Consultant for Ecosystem-based Adaptation

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 policy-making, working to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices. With a mission to inspire, inform, and enable nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations, UNEP operates in over 150 countries and employs a diverse workforce of approximately 1,000 staff members. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to address pressing environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices globally.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be engaged in a project aimed at conducting a spatially explicit economic valuation of Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EBA) scenarios in four cities in Lao PDR. This role involves quantifying priority provisioning, regulating, and cultural ecosystem services relative to a 'do-nothing' scenario. The consultant will synthesize valuation results and provide recommendations for local and national decision-makers based on a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis of the EBA scenarios. The work will contribute to the Green Climate Fund project, which focuses on building urban resilience to climate change through ecosystem services valuation. The consultant will collaborate with UNEP staff and local stakeholders to identify and value ecosystem services, ensuring that decision-making processes account for the benefits provided by natural systems. The position requires a strong understanding of economic valuation methods and the ability to conduct surveys and data analysis to support the valuation process.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for conducting a cost-benefit analysis of Ecosystem-based Adaptation scenarios in four cities in Lao PDR. Key duties include:

• Scoping and planning a cost/benefit analysis of EBA scenarios in the designated cities.
• Identifying the necessary data for a spatially explicit assessment of the benefits of EBA measures, considering the extent and condition of ecosystems and nature-positive interventions.
• Identifying key provisioning, regulating, and cultural services provided by the proposed EBA measures and establishing the biophysical relationships between these services and the EBA scenarios.
• Collaborating with a national research assistant to develop a data collection methodology to address data gaps and prepare data for valuation.
• Estimating the marginal economic value of ecosystem services resulting from EBA measures, comparing them to a do-nothing option that considers projected climate change impacts.
• Conducting a comprehensive Cost-Benefit Analysis of EBA scenarios, comparing the costs of conservation and intervention measures against the benefits derived from ecosystem services, while also considering the costs of inaction under probable climate change scenarios. The analysis will examine multiple time horizons relevant for land use planning and climate change adaptation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Applied or Environmental Economics, Environmental Engineering, or a related field. Alternatively, a first university degree combined with two years of professional and academic qualifications may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of five years of professional working experience in ecosystem services modeling, valuation, or ecosystem-based adaptation assessment is required. Additionally, an understanding of the political economy of development planning in Southeast Asia is desired, as it will enhance the consultant's ability to navigate the complexities of the project and engage effectively with local stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Applied or Environmental Economics, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related discipline. In cases where candidates possess a first university degree, they must also have a combination of two years of professional experience and academic qualifications that demonstrate their capability to fulfill the role's requirements. This educational background is essential for understanding the economic principles and methodologies necessary for conducting ecosystem services valuation and cost-benefit analysis.

Experience:
The consultant must have a minimum of five years of professional experience in the field of ecosystem services modeling, valuation, or ecosystem-based adaptation assessment. This experience should include practical knowledge of economic valuation methods and the ability to conduct comprehensive analyses that inform decision-making processes. Familiarity with the political and economic context of Southeast Asia will be beneficial, as it will aid in understanding the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing EBA measures in the region.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required 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. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages is crucial for collaborating with international teams and stakeholders, as well as for preparing reports and presentations that convey complex information clearly and concisely.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and is expected to last for a duration of eight months. The consultant will work remotely, which allows for flexibility in managing work hours and responsibilities. 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. This policy ensures that the recruitment process is accessible and equitable for all candidates.