Consultant for SBI Meetings

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 has been at the forefront of environmental governance and advocacy, with a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices. The organization operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to addressing global environmental challenges. UNEP administers the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which was opened for signature at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The CBD has three main objectives: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. The Secretariat is responsible for arranging and servicing meetings of the Conference of the Parties, providing technical support, and coordinating with international bodies to ensure effective implementation of the Convention.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the Chair and Secretary of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI) and the Conference of the Parties (COP) Bureau in the preparation of documents and reports for SBI meetings, COP-17, and COP-MOPs scheduled for 2025-202

• The consultant's primary objective is to ensure effective and timely participation of stakeholders, smooth organization, and high-quality outcomes of these meetings. This includes producing pre-meeting outputs such as briefing packages and guidance documents, in-session outputs like conference room papers and draft recommendations, and post-meeting outputs including comprehensive reports and documentation capturing best practices and lessons learned. The consultant will also facilitate stakeholder engagement and ensure that all documentation aligns with CBD rules and UN standards, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of the meetings.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Leading the preparation of pre-session and in-session documents for SBI 6, SBI 7, COP17, and COP-MOPs, ensuring clarity and consistency in alignment with CBD rules and UN documentation standards.
• Supporting the organization of meetings by advising the Chair and Secretary of SBI, preparing summaries of substantive documents, drafting speaking points, and tracking follow-up actions.
• Enabling synergies between multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) and facilitating stakeholder engagement in CBD meetings, including designing strategies for cooperation with various international processes and organizations.
• Reviewing and revising reports related to the financial mechanisms of the Convention, providing guidance for monitoring and evaluation, and advising Parties on implementation strategies.
• Documenting best practices and lessons learned from meetings to inform future planning and drive continuous improvement in stakeholder engagement practices.
• Undertaking additional functions as assigned by the supervisor to ensure the success of SBI 6, SBI, and COP 17.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (Master’s or equivalent) in environmental sciences, economics, international relations, or related fields. A minimum of 10 years of experience in biodiversity policy, stakeholder engagement, and strategic partnerships is required. Proven experience in supporting intergovernmental processes related to biodiversity and coordinating with international organizations is desirable. Candidates should also have extensive experience with multilateral environmental agreements and international finance institutions. Strong analytical and strategic planning skills, excellent communication abilities, and expertise in supporting complex negotiations are essential. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate the ability to manage stakeholder relationships effectively.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree (Master’s or equivalent) in environmental sciences, economics, international relations, or related fields is required for this position. This educational background is essential to understand the complexities of biodiversity policy and the international frameworks governing environmental issues.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in biodiversity policy, stakeholder engagement, and strategic partnerships. Candidates should have a proven track record in successfully supporting intergovernmental processes related to biodiversity and coordinating with international organizations. Extensive experience with multilateral environmental agreements and international finance institutions is also desirable, indicating a deep understanding of the operational and strategic aspects of environmental governance.

Languages:
Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required for this position, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French or another UN official language is desirable, as it enhances communication and collaboration within the diverse international environment of the UN.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is open to international consultants; however, the successful candidate is expected to be physically present in the Secretariat’s offices in Montreal for the majority of the contract’s duration. This is crucial for ensuring close coordination with the Secretariat’s teams and timely delivery of outputs. The consultant will need to make their own arrangements to live and work in Canada. Travel may be required for participation in high-level meetings and consultations. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.