Consultant for Ecosystem Indicator Monitoring Framework

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. UNEP administers the Nairobi Convention for the Protection, Management and Development of Coastal and Marine Environment of the Western Indian Ocean (WIO), which includes Contracting Parties such as Comoros, France, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, and the United Republic of Tanzania. UNEP's Ecosystems Division collaborates with international and national partners to provide technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy, while also strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and those with economies in transition.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to develop and adopt a regional Ecosystem Indicator Monitoring Framework (EIMF) that includes agreed ecosystem indicators. The consultant will work to strengthen the technical capacity of participating countries to monitor and report on these indicators at the national level. Additionally, the consultant will enhance regional coordination and reporting on the status and trends of marine and coastal ecosystems within the Nairobi Convention area. The position is home-based and expected to last for 8.5 months, with significant responsibilities including leading meetings, finalizing documents, and conducting workshops.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Nairobi Convention Secretariat to prepare for a three-day meeting of regional experts scheduled for August 2026, aimed at discussing and finalizing the indicators for the EIMF. The consultant will lead this meeting to achieve consensus on common indicators for regional use.
• Finalize the EIMF document based on the outcomes of the meeting, ensuring the incorporation of relevant global ocean indicators, including the Regional Seas Indicators under Strategic Directions 2026-202
• Develop training materials for two workshops focused on the implementation of the EIMF at the national level.
• Conduct a two-day training workshop in August 2026 with regional experts to build capacity for implementing the EIMF nationally.
• Lead a second three-day regional training workshop in April 2027 with national authorities on the implementation of the EIMF.

Required Qualifications:
• An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Marine Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources Management, or similar disciplines is required. • A minimum of 2 years of professional experience working on regional marine and coastal-related projects at a technical level is required. • Excellent knowledge of the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region and experience working with the Governments of the WIO region is essential. • Experience in stakeholder engagement for ecosystem monitoring, ocean governance, and other multidisciplinary environmental and developmental matters in the WIO region is required. • Demonstrated ability to deliver quality assignments in a timely manner is desirable. • Experience working with various stakeholders at both strategic and technical levels is desirable. • Competency in scientific/technical writing and consistency in critical writing and document review is desirable. • Ability to work within tight timelines and with minimal supervision is desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Marine Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources Management, or similar disciplines is required for this position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of professional experience working on regional marine and coastal-related projects at a technical level. This experience should include knowledge of the Western Indian Ocean region and engagement with its governments.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English is required for this position. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based and expected to last for 8.5 months. There are no fees associated with the recruitment process, and the United Nations does not charge applicants at any stage of the recruitment process.