Biodiversity Policy 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 coordinates the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. 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.

Job Overview:
The Biodiversity Policy Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) through the Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded Biodiversity Enabling Activities: Global Biodiversity Framework - Early Action Support project (EAS) and the associated GEF 8 Umbrella Programme to Support NBSAP Update and 7th National Reports. This position is focused on advancing policy coherence and alignment in updated National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and the preparation of the 7th National Reports to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The Specialist will engage with countries in the Anglophone Africa region, providing technical assistance and capacity development to strengthen biodiversity conservation through evidence-based policy development, analysis, and advocacy. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure that national action plans are effectively developed and implemented, aligning with the global biodiversity agenda.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support countries in the application of Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approaches to enhance policy coherence in NBSAPs and 7th National Reports.
• Engage with national and regional stakeholders to identify technical needs and provide tailored support for updating NBSAPs.
• Facilitate the development of biodiversity finance plans and strategies for policy and institutional alignment.
• Assist in the preparation of the 7th National Reports to the CBD, ensuring alignment with the KMGBF.
• Conduct analysis and advocacy to promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
• Collaborate with UNEP, UNDP, and other partners to implement the EAS and NBSAP/7NR projects effectively.
• Monitor and evaluate the progress of project activities and report on outcomes and impacts.

Required Qualifications:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in environmental sciences, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">environmental law, natural resources management, or a related social science field is desirable. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in supporting the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) at multiple levels (international, regional, and national) is required. Experience in engaging with countries and stakeholders on biodiversity issues, including the development and implementation of national action plans, is essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in environmental sciences, environmental law, natural resources management, or a related social science field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of biodiversity policy and environmental management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in supporting the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) at various levels, including international, regional, and national. Candidates should have a proven track record of engaging with countries and stakeholders on biodiversity issues, particularly in the development and implementation of national action plans related to environment and biodiversity.

Languages:
Fluency in English (both written and oral) is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Portuguese is desirable, and proficiency in any other language is considered an asset. This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders across different regions.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for an initial duration of 10 months, with the possibility of extension based on project needs and performance. The position is full-time, and the consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Head of the Nature Frameworks Support Unit, coordinating with Programme Management Officers involved in the EAS and NBSAP Update and 7th National Reports projects. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and fair hiring process.