Individual Contractor for Global Peatlands Initiative

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. Established in 1972, UNEP has grown to encompass a diverse workforce of thousands of employees across various countries, working collaboratively to address pressing environmental issues. UNEP operates in over 150 countries, providing technical assistance and capacity development for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. The Global Peatlands Initiative (GPI), led by UNEP, aims to develop and implement innovative approaches for the conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of peatlands, linking science, practice, and policy making to drive informed action and build a comprehensive evidence base for the protection and restoration of peatlands globally.

Job Overview:
The individual contractor (IC) will play a crucial role in ensuring effective engagement with Peru and Colombia as GPI partner countries, as well as other key South American peatland countries. The primary focus will be on refining the UNEP components of the South American Mountain and Patagonian Peatlands (SAMPeat) project document. The IC will coordinate and accompany consortium partners for meetings, including field visits, and engage with government institutions, stakeholders, and GPI partners to enhance UNEP's work packages in the SAMPeat full project proposal. Additionally, the IC will support the delivery of the GPI 4th Meeting of the Partners, an in-person event co-hosted by Peru, which will involve approximately 80-120 participants from around the world. This position requires a proactive approach to meeting coordination, logistics, and the preparation of various technical materials, ensuring timely implementation of key meetings and events during the initial months of the GPI Phase II project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The individual contractor will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Supporting the update and validation of the UNEP components of the SAMPeat project through desk research and engagement with consortium partners. This includes coordinating meetings and field visits, and refining UNEP's work packages in collaboration with government institutions and stakeholders.
• Preparing for and delivering the GPI Partners Meeting and field visit with the Peruvian Government, which involves coordinating with various government agencies and international partners, ensuring high attendance and accessibility for participants, managing speaker engagement, and developing outreach materials.
• Organizing and delivering other key events, such as the Peatland Breakthrough launch event and the Venice Agreement annual meeting.
• Supporting the development of project concepts for funding focused on Peru and Colombia, particularly in relation to South American Mountain and Patagonia Peatland project countries.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in biology, ecology, or a closely related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Candidates must possess a minimum of 5 years of professional work experience at the international level on environmental topics related to peatland ecosystems and/or nature-based solutions. Experience in planning large national or international meetings and events, as well as technical science writing for meeting and outreach materials, is essential. Proficiency in various MS Office applications and strong drafting, formulation, and reporting skills are also required. Experience in project concept development, monitoring, and reporting with the UN is desirable, along with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural team.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in biology, ecology, or a closely related field. A first-level university degree may be accepted if combined with additional qualifying experience. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of environmental issues and contributing effectively to the GPI's objectives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of professional work experience at the international level, specifically focusing on environmental topics related to peatland ecosystems and nature-based solutions. Candidates should have a proven track record in planning and executing large-scale national or international meetings and events, demonstrating both substantive and logistical expertise. Experience in technical writing for various meeting and outreach materials is also essential, as is familiarity with project concept development and monitoring within the UN framework.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English and Spanish is required, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in another UN official language is considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of 5 months, with the contractor based in Panama City. The role is full-time and involves significant engagement with international partners and stakeholders. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.