Consultant for Resilient Mountains Project

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 maintains various projects related to sustainable mountain development, managed by the Biodiversity, People and Landscapes Unit (BPLU) in the Ecosystems Division. UNEP has been involved in numerous initiatives and projects aimed at addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable practices across different regions, including the South Caucasus. The organization is committed to fostering partnerships and collaboration among stakeholders to achieve its mission of promoting sustainable development and environmental protection.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for the Resilient Mountains Project will play a crucial role in delivering against the logframe of the project, which focuses on empowering people, sustaining ecosystems, and scaling nature-based solutions and innovation into policy and advocacy for mountain landscapes. The position requires a specific focus on the Mountains ADAPT and Adaptation at Altitude components in the South Caucasus region. The consultant will work remotely and will be responsible for implementing various activities as outlined in the project plan. This includes preparing and finalizing a regionally tailored call for applications for the Mountains ADAPT small grants scheme, arranging procedures for reviewing and validating applications, and providing materials to enhance the online presence of the project. The consultant will also develop a transboundary Adaptation Fund proposal in collaboration with UNEP's Climate Change Division and engage with stakeholders across the South Caucasus countries.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key duties and responsibilities, including:

• Preparing and finalizing a regionally tailored call for applications for the Mountains ADAPT small grants scheme in the South Caucasus, ensuring that it is accessible in national languages.
• Arranging lean procedures for the review and validation of submitted applications using online tools and forms to facilitate effective workflows.
• Providing materials to implement the online presence of the RADISC and relevant regional resources, including developing content for a dedicated webpage and news items section.
• Supporting the participation of South Caucasus stakeholders in interregional learning and exchange activities through the provision of necessary documents and correspondence.
• Developing a transboundary Adaptation Fund proposal for the South Caucasus in close collaboration with UNEP's Climate Change Division and liaising with stakeholders responsible for climate change, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable mountain development in the region.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master’s Degree in Environmental Governance, Environment/Natural Resources Management, Environmental Technology, International Affairs, or a similar field. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree. A minimum of 5 years of work experience in the environmental sector or international affairs is required, with a preference for experience focused on sustainable mountain development, climate change adaptation, or regional governance-related aspects. The candidate should possess excellent interpersonal skills and be able to work inclusively and collaboratively with a diverse range of partners and stakeholders, including grassroots community members and government authorities at various levels. Familiarity with communication tools and approaches for sustainable development is also desired.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Master’s Degree in a relevant field such as Environmental Governance, Environment/Natural Resources Management, Environmental Technology, or International Affairs. A Bachelor’s degree may be considered if accompanied by two additional years of relevant experience, demonstrating the candidate's capability to fulfill the role's requirements effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in the environmental sector or international affairs, with a strong preference for candidates who have focused on sustainable mountain development, climate change adaptation, or regional governance. Experience in developing tools, methodologies, and guidance related to climate resilience and biodiversity conservation is essential. Candidates should also have a proven track record of working on sustainable development and environmental issues, particularly in the South Caucasus region.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this position, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of a language from the South Caucasus region will be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with local stakeholders and communities effectively.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and expected to last for a duration of 3 months. There are no fees associated with the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants at any stage, including application, interview, or training. The organization emphasizes that it does not require any information regarding applicants' bank accounts.