duration of one year, renewable based on performance and funding availability. This position is based in Mexico City, Mexico, and applicants must be nationals or residents of Mexico with a valid work permit. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, valuing diverse perspectives and experiences in its workforce. Candidates are encouraged to inform the human resources team if they require assistance during the assessment process.