Technical Lead, PPG Operations

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. The organization is dedicated to 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 in multiple countries and collaborates with various international and national partners to provide technical assistance and capacity development for the implementation of environmental policies, thereby strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and those with economies in transition. The Ecosystems Division of UNEP focuses on enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem services through various projects and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Technical Lead, PPG Operations will be responsible for overseeing all PPG activities for two significant projects aimed at revitalizing natural ecosystems and establishing new terrestrial protected areas in Djibouti. This role involves managing consultants, facilitating stakeholder consultations, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality outputs that comply with established timelines. The Technical Lead will work closely with the Project Development Expert to ensure coherence and quality assurance throughout the project lifecycle. The position requires a strong understanding of biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable land management practices, as well as the ability to coordinate complex projects involving multiple stakeholders. The consultant will lead the development of the Djibouti MSP and Djibouti GBFF on the ground, focusing on landscape-level interventions that address land degradation and biodiversity loss while enhancing global environmental benefits.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Technical Lead include but are not limited to:

• Leading the development and implementation of the Djibouti MSP and Djibouti GBFF projects, ensuring alignment with UNEP's strategic objectives and compliance with GEF requirements.
• Coordinating the work of consultants and project teams, facilitating stakeholder consultations, and ensuring effective communication among all parties involved.
• Overseeing the development of project deliverables, including reports, assessments, and monitoring frameworks, ensuring they meet quality standards and deadlines.
• Engaging with local communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders to promote participatory governance and co-management mechanisms for protected areas.
• Implementing community-based and gender-responsive conservation measures, ensuring that project activities are inclusive and equitable.
• Establishing robust monitoring and evaluation systems to assess project performance and inform adaptive management strategies.
• Generating and disseminating knowledge on integrated landscape management best practices and lessons learned from project implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in environmental sciences, international development, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of 8 years of professional experience in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, protected areas management, or related fields is required. Demonstrable experience in the development and design of GEF projects and/or programmes is essential, along with experience in coordinating such projects. Candidates should have technical and intellectual skills in biodiversity management, landscape management, wildlife management, and sustainable land and fisheries management. Experience in integrated policy development processes related to environmental and sustainable development issues is also desired.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in environmental sciences, international development, or other relevant political or social sciences areas. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by additional professional experience in the relevant field. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of professional experience in fields related to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and protected areas management. Candidates should have a proven track record in the development and design of GEF projects and/or programmes, as well as experience in coordinating such initiatives. Familiarity with international organizations, particularly UNEP and the GEF, is highly desirable, as is experience in managing relationships and developing strategic partnerships across government and non-government sectors.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Additionally, a working knowledge of another UN language is considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and expected to last for 8 months. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization also does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.