Senior Biodiversity Management Officer

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. Established in 1972, UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment and works with international and national partners to provide technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy. The organization has a significant presence in various countries, focusing on strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing nations and those with economies in transition. UNEP's Ecosystems Division, where this position is located, is dedicated to initiatives that promote sustainable management of ecosystems, including forests, peatlands, and drylands, and addresses critical issues such as biodiversity conservation and the impacts of climate change.

Job Overview:
The Senior Biodiversity Management Officer will play a pivotal role in guiding and advising on biodiversity management and conservation strategies. This position requires the development of comprehensive strategies that ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of results that align with the organization's goals and the interests of its partners. The incumbent will lead efforts to reconcile land use choices with conservation needs, particularly in the context of agricultural expansion and population growth. The role also involves informing and influencing land use decisions through a better understanding of the threats to biodiversity, establishing the Wildlife Biodiversity Economy as a viable land use option, and promoting the creation of ecologically representative protected areas. The officer will oversee data collection and analysis to identify trends that inform decision-making and ensure the integration of gender perspectives in all initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Biodiversity Management Officer include providing strategic direction on biodiversity management, leading the development of biodiversity management strategies, and informing land use choices. The officer will establish the Wildlife Biodiversity Economy as a legitimate land use option, develop and promote protected areas, and support integrated health approaches. Responsibilities also include supervising team efforts in data collection and analysis, ensuring gender mainstreaming, preparing written outputs, managing outreach activities, coordinating budget-related activities, and serving as a spokesperson for the organization. The officer will also ensure effective management and development of staff, collect and analyze data for planning and reporting, and perform any other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a deep understanding of biodiversity and wildlife management issues at both global and national levels. They should have demonstrated experience in global public policy-making processes related to biodiversity, particularly within the framework of biodiversity conventions. The ability to communicate effectively and generate organizational direction is essential. Candidates should also exhibit innovative technical leadership and a commitment to gender perspectives in their work. Professionalism, teamwork, planning and organizing skills, performance management, and leadership capabilities are critical competencies for this role.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in biodiversity conservation management, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">environmental law, political ecology, environmental economics, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additional training in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is advantageous, as is training focused on wildlife management policy.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in conservation and biodiversity management, with at least five years at the international level. Experience in ecosystems and biodiversity policy development, project coordination, and resource mobilization is desirable. Familiarity with multilateral environmental agreements, such as CITES and CMS, and experience addressing multiple threats to biodiversity are also preferred. Two years of experience in data analytics or a related area is desirable.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is considered desirable, also requiring a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in all language skills.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until 14 January 2026, with a possibility of extension. It is important to note that if the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. This temporary position does not affect future incumbency of the post and may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.