Biodiversity Monitoring and Reporting Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is recognized as 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 through various divisions, including the Ecosystems Division, which collaborates with international and national partners to provide technical assistance and capacity development for the implementation of environmental policies. UNEP's work spans across numerous countries, providing support to developing nations and those with economies in transition, with a focus on enhancing their environmental management capacities.

Job Overview:
The Biodiversity Monitoring and Reporting Consultant will play a crucial role 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). This consultancy is designed to assist countries in advancing their monitoring and reporting efforts related to the updated National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and the preparation of the 7th National Reports to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The consultant will be responsible for mapping available global datasets, planning regional exchanges, reviewing national monitoring action plans, and preparing a final report summarizing actions undertaken and lessons learned. The position requires collaboration with UNEP, UNDP, and other partners to ensure effective implementation of biodiversity strategies and to address the technical needs identified by participating countries.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of specific tasks, including:

• Mapping available global datasets for each KMGBF target and preparing an online document for countries to access live links to these datasets.
• Analyzing national indicators submitted through the CBD’s Online Reporting Tool to identify trends and gaps for capacity building.
• Organizing regional and global webinars to share national experiences related to KMGBF monitoring and reporting.
• Reviewing national monitoring action plans to assess preparedness for monitoring and reporting in line with KMGBF requirements.
• Identifying relevant activities and guidance from related initiatives to support collaboration in UNEP-supported countries.
• Informing Terms of Reference for longer-term support for country/regional monitoring and reporting.
• Preparing a final report summarizing actions undertaken, deliverables achieved, and recommendations for enhancing alignment with the KMGBF monitoring and reporting framework.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in environmental sciences, data science, development studies, or a related social science field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in supporting the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) at various levels is required. Additionally, experience in reviewing and analyzing biodiversity strategies and plans, as well as knowledge of biodiversity monitoring and reporting processes, is essential. Familiarity with national biodiversity indicator development is desirable.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as environmental sciences, data science, or development studies. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by sufficient relevant experience, specifically two additional years of qualifying experience in a related area.

Experience:
The consultant must have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in supporting the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) at international, regional, and national levels. This includes experience in reviewing and analyzing biodiversity strategies and plans, as well as supporting monitoring and reporting activities related to biodiversity.

Languages:
Fluency in English (both written and oral) is required for this position, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of Portuguese is considered desirable, and proficiency in another UN official language is an advantage.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of six months and will be home-based. The position is part of a broader initiative that involves collaboration with UNEP, UNDP, and other partners, focusing on enhancing biodiversity monitoring and reporting efforts. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and fair hiring process.