Consultant for Development of Biodiversity Coordination Mechanism

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. Established in 1972, UNEP has a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it operates in over 150 countries. The organization engages with governments and other partners to develop and promote ecosystem-based solutions for sustainable development, and it plays a crucial role in coordinating the development of environmental policy consensus globally. UNEP's Ecosystems Division is particularly focused on biodiversity and land management, and it is involved in various initiatives, including the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership, which supports countries in developing and implementing National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs).

Job Overview:
The consultant position is aimed at assisting the Government of the Republic of Armenia in developing a biodiversity coordination mechanism that is essential for the effective implementation of the revised National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). This role requires a comprehensive understanding of biodiversity governance and the ability to facilitate stakeholder engagement across various sectors of society. The consultant will conduct a systematic analysis of existing coordination mechanisms, develop a concrete and inclusive coordination concept, and identify the legal and policy steps necessary to formally establish the mechanism. The position emphasizes the importance of a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach to biodiversity governance, recognizing that effective coordination requires the involvement of multiple stakeholders, including government bodies, civil society organizations, and the private sector. The consultant will be responsible for producing key documents, including a Coordination Mechanism Concept document and a consolidated Final Report, which will outline actionable recommendations for the establishment and operationalization of the coordination mechanism.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several specific tasks, including:

• Conducting a review of existing inter-agency coordination mechanisms in Armenia, focusing on the Inter-Agency Council on Climate Change and other relevant bodies, while also analyzing international best practices in biodiversity coordination.
• Designing and facilitating consultations with key stakeholders, including government ministries, civil society organizations, private sector representatives, and UN agencies, to gather insights on current coordination gaps and preferred institutional models.
• Developing a Coordination Mechanism Concept document that presents a recommended institutional model, governance structure, and the role of a proposed Secretariat.
• Identifying the necessary legal and administrative acts required to formally establish the coordination mechanism under Armenian law, including potential government decrees or ministerial orders.
• Preparing a consolidated Final Report that integrates feedback from stakeholders and includes actionable recommendations for the adoption and operationalization of the coordination mechanism, ensuring it has a clear mandate and authority to facilitate effective NBSAP implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in environmental law, public administration, environmental policy, political science, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level degree with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in environmental governance, public administration, or institutional policy is required. Demonstrated experience in institutional analysis and the development of coordination mechanisms or governance frameworks is essential. Familiarity with Armenia’s environmental institutional landscape, including the mandate of the Ministry of Environment and relevant line ministries, is also required. Knowledge of biodiversity policy and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework is desirable, as is prior experience working with UN agencies or international organizations.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in fields such as environmental law, public administration, environmental policy, political science, or a related discipline. A first-level degree may be accepted if accompanied by additional qualifying experience, indicating a strong foundation in relevant academic and professional knowledge.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in areas related to environmental governance, public administration, or institutional policy. Candidates should have a proven track record in institutional analysis and the development of coordination mechanisms or governance frameworks, demonstrating their ability to navigate complex institutional landscapes and facilitate stakeholder engagement effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in Armenian and English (both written and spoken) is required, as English is the working language of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory for this position.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and is expected to last for approximately 2.7 months. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not required to provide any financial information or pay any fees related to their application.