Technical Advisor – Environmental (Facilitator)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment and coordinates the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review. The organization aims to bring emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP is involved in various initiatives, including the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership, which supports the development and implementation of ambitious National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAP) to achieve the goals of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). Under the leadership of Colombia and Germany, this partnership aims to strengthen global, regional, and national ambition on biodiversity action, promoting nature-positive actions and facilitating support for NBSAP implementation.

Job Overview:
The Technical Advisor – Environmental (Facilitator) will play a crucial role in advancing the work of the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership by effectively delivering assigned tasks. This position is embedded within a relevant ministry or regional institution, acting as a bridge between the host government and the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership. The primary objective of the in-country facilitator is to support the implementation of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) aligned with the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). The facilitator will facilitate the identification and prioritization of NBSAP needs, mobilize support, foster collaboration among stakeholders, and accelerate NBSAP implementation through a Whole of Government and Whole of Society approach. The role requires a proactive approach to engage with various stakeholders and ensure that biodiversity priorities are addressed effectively.

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, their motivations, commitments, and potential synergies. Facilitate national, country-specific, multi-stakeholder dialogues. Develop a comprehensive work plan outlining goals, objectives, activities, and timelines for NBSAP implementation support together with the host government/institution. Monitor NBSAP priorities and implementation progress, providing ongoing support and guidance as needed.
• Mobilize Support: Identify specific needs and requests on behalf of the host country/region, including technical capacity, financial resources, and increased political will. Assist the host government/institution in designing and developing specific requests for support. Submit requests for support to relevant stakeholders through the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership matchmaking mechanism or other platforms. Support the host government/institution in selecting the best fit of offered support packages and monitor their implementation.
• Coordinate Action: Foster alignment and collaboration among existing and emerging initiatives to ensure a Whole of Government and Whole of Society approach. Support the strengthening and monitoring of existing national structures for NBSAP implementation. Share global best practices, guidance, and tools in the country/region while also taking learning and case studies to share with other facilitators. Identify and coordinate knowledge and information exchange opportunities for the host government/institution. Facilitate and coordinate exchanges between key partners working on NBSAP implementation to ensure alignment and avoid duplication.
• Monitoring and Progress Controls: Maintain regular communication with designated host country National Focal Points to ensure alignment with ongoing activities. Communicate regularly with the Country Engagement Coordinator of the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership, providing updates on progress, challenges, and achievements. Prepare periodic reports on the status of NBSAP implementation, including key milestones, lessons learned, and recommendations for improvement. Prepare quarterly financial reports of expenditures to the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in environmental science, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, or a related discipline is required.
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in combination with two (2) additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
• At least seven (7) years of relevant experience in biodiversity conservation, project management, facilitation, stakeholder engagement, or other relevant areas is required.
• Proven track record of working with government institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners is desirable.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to act as a bridge and mobilize support across diverse stakeholders is desirable.
• Previous experience working for regional or international organizations is an advantage.

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

Experience:
Candidates must have at least seven (7) years of relevant experience in biodiversity conservation, project management, facilitation, stakeholder engagement, or other relevant areas. Experience working with government institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners is highly desirable. Previous experience with NBSAPs and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), as well as other international biodiversity frameworks, is also preferred. Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills are essential for this role, as the facilitator will need to mobilize support across diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required for this position. Fluency in a second official UN language is desirable, which would enhance the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders and facilitate communication in diverse contexts.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is an Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) at the LICA Specialist-11 / ICSC-11 level. The initial contract duration is one year, with the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability. This position is based in Yerevan, Armenia, and applicants must be nationals or residents of Armenia with a valid work permit to be eligible. UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes, and applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments. UNOPS is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunity, ensuring an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. All personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions.