Technical Specialist on Bioprospecting Governance coherence review

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which is a global development network of the United Nations. Established in 1965, UNDP aims to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. The organization operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people to address their development challenges. UNDP focuses on various areas including democratic governance, poverty reduction, crisis prevention and recovery, environment and sustainable development, and gender equality. With a workforce of over 17,000 employees, UNDP is committed to making a difference in the lives of people around the world.

Job Overview:
The position of Technical Specialist on Bioprospecting Governance coherence review is a consultancy role aimed at conducting a thorough legal and policy coherence assessment related to bioprospecting in Guyana. The consultant will be responsible for producing a comprehensive report that outlines the current state of bioprospecting governance, identifies gaps, and proposes a prioritized reform roadmap. This work is crucial for aligning Guyana's bioprospecting regimes with international frameworks such as the Nagoya Protocol and the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA). The consultant will work closely with policymakers to ensure that the findings are integrated into the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) update and the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) bioprospecting agenda. The estimated start date for this consultancy is January 2026, and the duration is expected to be two months, comprising 45 working days.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Specialist will have several key responsibilities, including: conducting a detailed assessment of existing legal and policy frameworks governing bioprospecting in Guyana; identifying inconsistencies and gaps in the current governance structures; engaging with stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs, and local communities, to gather insights and perspectives; developing a prioritized roadmap for reforms that align with international agreements and national interests; preparing a comprehensive report that summarizes findings and recommendations; presenting the assessment and recommendations to relevant stakeholders; and ensuring that the work is completed within the stipulated timeframe and meets the quality standards expected by UNDP.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">environmental law, policy analysis, or a related field. A deep understanding of bioprospecting governance, biodiversity conservation, and international treaties is essential. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate experience in conducting legal assessments and policy reviews, as well as familiarity with the specific context of Guyana's environmental and biodiversity issues. Strong analytical skills, excellent written and verbal communication abilities, and proficiency in stakeholder engagement are also required.

Educational Background:
A minimum of a Master's degree in Environmental Law, Public Policy, Natural Resource Management, or a related field is required. A PhD in a relevant discipline would be an advantage. Candidates should have a solid academic foundation that supports their understanding of the complexities surrounding bioprospecting and biodiversity governance.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in environmental governance, policy analysis, or legal consultancy. Experience working with international organizations, particularly in the context of biodiversity and bioprospecting, is highly desirable. Candidates should also have a proven track record of successfully managing similar consultancy projects and delivering high-quality outputs within tight deadlines.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as all reports and communications will be conducted in this language. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Guyana would be considered an asset, as it may facilitate better engagement with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is classified as an Individual Contract (IC) and is expected to last for two months, specifically 45 working days. The position is based in Georgetown, Guyana, and the consultant will be required to work closely with UNDP and other stakeholders throughout the duration of the contract. The deadline for submitting proposals is set for December 23, 2025, at 3:00 PM New York time. Interested candidates must submit their proposals through the UNDP supplier portal, and any inquiries for clarification should be directed through the messaging functionality in the portal.