Marine Environment Management Planning Specialist

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. 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. Established in 1972, UNEP has a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it operates in over 150 countries with a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. UNEP administers the Nairobi Convention for the Protection, Management, and Development of the Coastal and Marine Environment of the Western Indian Ocean (WIO).

Job Overview:
The Marine Environment Management Planning Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the development of participatory and evidence-based Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) processes. This position involves preparing a comprehensive, stakeholder-validated Integrated Environmental Management Plan (IEMP) for coastal communities in Moma and Machanga districts, Mozambique. The consultant will conduct economic valuations of key natural resources and ecosystem services to inform decision-making, spatial planning, and policy formulation at both county and national levels. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, and NGOs, to ensure that the management plans are effective and sustainable. The consultant will also be responsible for integrating scientific data with local priorities to create a coherent framework for marine spatial planning.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Marine Environment Management Planning Specialist will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Conducting economic valuation of marine ecosystems goods and services in Moma and Machanga districts, including classifying and cataloging coastal and marine assets, conducting ecosystem services analysis, and quantifying revenue generated from various ecosystem services.
• Performing a cost-benefit analysis to evaluate the benefits of implementing proposed bioeconomic activities and recommending policy measures to enhance blue economy opportunities.
• Engaging in participatory marine spatial planning by obtaining maps of existing governance measures, incorporating community-based management aspects, and facilitating stakeholder meetings to validate maps and management plans.
• Collaborating with various stakeholders to finalize management agreements and update community-designated fishery closures.
• Developing future plans for marine spatial planning and facilitating stakeholder consultations to ensure the approval and implementation of management plans.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree) in ecology, marine science, coastal ecosystems management, or a related discipline. A first-level degree with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in developing and implementing programs related to coastal ecosystems conservation and natural resources management is required. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge and experience in obtaining ecological, social, and economic geospatial data, as well as experience working with coastal communities in Mozambique. Experience in a multidisciplinary setup with government and non-government stakeholders is desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree) in ecology, marine science, coastal ecosystems management, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in developing and implementing programs related to coastal ecosystems conservation and natural resources management. Experience working with coastal communities and different stakeholders at both strategic and technical levels is essential. Familiarity with the socioecological perspective of adaptation science and experience in Mozambique is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English (both written and spoken) is required for this position. Knowledge of spoken and written coastal dialects of Portuguese is considered desirable, as it will facilitate communication with local communities and stakeholders in Mozambique.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and is expected to last for a duration of 5 months. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and it does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.