Consultant for Indigenous Peoples Engagement in NBSAP Implementation

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. Established in 1972, UNEP has grown to become a pivotal organization in the global environmental landscape, advocating for sustainable practices and policies. With a workforce of over 1,000 employees, UNEP operates in more than 150 countries, working collaboratively with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to address pressing environmental issues. UNEP's mission is to coordinate 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. The Ecosystems Division of UNEP engages with various partners to develop and promote ecosystem-based solutions for sustainable development, focusing on biodiversity conservation and the implementation of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs).

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in ensuring that Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) in Kenya are actively engaged in the implementation of the Kenyan National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). This position involves a comprehensive review of relevant legislation and policies, as well as the inclusion and engagement of various stakeholders, including indigenous peoples, NGOs, civil society organizations, and local groups. The consultant will be responsible for gathering insights that will shape the strategy for engaging IPLCs in the NBSAP process. The work is expected to be conducted remotely over a duration of three months, with a focus on developing a framework that strengthens IPLC participation in biodiversity conservation efforts. The consultant will report to the Head of the Nature Frameworks Support Unit and the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership Global Coordinator, ensuring alignment with national and global biodiversity goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with several key outputs throughout the assignment. These include:

• Inception Report: Developing a report that outlines the methodology, stakeholder engagement strategy, activity timeline, and expected deliverables for the assignment.
• Legal and Policy Review: Conducting a thorough review of relevant Acts of Parliament and national legal frameworks that support Indigenous Peoples' involvement in biodiversity conservation and NBSAP implementation.
• Analytical Report: Analyzing Kenya’s NBSAP targets to identify alignment with Indigenous Peoples’ biodiversity and ecosystem goals, assessing their participation and contributions, and identifying key challenges and opportunities.
• Gap Analysis: Identifying gaps in monitoring and socio-economic data on biodiversity action by Indigenous Peoples, proposing mechanisms to address these gaps for effective NBSAP implementation and reporting.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Synthesizing insights from consultations with NGOs, CSOs, IPLC organizations, and the National NBSAP Coordination Committee, capturing challenges, successes, policy needs, and recommendations for strengthening IPLC engagement.
• Draft Strategy: Proposing a strategy for engaging IPLCs in the NBSAP process through the National NBSAP Implementation Coordination Mechanism, with actionable steps for institutional integration.
• Tools and Plans: Developing a document that includes proposed indicators to measure IPLC contributions to NBSAP targets, a capacity-building plan for enhancing IPLC participation, and a communication plan to raise awareness of IPLC roles in NBSAP implementation.
• Final Report and Presentation: Compiling a consolidated final report and presentation that outlines the full framework for IPLC engagement in NBSAP implementation, including actionable steps, timelines, responsible entities, and annexes with the strategy, communication plan, and capacity-building plan.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in biodiversity conservation, international development, environmental science, management, behavioral sciences, or a closely related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of five years of relevant experience in biodiversity conservation is required, along with demonstrable experience working with indigenous groups. Candidates should have experience in facilitating local community group meetings and partnership building in diverse multi-stakeholder environments, as well as familiarity with the NBSAP implementation process in Kenya. Proven experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder consultations and participatory processes with Indigenous communities, along with a strong understanding of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) and ethical engagement practices, is essential. Knowledge of international frameworks such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), as well as national Kenyan policies related to Indigenous Peoples, land, and environment, is desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in biodiversity conservation, international development, environmental science, management, behavioral sciences, or a closely related field is required for this position. Candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered if they have an additional two years of qualifying experience. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of biodiversity conservation and the socio-political dynamics involved in engaging Indigenous Peoples in environmental governance.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in biodiversity conservation, with a strong emphasis on working with Indigenous groups. Candidates should have a proven track record in facilitating local community group meetings and building partnerships in diverse multi-stakeholder environments. Experience with the NBSAP implementation process in Kenya is essential, as is demonstrable experience in the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity or related activities. Candidates must also have experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder consultations and participatory processes with Indigenous communities, showcasing a strong understanding of FPIC and ethical engagement practices.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is required, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. A working knowledge of another UN language, such as French, is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication with a broader range of stakeholders and enhance the consultant's effectiveness in the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and is expected to last for a duration of three months. The consultant will be engaged on a contractual basis, and there are no fees associated with the recruitment process. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview meetings, processing, or training. Additionally, the organization does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts, ensuring a transparent and ethical recruitment process.