Nature-based Solutions and Ecosystem-based Adaptation Specialist

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 works with national and local authorities, civil society, other UN organizations, research institutions, and the private sector to catalyze the efficient use of the region’s natural assets and reduce the degradation of the environment. UNEP operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to fostering sustainable development through sound environmental practices and is committed to addressing global environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. UNEP's Disasters and Conflicts Branch (DCB) focuses on minimizing environmental risks before, during, and after conflicts and disasters, providing scientific assessments, policy guidance, and capacity-building support to help countries strengthen environmental resilience and integrate sustainable natural resource management into peacebuilding and recovery efforts. UNEP is currently expanding its portfolio of projects in Somalia, particularly through initiatives like the Jowhar Off-stream Storage Program (JOSP), which aims to enhance water storage, environmental resilience, and climate adaptation in Hirshabelle State, Somalia, targeting approximately 1.5 million beneficiaries.

Job Overview:
The Nature-based Solutions and Ecosystem-based Adaptation Specialist will provide high-level technical expertise and program-wide leadership on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) across UNEP’s Somalia Country Programme. The Specialist will play a crucial role in strengthening the integration of NbS/EbA into national policies, local interventions, ecosystem restoration initiatives, climate security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security analysis, environmental governance systems, and project development and implementation. The position requires a strategic approach to integrating NbS and EbA across all UNEP Somalia projects and thematic areas, including ecosystem restoration, water management, climate security, environmental governance, and carbon markets. The Specialist will lead crosscutting NbS technical workstreams, ensuring scientific and policy coherence, and will identify opportunities for scaling NbS/EbA approaches within the country programme. This role is essential for enhancing the resilience of ecosystems and communities in Somalia, particularly in the context of ongoing environmental challenges and the need for sustainable development practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Specialist will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: A. Programme wide Technical Leadership: Providing strategic guidance on integrating NbS and EbA across all UNEP Somalia projects and thematic areas; leading crosscutting NbS technical workstreams; and identifying opportunities for scaling NbS/EbA approaches within the country programme. B. Technical Advisory & Analysis: Delivering day-to-day NbS/EbA advisory to UNEP teams, implementing partners, and the Government of Somalia; providing technical briefs, analytical inputs, modelling interpretations, and option assessments for ecosystem restoration, riverine stabilization, land management, flood risk reduction, urban greening, Eco-DRR, and climate adaptation; leading technical inputs for climate-resilient planning; reviewing climate change, land use planning, and water governance policies; and cataloguing NbS options suitable for various landscapes across Somalia. C. Policy Support & Environmental Governance: Supporting the Ministry of Environment & Climate Change and other relevant institutions in developing NbS/EbA informed climate and environmental policies; drafting evidence-based policy recommendations; and contributing to national frameworks and strategies. D. Capacity Building & Partnerships: Designing and delivering training on NbS/EbA for government institutions, UN agencies, and local partners; supporting harmonization of NbS approaches across multi-agency consortia; and building partnerships with research institutions, universities, NGOs, and private sector actors. E. Knowledge Products & Frameworks: Producing technical frameworks, operational tools, and guidance documents for integrating NbS into programme design; consolidating reports and best practices; and promoting investment in NbS. F. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting: Developing NbS monitoring indicators and evaluation approaches; contributing to donor reports and annual programme reports; and tracking progress of NbS integration across the programme.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a relevant university degree (master’s or equivalent) in environmental science, ecology, natural resources, or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. Candidates must have at least 7 years of professional experience in Nature-based Solutions, Ecosystem-based Approaches, sustainable natural resources management, climate adaptation, and climate resilience. Extensive experience in designing and implementing Ecosystem/Nature-based Approaches on the ground is required, along with experience in advisory work, developing policy briefs, guidelines, and frameworks. Experience working in arid environments and fragile contexts is also desired.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a relevant university degree, preferably at the master's level or equivalent, in fields such as environmental science, ecology, natural resources, or a related discipline. A first-level university degree combined with additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree, highlighting the importance of practical experience in the field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in areas related to Nature-based Solutions, Ecosystem-based Approaches, sustainable natural resources management, climate adaptation, and climate resilience. Candidates should have extensive experience in designing and implementing ecosystem or nature-based approaches in practical settings, as well as experience in advisory roles that involve developing policy briefs, guidelines, and frameworks. Experience in working within arid environments and fragile contexts is also highly desirable, as it indicates the ability to navigate complex challenges in diverse settings.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is required for this position. Strong communication skills are essential, as the role involves delivering training, providing technical advice, and drafting policy recommendations. While English is mandatory, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in the context of working with local communities and stakeholders in Somalia.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the contract is 6 months. The position is not specified as full-time or part-time, but given the nature of the responsibilities, it is likely to be a full-time engagement. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not subjected to any financial obligations during their application or interview process. The organization emphasizes integrity and ethical standards, and candidates are expected to demonstrate a positive and constructive attitude towards work.