Consultant for Biodiversity Mainstreaming

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, working with various stakeholders to address pressing environmental issues. The organization operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable development. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it plays a crucial role in coordinating responses to environmental challenges on a global scale.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be responsible for leading the work programme on biodiversity mainstreaming under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer of the BETI Unit. This role involves collecting, organizing, and analyzing good practices and tools shared by various stakeholders to support biodiversity mainstreaming across relevant sectors. The consultant will also integrate a platform within the clearing-house mechanism to facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity-building on biodiversity issues. The position requires the ability to synthesize findings from national reports to inform global reviews and support the organization of events at COP17, ensuring effective stakeholder engagement. The consultant will contribute to communication and outreach efforts of the Secretariat, making this role pivotal in advancing biodiversity initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties include:

• Collecting and analyzing good practices, tools, and solutions for biodiversity mainstreaming and preparing structured overviews for dissemination.
• Integrating a platform within the clearing-house mechanism to support knowledge exchange on biodiversity implementation.
• Organizing virtual dialogues to foster sector-specific communities of practice among diverse stakeholders.
• Reviewing national reports to identify trends and gaps in biodiversity mainstreaming and synthesizing findings for global reporting.
• Preparing progress reports on mainstreaming activities for the Subsidiary Body on Implementation.
• Supporting the organization of parallel events at COP17, such as the Business and Biodiversity Forum.
• Servicing agenda items at meetings of the Conference of the Parties and its subsidiary bodies.
• Contributing to the overall communication and outreach of the Secretariat on biodiversity matters.
• Undertaking additional functions as requested by senior officials.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced level university degree in international relations or related fields. Interdisciplinary exposure across environmental, social, and economic disciplines is desirable. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Skills in planning, organizing, and servicing international meetings, as well as drafting documents for various audiences, are essential.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in international relations or a related field is required. Candidates with a first-level university degree and additional qualifying experience may also be considered. Interdisciplinary knowledge across environmental, social, and economic disciplines is preferred, enhancing the candidate's ability to address complex biodiversity issues.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of working experience in environmental policy development and natural resource management is required. Experience in international organizations, particularly those linked to the environment or the United Nations, is desirable. Familiarity with biodiversity mainstreaming and its economic implications is also beneficial, as it aligns with the goals of the position.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Knowledge of French is also necessary, as it is the second working language. Familiarity with other United Nations languages is considered an asset, enhancing communication capabilities within the international context.

Additional Notes:
The position is hybrid, with a duration of 11 months. The successful candidate must be based in the Eastern Time zone (GMT-5) or a nearby time zone to facilitate collaboration with the Secretariat. Travel may be required for the role, particularly for events related to the Subsidiary Body of Implementation and COP1

• It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.