Consultant for SEEA Ecosystem Accounts

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the designated entity within the United Nations system that addresses environmental issues at both global and regional levels. Established to be the leading global environmental authority, UNEP sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development across the United Nations system. UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment, coordinating the development of environmental policy consensus, keeping the global environment under review, and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The organization works with international and national partners to provide technical assistance and capacity development for the implementation of environmental policy, thereby strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and those with economies in transition. UNEP's Ecosystems Division specifically focuses on advancing support to the Middle East Water Authority (MEWA) in quantifying ecosystem services and their economic contributions, assessing the monetary cost of environmental degradation, and integrating environmental values into national accounts and policy decisions.

Job Overview:
The consultancy role involves delivering a Tier 1 set of System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) Ecosystem Accounts for Saudi Arabia covering the years 2013 to 202

• The consultant will be responsible for documenting the findings in a consolidated technical report that provides baseline information on ecosystem extent, condition, and services. This role is crucial for strengthening national capacity for ecosystem accounting. The consultant will work closely with the Economics of Nature Unit within UNEP's Ecosystems Division, focusing on integrating global datasets with available national-level geospatial data over the specified 10-year period. The consultancy is home-based, allowing for flexibility in work location, and is expected to commence on September 20, 2025, and conclude on June 20, 2026.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with several key activities:

• Conduct stakeholder consultations and align with relevant agencies in Saudi Arabia, including the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), the National Center for Vegetated Cover, the National Center for Wildlife, and the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). These consultations will aim to identify potential data sources and ensure timely data provision for the final project report.
• Develop the Tier 1 SEEA Ecosystem Accounts covering the period from 2013 to 202
• Document the sources and methods used in the account development process.
• Prepare technical documentation and present the findings to stakeholders. The expected deliverables include:
• Extent accounts based on the IUCN Global Ecosystem Typology or national classification, including marine ecosystems where applicable.
• Documentation of protected areas.
• Species accounts for 5-10 key species.
• Ecosystem condition measures for 5-10 key metrics or summary indicators, such as biodiversity intactness.
• Ecosystem services quantified in both physical and monetary terms, including agricultural biomass provisioning services for key crops, groundwater water supply services, global climate regulation services, local climate regulation, air filtration services for urban areas, and nature-based tourism recreation services.
• An ecosystem monetary asset account.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced level university degree in statistics, agricultural economics, political sciences, international studies and development, environmental sciences, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of 7 years of proven experience in government administration, the UN system, non-governmental organizations, consultancy services, or related organizations is required. Essential qualifications include experience in environmental-economic accounting and economic modeling. Experience in organizing and implementing projects related to ecosystem assessment is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as statistics, agricultural economics, political sciences, international studies and development, or environmental sciences. A first-level degree may be considered if accompanied by sufficient relevant experience.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, particularly within government administration, the UN system, non-governmental organizations, or consultancy services. Candidates should have a strong background in environmental-economic accounting and economic modeling, with additional experience in ecosystem assessment projects being highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in French is also beneficial, as it is another working language of the UN.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based and is expected to last for a duration of 9 months, starting from September 20, 2025, and concluding on June 20, 202

• It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization also does not require information regarding applicants' bank accounts.