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 peacebuilding, 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 through its various initiatives, including the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership, which aims to support the development and implementation of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) in alignment with the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).

Job Overview:
The Technical Advisor – Environmental (Facilitator) will play a pivotal role in advancing the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership's objectives by facilitating the implementation of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) within the host country. This position requires the advisor to be embedded within relevant ministries or regional institutions, acting as a bridge between the host government and the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership. The primary responsibilities include identifying and prioritizing NBSAP needs, mobilizing support, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and accelerating the implementation of NBSAPs through a Whole of Government and Whole of Society approach. The advisor will be responsible for developing comprehensive work plans, monitoring progress, and ensuring alignment with global biodiversity goals.

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 facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues. Develop a comprehensive work plan outlining goals, objectives, activities, and timelines 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 existing initiatives to ensure a Whole of Government and Whole of Society approach. Support the strengthening of national structures for NBSAP implementation and facilitate knowledge exchange opportunities.
• Monitoring and Progress Controls: Maintain regular 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 key milestones and recommendations for improvement.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to mobilize support across diverse stakeholders. A 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 a commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection.

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. Previous experience working with NBSAPs and international biodiversity frameworks is desirable, as is experience with regional or international organizations.

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 engage with diverse 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 Mogadishu, Somalia, and applicants must be nationals or residents of Somalia with a valid work permit. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, and candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The organization also conducts background checks on all potential personnel, and recruitment is contingent on the results of these checks.