Consultant for NBSAP Accelerator Partnership

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 has grown to become a pivotal organization in the global environmental landscape, with a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices. UNEP operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to environmental issues, working collaboratively with governments, NGOs, and the private sector to address pressing environmental challenges. The organization is committed to fostering partnerships and providing a platform for dialogue and cooperation among various stakeholders to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the strategic development of the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership through to 203

• This position involves leading a comprehensive strategic design process that focuses on institutional models, governance, and operational sustainability. The consultant will be responsible for defining institutional hosting arrangements and partnership roles, developing operational structures, and formalizing governance structures. The role requires extensive collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Global Coordination Unit (GCU), co-chairs, and contributing partners, to ensure that the partnership effectively supports the development and implementation of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs). The consultant will also provide strategic advisory support during the transition process, ensuring that the partnership's objectives align with the goals of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Defining institutional hosting arrangements and partnership roles, including clarifying roles and responsibilities of the host institution and contributing partners.
• Developing structured question frameworks and briefing materials for discussions with potential host institutions.
• Preparing summary documentation of outcomes from exploratory discussions with potential hosts.
• Facilitating consultations and workshops with partners to discuss hosting arrangements and collaboration modalities.
• Developing operational structures and Terms of Reference for key functions, including the Global Coordination Unit and facilitator mechanisms.
• Preparing organizational charts and role matrices to clarify accountability and reporting lines.
• Designing and formalizing governance structures, including defining the structure and mandates of governance bodies and developing Terms of Reference for relevant governance bodies.
• Participating in governance meetings and providing ongoing advisory support to the co-chairs and GCU team. Each output must be developed through extensive consultation with stakeholders and aligned with ongoing work on resource mobilization.

Required Qualifications:
An advanced university degree in environmental sciences or a related discipline is required. A first-level degree with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. A minimum of 5 years' experience in organizational development, institutional governance, or strategy consulting is required. Demonstrated ability to facilitate stakeholder consultations and synthesize diverse viewpoints is essential. Understanding of UN systems, environmental governance, or biodiversity-related frameworks is required. Proven track record in designing governance frameworks and business models for complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives is also necessary.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in environmental sciences or a related discipline. Alternatively, a first-level degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of environmental governance and the strategic development of biodiversity initiatives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in organizational development, institutional governance, or strategy consulting. Candidates should have a proven ability to facilitate stakeholder consultations and synthesize diverse viewpoints, which is critical for the collaborative nature of the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership. Experience in understanding UN systems and environmental governance frameworks is also essential, as is a demonstrated track record in designing governance frameworks and business models for complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, a working knowledge of another UN language is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication with a broader range of stakeholders and enhance the consultant's effectiveness in a diverse international environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and expected to last for 8 months. The consultant will not be charged any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge fees for applications, interviews, or training. This role is part of a significant initiative aimed at enhancing biodiversity strategies globally, and the consultant will be expected to engage with various stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership.