Marine Environment Management Planning Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP was established in 1972 and has since grown to encompass a wide range of environmental issues, working with various stakeholders to address global challenges. The organization operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable development. UNEP administers the Nairobi Convention for the Protection, Management and Development of the Coastal and Marine Environment of the Western Indian Ocean (WIO), focusing on collaborative efforts to enhance marine and coastal ecosystems.

Job Overview:
The Marine Environment Management Planning Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the development of participatory and evidence-based Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) processes. This position involves preparing a comprehensive, stakeholder-validated Integrated Environmental Management Plan (IEMP) for coastal communities in Moma and Machanga districts, Mozambique. The consultant will conduct economic valuations of key natural resources and ecosystem services, which will inform evidence-based decision-making, spatial planning, and policy formulation at both county and national levels. The role requires close collaboration with various stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, and NGOs, to ensure that the management plans are effective and sustainable. The consultant will also be responsible for integrating scientific data with local priorities to create a coherent framework for marine spatial planning.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Marine Environment Management Planning Specialist will undertake a variety of tasks, including:

• Conducting economic valuations of marine ecosystem goods and services in Moma and Machanga districts, which involves classifying and cataloging coastal and marine assets, conducting ecosystem services analysis, and quantifying revenue generated from various ecosystem services.
• Performing cost-benefit analyses to evaluate the benefits of proposed bioeconomic activities and recommending green/blue finance instruments for funding management plans.
• Engaging in participatory marine spatial planning by obtaining maps of existing governance measures, incorporating community-based management aspects, and facilitating stakeholder meetings.
• Collaborating with various stakeholders to develop and finalize management plans, ensuring that community input is integrated into the planning process.
• Identifying gaps in ecosystem valuation and proposing interventions to enhance blue economy opportunities and biodiversity conservation strategies.
• Building the capacity of local personnel and stakeholders to actively engage in the MSP process and support similar initiatives in the future.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree) in ecology, marine science, coastal ecosystems management, or a related discipline. A first-level degree with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in developing and implementing programs related to coastal ecosystems conservation and natural resources management is required. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge and experience in obtaining ecological, social, and economic geospatial data, as well as a good understanding of adaptation science from a socioecological perspective. Experience working with coastal communities and various stakeholders at both strategic and technical levels is essential, along with the ability to deliver quality results in a timely manner.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master's degree) in a relevant field such as ecology, marine science, or coastal ecosystems management. Alternatively, a first-level degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of marine ecosystems and the management strategies needed to protect them effectively.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in developing and implementing programs focused on coastal ecosystems conservation and natural resources management. This experience should include working with governments and local communities on collaborative marine resource management plans and activities. Familiarity with the socioecological dynamics of coastal communities, particularly in Mozambique, is highly desirable. Experience in multidisciplinary settings involving government and non-government stakeholders is also beneficial, as is the ability to travel and work on-site in Mozambique.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is required for this position. Knowledge of spoken and written coastal dialects of Portuguese is desirable, as it will facilitate communication with local communities and stakeholders in Mozambique.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 5 months and will be home-based. The position does not specify a fee for the application process, as the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of recruitment. This role is critical for advancing marine and coastal ecosystem management in the targeted districts and requires a commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection.