Consultant for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda. Established in 1972, UNEP 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's mission is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The organization operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to environmental issues, making it a pivotal player in global environmental governance.

Job Overview:
The consultant will support the implementation of the Project Preparation Grant (PPG) and write the GEF CEO Endorsement Request along with the necessary appendices and annexes using the latest templates revised by UNEP. This role is crucial for the successful execution of two significant projects in Djibouti aimed at revitalizing natural ecosystems and establishing new terrestrial protected areas. The consultant will be responsible for leading the Djibouti MSP and Djibouti GBFF assignments sequentially. The first project focuses on addressing land degradation and biodiversity loss through integrated landscape management, while the second project aims to expand protected area coverage and integrate local communities into conservation efforts. The consultant will work closely with UNEP's Ecosystems Division and various stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of these projects, contributing to the broader goals of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including:

• Leading the development of the GEF CEO Endorsement Request, ensuring all required appendices and annexes are completed accurately and in accordance with UNEP's guidelines.
• Conducting thorough assessments of the current environmental conditions in Djibouti's Mabla and Madgoul landscapes to inform project design and implementation strategies.
• Collaborating with local stakeholders, including government agencies and community groups, to facilitate participatory governance and co-management mechanisms for the new protected areas.
• Developing and implementing community-based conservation measures that are gender-responsive and sustainable, ensuring that local communities benefit from conservation efforts.
• Establishing robust monitoring and evaluation systems to track project performance and adapt management strategies as necessary.
• Generating and disseminating knowledge on best practices in integrated landscape management and biodiversity conservation.
• Engaging in capacity-building activities to strengthen the environmental management capabilities of local partners and stakeholders.

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 7 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. Candidates should also have experience in project development, implementation, management, and monitoring, particularly in sustainable development projects focused on biodiversity and ecosystem management. Technical skills in biodiversity management, landscape management, and protected area management are desirable, as well as experience in integrated policy development processes related to environmental issues.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in environmental sciences, international development, or other relevant political or social sciences area is required. A first-level university degree, combined with two additional years of relevant professional experience in the required field, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in fields related to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and protected areas management. Experience in the development and design of GEF projects is required, along with a strong background in project management and evaluation of sustainable development initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, along with knowledge of French. Working knowledge of another UN language is desirable, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy position is home-based and expected to last for 8 months within a 5-month timeframe. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and it does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.