International Consultant for Ecosystem Restoration

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global authority on the environment, established to promote the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development across the United Nations system. UNEP operates in various regions, including the Regional Office of West Asia (ROWA), which supports countries in the region to achieve their environmental and sustainability objectives through technical cooperation, policy support, and capacity-building interventions. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices and to help countries implement international environmental agreements. The organization has a significant presence in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant for Ecosystem Restoration focuses on providing technical development to the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) in Saudi Arabia. The consultant will play a crucial role in designing and implementing flagship restoration projects that align with global best practices and the standards set by the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. The consultant's responsibilities include delivering targeted training, developing practical guidance materials, and facilitating a regional workshop aimed at enhancing knowledge sharing among stakeholders. This role is essential in supporting national and regional efforts to strengthen ecosystem restoration in arid and semi-arid landscapes, contributing to broader national commitments under the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks under the guidance of the Project Manager at UNEP’s West Asia Office. Key duties include conducting a technical assessment of current national restoration initiatives in Saudi Arabia, identifying gaps and strengths, and ensuring alignment with UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration criteria. The consultant will prepare an assessment note summarizing findings and recommended focus areas for training and guidance development. Additionally, the consultant will design training programs based on assessment findings, develop annotated training modules, and prepare an ecosystem restoration guidance document tailored to arid environments. The consultant will also deliver two targeted training sessions to enhance national capacity for high-quality restoration projects and conduct a regional workshop to strengthen understanding of UN Decade World Restoration Flagship criteria. Finally, the consultant will incorporate feedback into all knowledge products and submit final training materials and reports.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in Environmental Science, Ecology, Restoration Ecology, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, or a related field. A PhD is considered an asset. Additionally, a minimum of 10 years of experience in ecosystem restoration projects is required, with a strong understanding of UN Decade principles, flagship development, and land management. Knowledge of environmental issues specific to the West Asia Region is essential, along with experience in training and capacity building in ecosystem restoration projects. Candidates should also have experience in multistakeholder engagement and the ability to develop technical analytical reports. Experience working with international organizations, government agencies, or funding institutions is preferred.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as Environmental Science, Ecology, Restoration Ecology, Forestry, or Natural Resource Management. A PhD in a related discipline is advantageous and may enhance a candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in ecosystem restoration projects. Candidates should have a deep understanding of the principles of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, flagship development, and land management practices. Experience in training and capacity building within the context of ecosystem restoration is also necessary, as well as a proven track record of engaging with multiple stakeholders and producing technical analytical reports. Preference will be given to candidates with experience working in collaboration with international organizations, government bodies, or funding institutions.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UNEP. Knowledge of Arabic is considered an asset, as it may facilitate better engagement with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of training and capacity-building efforts.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and is expected to last for a duration of 12 months. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization also does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.