Consultant for NBSAP Implementation

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, 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 was established in 1972 and has since been instrumental in coordinating 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. UNEP operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The consultant will assist the Government of Sierra Leone through its Environment Protection Agency (EPA) in conducting a comprehensive gap analysis and stock-take of its previous National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) 2.0 (2017-2026). This role is crucial for understanding and enhancing the monitoring of the country’s NBSAP implementation and tracking progress. The consultant will be responsible for producing a comprehensive stock take/baseline report detailing findings and analysis, as well as recommendations for updating the NBSAP national targets and indicators. The consultant will also provide metadata for targets, input for the future National Report to the CBD Conference of the Parties, and establish a data bank for future reporting. The work is expected to last for three months and will require close collaboration with various stakeholders, including the NBSAP Accelerator Partnerships Facilitator in Sierra Leone and the EPA.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include tracking the implementation status of the NBSAP 2.0 (2017-2026), providing adequate baseline data to inform planning and decision-making processes, identifying gaps and challenges, and offering recommendations to ensure the successful implementation of NBSAP 3.

• The consultant will evaluate progress made towards national biodiversity targets and global CBD goals, identify key factors influencing the success or failure of NBSAP implementation, determine institutional capacity and resources, and assess the effectiveness of policies and legal frameworks for biodiversity conservation and governance. Additionally, the consultant will assess available funding for National/GBF targets and ensure that the national NBSAP targets identified for 2026-2035 have adequate baseline data and metadata.

Required Qualifications:
An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in Environmental Studies, Conservation, Agriculture, or other related disciplines is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in biodiversity policies and strategic planning, biodiversity conservation, and facilitating local community groups’ meetings and partnership building in diverse multi-stakeholder environments is required. Experience with the NBSAP revision and implementation processes in Sierra Leone is also required, along with demonstrable experience in the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity or related activities.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in Environmental Studies, Conservation, Agriculture, or a related discipline. A first-level university degree may be accepted if combined with two additional years of qualifying experience. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of biodiversity policies and strategic planning.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in biodiversity policies and strategic planning, biodiversity conservation, and facilitating local community groups’ meetings and partnership building in diverse multi-stakeholder environments. Experience specifically related to the NBSAP revision and implementation processes in Sierra Leone is essential, as well as demonstrable experience in the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity or related activities.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is required, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of Sierra Leone local languages is considered an added advantage, as it may facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of the consultant's work.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the consultancy is three months. The position does not specify a seniority level, but it is implied that the consultant should have significant expertise in the relevant fields. The recruitment process is conducted by the United Nations, which does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The United Nations also does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.