Consultant for the Caribbean Environment Programme

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is a leading global environmental authority established to coordinate the development of a global environmental consensus. UNEP was founded in 1972 and has since been pivotal in addressing environmental issues at both global and regional levels. The organization operates in over 100 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to promoting sustainable development through sound environmental practices. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it plays a crucial role in coordinating responses to environmental challenges worldwide.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a vital role in strengthening technical capacities in the Wider Caribbean Region by assessing the status and alignment of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) of Cartagena Convention Contracting Parties. This position requires collaboration with the CBD Secretariat and aims to enhance the integration of coastal and marine biodiversity indicators consistent with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). The consultant will also organize a regional training workshop to promote ecosystem-based management approaches for marine and coastal ecosystem conservation. Additionally, the consultant will provide targeted support to at least two Contracting Parties on NBSAP updates and the preparation of their 7th National Reports, ensuring stronger integration of marine and coastal biodiversity considerations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assess the current status and alignment of NBSAPs of Cartagena Convention Contracting Parties, ensuring incorporation of coastal and marine biodiversity indicators.
• Collaborate with the CBD Secretariat to facilitate the assessment process.
• Organize a regional training and peer-to-peer exchange workshop focused on ecosystem-based management approaches for marine and coastal ecosystems.
• Support countries in integrating KMGBF considerations into their NBSAP updates and 7th National Reports.
• Provide targeted recommendations for at least two Contracting Parties on NBSAP updates, emphasizing the integration of marine and coastal biodiversity.
• Report to the SPAW Programme Officer of the Cartagena Convention Secretariat, ensuring effective communication and collaboration throughout the consultancy.

Required Qualifications:
A university degree (master’s or equivalent) in organizational planning, environmental management, international development, or a related area is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. At least 5 years of relevant experience in change management, strategic planning, or partnership development, preferably in environmental or ocean governance contexts, is essential. Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities are required, along with familiarity with monitoring and evaluation frameworks and methodologies. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are mandatory.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree at the master's level or equivalent in fields such as organizational planning, environmental management, international development, or related disciplines. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by two additional years of relevant experience, demonstrating the candidate's capability to fulfill the role effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in areas such as change management, strategic planning, or partnership development. Experience should preferably be within the environmental sector, focusing on ocean governance or related fields. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of the environmental context of the Wider Caribbean region and the Cartagena Convention.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this position. Knowledge of Spanish is considered desirable, as it may facilitate communication with stakeholders in the region. Additionally, knowledge of French is also desirable, enhancing the consultant's ability to engage with a broader audience within the Caribbean context.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based and expected to last for a duration of 3 months. There are no fees associated with the application process, and the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of recruitment. The position does not specify whether it is full-time or part-time, but it is essential to note that the consultant will be expected to deliver on the outlined duties within the specified timeframe.