Biodiversity Policy Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP was established in 1972 and has since been at the forefront of environmental governance, working with various stakeholders to address pressing environmental issues. The organization operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to environmental sustainability and policy development. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it plays a crucial role in coordinating responses to environmental challenges on a global scale.

Job Overview:
The Biodiversity Policy Specialist will be engaged by the Nature Frameworks Support Unit and will contribute to UNEP's work 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 (NBSAP/7NR project). This position is critical in advancing policy coherence and alignment in updated National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and the preparation of the 7th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The Specialist will support countries in applying effective Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approaches, ensuring that biodiversity conservation efforts are integrated into national policies and practices. The consultancy is expected to last for 5.5 months, during which the Specialist will work closely with national and regional stakeholders to strengthen biodiversity conservation through evidence-based policy development, analysis, and advocacy.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide dedicated technical support to countries for integrating policy coherence considerations into NBSAP updates and implementation, including conducting surveys and assessments of whole-of-government (WoG) and whole-of-society (WoS) approaches.
• Organize and deliver virtual peer-to-peer sessions for countries to facilitate knowledge exchange and learning regarding WoG and WoS implementation of NBSAPs.
• Prepare recommendations for countries to effectively apply WoG and WoS approaches, along with criteria for assessing these approaches.
• Develop communications and outreach materials related to the actions undertaken, including case studies and analyses of policy alignment with key development sectors impacting biodiversity.
• Compile a final report summarizing actions undertaken, deliverables achieved, and lessons learned during the consultancy period.

Required Qualifications:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in environmental sciences, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">environmental law, natural resources management, or a related social science is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of five 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 country and stakeholder engagement on biodiversity issues, including supporting the development and implementation of national action plans on environment and biodiversity, is also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as environmental sciences, environmental law, natural resources management, or related social sciences. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is essential to ensure that the Specialist has the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to biodiversity policy development and implementation.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five 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 substantial experience in engaging with countries and stakeholders on biodiversity issues, particularly in the development and implementation of national action plans related to environment and biodiversity. This level of experience is crucial for the Specialist to effectively support countries in their biodiversity conservation efforts and policy alignment.

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

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of 5.5 months. The position is not specified as full-time or part-time, but the nature of the consultancy suggests a commitment to the outlined duties during the consultancy period. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is accessible and equitable for all candidates.