Technical Advisor – Environmental (Facilitator)

Job Posting Organization:
UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services) is a central resource of the United Nations that supports partners in building a better future by providing services that enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects. Established to provide sustainable project management, procurement, and infrastructure services, UNOPS operates in approximately 125 countries, collaborating with governments, donors, and various United Nations organizations. The New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) specifically supports the United Nations Secretariat and other New York-based UN organizations in delivering UNOPS's mandate, focusing on project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management. The Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) within UNOPS combines various portfolios to support partners in their peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development operations, ensuring a global perspective in design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design and management. UNOPS has partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to implement the Global Programme on Nature for Development, which integrates multiple initiatives aimed at promoting nature-based solutions for sustainable development, aligning with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Job Overview:
The Technical Advisor – Environmental (Facilitator) will play a pivotal role in advancing the Global Programme on Nature for Development, specifically through the NBSAP (National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans) Accelerator Partnership. This position is designed to support the implementation of NBSAPs aligned with the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) by acting as a facilitator between the host government and the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership. The incumbent will be responsible for identifying and prioritizing NBSAP needs, mobilizing support, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and accelerating the implementation of NBSAPs through a Whole of Government and Whole of Society approach. The role requires the development of a comprehensive work plan in collaboration with the host government, monitoring progress, and providing ongoing support and guidance to ensure effective delivery of assigned tasks. The Technical Advisor will also facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues and coordinate actions to align existing initiatives, ensuring that efforts are streamlined and synergies are maximized across various biodiversity-related programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assess NBSAP Landscape: Identify and monitor country/region-specific biodiversity priorities, capacity needs, and implementation challenges, including stakeholder mapping to identify key players and potential synergies.
• Facilitate national, country-specific, multi-stakeholder dialogues to foster collaboration and alignment on biodiversity initiatives.
• Develop a comprehensive work plan outlining goals, objectives, activities, and timelines for NBSAP implementation support in collaboration with the host government.
• Monitor NBSAP priorities and implementation progress, providing ongoing support and guidance as needed.
• Mobilize Support: Identify specific needs and requests from the host country, assist in designing and developing requests for technical capacity, financial resources, and political will.
• Submit requests for support to relevant stakeholders and monitor the implementation of support packages.
• Coordinate Action: Foster alignment among existing initiatives to ensure a Whole of Government and Whole of Society approach, sharing global best practices and facilitating knowledge exchange.
• Maintain regular communication with designated host country National Focal Points and the Country Engagement Coordinator of the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership, providing updates on progress and challenges.
• Prepare periodic reports on NBSAP implementation status, including key milestones and recommendations for improvement.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental science, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, or a related field with seven years of relevant experience; or a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) with nine years of relevant experience.
• Relevant experience in biodiversity conservation, project management, facilitation, stakeholder engagement, or related areas is required.
• Previous experience working with NBSAPs and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is desirable.
• Experience working for regional or international organizations is an advantage.
• Proven track record of collaboration with government institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental science, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) is acceptable if accompanied by additional relevant experience. The educational background should be directly related to the responsibilities of the position, emphasizing the importance of a strong foundation in environmental and biodiversity issues.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience for candidates with a Master’s degree, or nine years for those with a Bachelor’s degree. Relevant experience is defined as experience in biodiversity conservation, project management, facilitation, stakeholder engagement, or related areas. Candidates with previous experience working with NBSAPs and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) will have an advantage, as will those who have worked for regional or international organizations. A proven track record of collaboration with government institutions and civil society organizations is also desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English (reading, writing, speaking) is mandatory for this position. Additionally, fluency in a second official UN language is considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse international environment.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is an Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) at the Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA-11) level. The contract duration is open-ended and renewable, subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The initial contract is set to last until December 31, 2025, with any need for services beyond this period to be communicated to the incumbent. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified women and candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. All personnel are expected to adhere to UNOPS policies and demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their work.