UNEP Regional Biodiversity Specialist Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the designated entity within the United Nations system for addressing environmental issues at both global and regional levels. Established to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus, UNEP plays a crucial role in keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO), located in Panama City, Panama, works closely with 33 countries in the region, integrating its activities into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). UNEP LACO supports the implementation of global programs by initiating, coordinating, and catalyzing regional and sub-regional cooperation and action in response to environmental problems and emergencies. The organization aims to promote sustainable development through sound environmental practices and to foster collaboration among various stakeholders, including governments, UN agencies, the private sector, and academia, to address biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration in the region.

Job Overview:
The UNEP Regional Biodiversity Specialist Consultant will play a pivotal role in facilitating the effective implementation of UNEP's Nature Action Subprogramme in Latin America and the Caribbean. This position requires technical coordination, stakeholder engagement, partnership development, knowledge management, intergovernmental support, programme development, and resource mobilization. The expected outcomes of this role include strengthened regional collaboration on biodiversity and ecosystem management, enhanced implementation of biodiversity-related regional and global commitments, and the provision of effective technical advice to the Forum of Ministers of Environment and its relevant working groups. The consultant will also be responsible for implementing the Regional Action Plan on Ecosystem Restoration and improving coordination of nature-related activities across UNEP divisions. Additionally, the consultant will develop project concepts and partnerships that contribute to the delivery of UNEP's Programme of Work in the region, ensuring that biodiversity and ecosystem considerations are integrated across UNEP's work.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will serve as the technical focal point/advisor for the Nature Action Subprogramme for the Latin America and the Caribbean Office. Key responsibilities include:

• Serving as the regional technical focal point for biodiversity and ecosystem-related matters under UNEP's Nature Action Subprogramme.
• Contributing to the implementation of the UNEP Nature Action Subprogramme, including the Regional Action Plan on Ecosystem Restoration.
• Participating in planning, programming, and implementation activities of the regional office.
• Providing technical advice to the appointed Regional Nature Action Subprogramme Coordinator for nature-related activities led by UNEP's technical divisions.
• Supporting programme development, implementation, and resource mobilization efforts for the Nature Action Subprogramme.
• Co-creating and developing concept notes and project proposals related to UNEP's Programme of Work.
• Collecting, curating, and reporting information related to UNEP's nature-related activities.
• Conducting political, technical, and policy analyses related to biodiversity and ecosystem management.
• Collaborating with subregional and country offices to identify biodiversity-related needs and priorities among Member States. 1
• Establishing and maintaining partnerships with UN agencies, biodiversity-related MEA Secretariats, governments, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders. 1
• Leading field missions and preparing mission reports. 1
• Contributing to consultative processes, meetings, conferences, and workshops. 1
• Organizing and delivering training workshops and seminars. 1
• Supporting administrative and operational processes related to programme delivery.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a bachelor's degree in biodiversity, environmental sciences, sustainable development, management, international relations, or a related field. A Master’s degree in one of these areas is desired. Additionally, candidates must have a minimum of three years of progressively responsible professional experience in environmental affairs, particularly in initiatives related to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, or sustainable use of natural resources. Experience within the United Nations system or other international organizations is desirable, as is experience in stakeholder engagement, partnership-building, and intergovernmental processes.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in biodiversity, environmental sciences, sustainable development, management, international relations, or a related field. A Master’s degree in these areas is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of complex environmental issues.

Experience:
The consultant should have at least three years of progressively responsible professional experience in environmental affairs. This experience should include the development, implementation, or coordination of initiatives related to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, or sustainable use of natural resources. Experience working within the United Nations system or other international organizations is considered an asset, as is experience in stakeholder engagement and partnership-building.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Spanish is required for this position. Knowledge of Portuguese is desirable, as it may enhance communication and collaboration with a broader range of stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and expected to last for 12 months. The consultant will be required to dedicate 40 hours per week, from Monday to Friday. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.