Consultant for Ecosystem Restoration

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda. Established to promote 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. Its mission includes coordinating the development of environmental policy consensus, keeping the global environment under review, and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP operates globally, engaging with various partners to provide technical assistance and capacity development for environmental policy implementation, particularly in developing countries and those with economies in transition. The Ecosystems Division of UNEP focuses on promoting ecosystem-based solutions for sustainable development, working closely with governments and other stakeholders.

Job Overview:
The consultant will work under the guidance of the Programme Management Officer and in liaison with the UN Decade Multi-Country Mountain Flagship Focal Point for the Virunga Region. The primary function of this position is to produce a knowledge-driven report that identifies proven, cost-effective, and scalable restoration and nature-based solutions in the GVL mountains, leveraging regional experience and international best practices. The consultant will conduct a literature and project review of restoration efforts in the GVL mountains, which span Uganda and Rwanda, and will analyze best practices in ecosystem restoration and EbA (Ecosystem-based Adaptation). The consultant will also identify barriers and lessons learned from previous interventions that did not achieve sustainability, develop criteria for prioritizing solutions for upscaling, and produce a comprehensive report that includes an annotated catalogue of best practices, a prioritized list of solutions for scaling, and recommendations for investment, policy support, and capacity development. All deliverables must be submitted in editable formats for review by the project team.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties and responsibilities include conducting a thorough literature and project review of restoration efforts in the GVL mountains, identifying and analyzing best practices in ecosystem restoration and EbA, and pinpointing barriers and lessons learned from interventions that have underperformed or lacked sustainability. The consultant will also develop criteria for prioritizing solutions for upscaling, which will take into account ecological impact, cost-efficiency, social inclusion, co-benefits, and replicability in different contexts of the GVL. The final deliverables will consist of a comprehensive report that includes an annotated catalogue of best practices and case studies, a prioritized list of solutions for scaling based on stakeholder validation, and actionable recommendations for investment, policy support, and capacity development. The consultant is responsible for delivering these documents via email to the supervisor for review and input by the project team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental science, restoration ecology, climate adaptation, natural resource management, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor's degree) combined with an additional two years of qualifying relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Furthermore, a minimum of five years of experience in ecosystem restoration or climate adaptation, preferably within East or Central Africa, is required. Familiarity with nature-based solutions, EbA, and community-based conservation approaches is considered desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as environmental science, restoration ecology, climate adaptation, natural resource management, or a related discipline. In cases where candidates hold a first-level university degree (bachelor's degree), they must also have at least two additional years of relevant work experience to qualify for the position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in ecosystem restoration or climate adaptation. This experience should preferably be in the context of East or Central Africa, where the consultant will be expected to apply their knowledge and skills effectively. Candidates should have a strong understanding of nature-based solutions and community-based conservation approaches, which are critical for the success of the projects undertaken in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English and French is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the UN framework and with various stakeholders involved in the projects.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and is expected to last for a duration of five months. There are no additional notes regarding contract duration, seniority level, or compensation provided in the job advertisement. 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, and does not require information regarding applicants' bank accounts.